1790 Margaretha Zetterberg

Late 18th Century French Sample Card Textile – Lapis Stripes & Printed Cotton Design

This design is based on an original French salesman's sample card from the late 18th to early 19th century, preserved in the textile collection of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

The original sample card presents a curated selection of printed cotton fabrics, showcasing the diversity of striped and patterned textiles available during the period. These samples were used by merchants to present fabric options to clients, reflecting both fashion trends and technical innovation in textile printing.

Use & Application

This reproduction design is particularly suitable for:

• late 18th century garments
• petticoats, aprons, and jackets
• historical interior textiles
• reproduction sewing and living history projects

The structured stripe layout makes it especially effective for garments where vertical rhythm enhances silhouette and cut.

Margaretha (Greta) Zetterberg, born 1733, was a Finnish weaver and textile craftsman. She is considered a pioneer in linen preparation in Finland. She was the first woman in Finland to receive a paid study trip funded by the authorities: she was sent to Stockholm to study the textile industry, and then brought this knowledge back to her hometown of Borgå, where she worked and contributed to the development of textile production.