neck kerchiefs

[Angel of Mercy]

Has anyone come across any information regarding neck kerchiefs? like materials, color(s), and/or measurements?

I have an old faded dress that had a stand-up collar and I took it off, attempted to make 2 white collars and neither of them fit. The neckline/hole is wide like those of the 1850s and the armscye is almost vertical. It was a poorly made pattern.

So I wanted to make a neck kerchief to make it look better, but didn't know the specs.

Any info would be helpful.

[Virginia Mescher]

Has anyone come across any information regarding neck kerchiefs? like materials, color(s), and/or measurements?

I have an old faded dress that had a stand-up collar and I took it off, attempted to make 2 white collars and neither of them fit. The neckline/hole is wide like those of the 1850s and the armscye is almost vertical. It was a poorly made pattern.

So I wanted to make a neck kerchief to make it look better, but didn't know the specs.

Any info would be helpful.

I went back through my notes and most neckerchiefs for women were around 18 to 20 inches square. The measurement came from originals or diary entries. Originals were made from white cotton that could be easily boiled and cleaned but I've also seen them made from printed turkey red, and printed silk.

[Angel of Mercy]

Virginia,
Thank you very much! I hope to alter the is old dress to make it more accurate.

Thanks again!

[K. Krewer]

I have one horrible workdress (original) that came with a neckerchief -- no way to tell for sure if it was worn with the dress, but they were found together. The neckerchief is a blue and white plaid linen triangle. Unfortunately, it's packed to go to the conference this weekend so I can't give you measurements, but it's fairly large.

[Spinster]

Additionally, there is a linen original in the collection of Shaker Village. It is also a blue and white.

Depending on your climate, it may be worth considering the extra cost for linen. For us, with high heat and humidity, neckerchieves are often soaked, and often wrung out in water for a little momentary relief. Cotton is more apt to 'sour' , while the linen will dry quickly enough that this is not a problem.