Rogers Series 8: Needlework clamps
Series 8. A steel pincushion clamp with a winding cage and netting hook.
Needlework clamps are tools that hold fabric or thread taut while it is being stitched or wound. Early clamps were often decorated and made of ivory, bone, steel, or wood. Occasionally, they also had holders for wax, needles, and/or thimbles. Needlework clamps were particularly helpful before commercially-made and wound spools of thread became common around 1820; before that, thread had to be wound by hand onto spools or reels. A pair of winding clamps made it possible for one person instead of two to do that work. Clamps are still used today despite the prevalence of commercially wound thread, since they are helpful for yarn.
This series has three subseries: pincushion clamps, winding clamps, and hemming clamps. Some are very polished and well-decorated. The clamps in this series are made of ivory, bone, steel, brass, iron, and various types of wood. Many are painted or carved with abstract designs or images of birds, hearts, or other animals. Most are of English origin, but there is some representation from other places around the world. Some of the clamps were most likely originally part of a fitted workbox, while some were created as single pieces, including some souvenir or otherwise sentimental pieces. All items in this series, especially the pincushion clamps, are fairly small 鈥� the largest measures 21 x 9.4cm. The clamps are dated from c. 1780-1910.