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Ad, 1812-12-26, Franklinton, OH by J & RW M’Coy

Newspaper articles published in your local area can be a great source of information on the types of fabrics and accessories that were available for purchase. Just remember that a little extra care and research is needed when matching fabric names from then to now.

For example, the Calicos of the past that were meant for clothing construction, were nice light weight plain or print fabrics. You cannot always substitute in calicos of today, as they are generally heavier and mostly meant for quilting.

Here are a few resources to help you research appropriate prints for recreating a historic look. (Please note, that these resources may also contain furniture and bed hanging prints. That were not even appropriate for clothing of the past.)

Wearable Prints, 1760–1860: History, Materials, and Mechanics by SW Greene

Printed Textiles: British and American Cottons and Linens 1700-1850 by L Eaton

Cloth that Changed the World: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz by S Fee