Tuesday, 21 March 2023

What is a Linen Prover?

Have you ever heard of a ‘Linen Prover” or “Linen Tester”?  I hadn’t until Sunday, when we came across one in a little, out of the way second hand and antique shop in Deepwater.

As soon as I saw it, I guessed it was for counting the thread count on fabric.  We were both intrigued, so we bought it.

A little Google search revealed very little about them, but I did find a very interesting article.  It’s worth having a read.
It appears that our version is the rare French one.  It is rather surprising how well the little magnifier glass shows up the threads of fabric.  The various openings show 1/4 inch for different countries, when sizes were apparently not standardised.  There is also a 10mm, 5mm, 4mm and 2mm opening.

We are quite pleased to add this to the collection of interesting sewing and textile bits and pieces we have.

12 comments:

Karen's Korner said...

You two certainly have an "eye" for the unusual. I would have walked right past it without even guessing what it was.

Jeanette said...

What a cool & interesting find. Nice to add to your collection.

Ali Honey said...

That's very cool. I didn't know about them. Thanks for sharing.

Maria said...

WOW! That’s interesting and a great find.

loulee said...

Never heard of such a thing. Very interesting though.

Jenny said...

Never heard of such a thing, looks like you have made a great find with such a rare French item.

Fiona said...

Interesting little find for your collection...
Hugz

jude's page said...

"They" say you learn something new every day!! I would have walked straight past it too.

Raewyn said...

Wow, it makes so much sense. What a fabulous find!

kiwikid said...

Wonderful find for your collection Janice.

Cheryll said...

Interesting & unusual stuff can be found in the strangest of places...xox

Chookyblue...... said...

you always find interesting things......