Bright Purple Silk Lutestring

Lutestring or Lustring, such as this Bright Purple Silk Lutestring, was a light, crisp, plain silk with a high luster, achieved through stretching and glazing with the assistance of heat. In our research, we have found this textile to be as thin as paper, but with a sheen that distinguishes it from any other silk. It was highly desirable as summer silk, especially in the colonies. Developed by the French, it became increasingly popular in England and the Colonies, once it was manufactured in England by French Huguenots under the Royal Lustring Company. After the American Revolution, great quantities of silk came to the colonies directly from China, including taffetas, satins and lustrings.

This Bright Purple Silk Lutestring may display occasional light slubbing. This characteristic is found in a variety of 18thc silks we have examined.

• This Bright Purple Silk Lutestring is very lightweight and semi sheer with a high luster.
• Suitable for lady's gowns, petticoats (plain and quilted,) pelisses, spencers, mantelets and trims, wrapping gowns, men's waistcoats and suits when properly interfaced, linings & accessories.
• 100% Silk, 43 inches wide.