Stitching History Together: Betsy & George Washington

In 1774, two years before she famously sewed the first American flag, Betsy Ross crafted something entirely different for George Washington: bed hangings for his Mount Vernon estate. This remarkable connection was uncovered by Mount Vernon historians, who discovered documentation of the transaction in Washington’s personal ledger. The commission highlights the trust Washington placed in Betsy’s exceptional craftsmanship and offers a fascinating glimpse into her life before the Revolution.

Today, the Betsy Ross House is bringing this story to life by recreating miniature versions of the bed hangings using authentic 18th-century techniques! The bed will be used in Mount Vernon’s hands-on educational programs. This collaboration with Mount Vernon not only honors Betsy’s legacy as a skilled upholsterer but also provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship of the colonial era. Throughout the coming weeks, the project will unfold with new updates and insights into the intricate process.

Follow Along with the Project 

The Sheets and Pillows 

In the 18th century, bed sheets weren’t fitted like they are today. Instead, they were flat rectangles of linen, often made from two pieces of fabric seamed together because loom widths couldn’t accommodate a full sheet. The team at the Betsy Ross House is recreating these traditional linens, staying true to the materials and methods of Betsy’s time.
Pillows, too, were crafted with care. Long, cylindrical bolsters provided support for regular pillows and were typically stuffed with horsehair and encased in linen. The recreation of these elements is a testament to the practicality and ingenuity of colonial craftsmanship.

Bolsters and Blankets

Bolsters were long, supportive pillows made of linen and filled with horsehair, often tied shut with fabric ties. Blankets of the period, such as the rose blankets George Washington commissioned, were both functional and decorative. These embroidered wool blankets featured intricate geometric patterns and were purchased in pairs to adorn high-post bedsteads.
The Betsy Ross House team is creating miniature versions of these blankets, ensuring every detail aligns with historical accuracy.

Upper & Lower Valances and Curtains

Lower valances were used to cover the bedposts and gap under a bed. Today you might know them as dust ruffles or bed skirts. In the 18th century, lower valances were tied to the sacking bottom or bedframe, or sometimes nailed directly to the frame. These valances are made of chintz (printed cotton) with linen linings and silk ribbon binding.

The upper valances, hung on the inside and outside of the curtains, were a decorative element that also hid the curtain rods and attachment points. These ones are made of chintz and trimmed with silk ribbon.

Bed curtains not only provided privacy, but kept heat in during the colder months and bugs out during the warmer months. They were hung on three sides of the bed, with a permanently fixed headcloth at the head of the bed. These curtains are attached to curtain rods with rings, but some bed curtains opened and closed with a built-in pulley system.