Some months ago Gillian Vogelsang wrote about a donation of textiles collected by Joop and May Hobijn-Roth. Part of that donation was an interesting collection of embroidered bands and patches (for instance, TRC 2021.2233-2250).

Factory embroidered band, the Netherlands, 1920s-1930s (TRC 2021.2238).

The bands are machine embroidered on a black net ground. Most of the ground is completely covered by embroidery. Where it is not, the ground is cut away. The bands look as though they were meant to be sewn onto a garment, making it look as if it has been expensively (and laboriously) embroidered. I cannot think of another term but ‘prefab’.

Embroidered band, machine made, for sewing onto garment (jeans?). Private collection.

This idea was recently confirmed by a visit to a Utrecht shop (Passementerie Baars & Van de Kerkhof, unfortunately about to be closed down), where comparable bands are sold. The example illustrated here is meant to be sewn onto jeans, to give a nice contrast between the sturdy, informal material and the elegant embroidery.

Machine made, embroidered band, the Netherlands, 1920s-1930s (TRC 2021.2242).

Section of a machine embroidered band, the Netherlands, 1920s-1930s (TRC 2021.2249).

The TRC bands and patches seem to be the same sort of thing, but obviously they are a lot older. They are not dated, but from their apperance I think they are influenced by the Art Deco movement.

The patches are made in a band, and they can be cut up in pieces.  Only think how stylish your blouse or jacket would look, with an embroidery like that!

Nelleke Ganzevoort, 22-11-2021.