Antique French Weaving Mill Samples – Complete Collection

Step inside a French textile mill with this remarkable collection of antique weaving samples. Carefully cut to showcase dozens of stripe and weave variations, these fabrics were likely created as reference samples for designers, weavers, or textile manufacturers.

Most of the fabrics are woven from fine wool, with many incorporating lustrous threads that appear to be silk. The collection ranges from warm ecru to natural tan backgrounds, accented with beautifully woven stripes in subtle, sophisticated color combinations. Every strip represents a different weave or color arrangement, creating an inspiring study in textile design.

The collection immediately reminded us of Japanese shima-chō (stripe sample books), where weavers preserved hundreds of woven patterns for future reference. Whether you choose to stitch these into your own textile sample book, create a one-of-a-kind wall hanging, use them in visible mending, or incorporate them into an art quilt, they offer a rare opportunity to work with authentic antique weaving samples.

This Complete Edition is our largest assortment and the only collection that includes the distinctive tan-background fabrics alongside the classic ecru samples. Every fabric is different, making this an exceptional resource for textile lovers and collectors.

Features

• Antique French weaving mill samples

• Largest assortment available

• Includes both ecru and tan background fabrics

• At least 27 individual samples, each featuring a unique woven stripe or weave pattern

• Fine wool fabrics with many samples incorporating lustrous silk threads

• Wonderful for textile study, visible mending, mixed media, journals, framing, slow stitching, and art quilts

Contents

At least 27 antique woven fabric samples. Every sample is unique.

Fiber Content

Appears to be fine wool with many samples incorporating silk accent threads.

Anomalies

As shown in the last photo, some have discoloration and a couple pieces have tiny insect holes. A couple have writing in pencil on them. A few green pieces have thread sewn through them. Oh the life these pieces have lived! 

Dimensions

Individual strips measure approximately ¾"–1¼" wide × 3½"–7" long (1.9–3.2 × 8.9–17.8 cm).

Made in: France