This is one fabric look you're not likely to forget once you see it. It is very handy to know for those who like 1950s clothing. This term isn't in every book, but it is acknowledged in, among other references, the wonderful Fabric Reference by Mary Humphries, filed under "Plain Weave Variations". Shagbark An embellishment on plain weave, shagbark features small loops spaced along warp yarns. Shagbark can be quite even like this— This is the fabric at a distance. It can also be more irregular in pattern. This example is from Revival Fabrics. I assume that the name comes from the shagbark hickory tree, but honestly, that seems a stretch. Maybe the little loops are supposed to represent shagbark hickory nuts?
Maggie, is that the same thing as "barkcloth", that a lot of curtains were made from in the '50s? It generally looks the same (to me!).
Janine, no it is not the same. Oh, great idea for a subject for Fabric Friday this week! Thank you for asking.
Nice one, Maggie! I've encountered this before and it had me baffled. I'll be on the look out now for it. Nicole
I have loved this textured textile ever since first encountering it on some of my favorite 1950s dresses, but I had no idea that it had a name! Thanks, Maggie!
