1780 Christina Elisabeth Carowsky

18th Century Floral Cotton – Swedish Jacket Fabric c. 1770–1790

Product Description
This richly patterned cotton design is based on an original Swedish garment dated to the late 18th century, preserved in the collections of the Nordic Museum (Halland, Sweden).

The fabric features a deep black ground with a dense floral pattern in two shades of red, soft blue and white, intertwined with delicate branching motifs in a muted brown-violet tone. The composition is tightly arranged, creating a lively yet balanced surface typical of printed cottons (kattun) from the period.

Such fabrics were commonly used for fitted jackets and everyday garments, where the small-scale repeat allowed for efficient cutting and a visually rich result even in smaller pattern pieces.

Perfect for:
– 18th century jackets and bedgowns
– Caraco and short gowns
– Petticoats and informal wear
– Historical costume and reenactment
– Museum-inspired sewing projects

This design captures the essence of late 18th-century Scandinavian textile aesthetics – practical, decorative, and deeply rooted in everyday life rather than court fashion.

Historical Reference

Based on an original garment (NM.0158631) dated c. 1770–1790.
Origin: Halland, Sweden.
Material: Printed cotton (kattun) with linen lining and silk details.
Technique: Block printed and hand sewn.

Christina Elisabeth Carowsky

was born in Gothenburg into a family of artists. Her parents were Maria Carowsky and Michael Carowsky, and her grandfather was Johan Ross the Elder.

She became a well-known portrait painter in Gothenburg and was part of a remarkable artistic lineage. In 1787, she married Engelbert Jörlin, principal of the Gothenburg elementary school.