Description
A beautiful 6 yard plus length of antique woven decorative braid dating to the early Art Deco period, featuring a rich chocolate brown ground highlighted with raised tan woven accents. This elegant trim remains unused and retains its full original yardage, offering a wonderful example of early twentieth-century passementerie suitable for collectors, costume designers, doll dressmaking and period sewing projects.
This handsome antique decorative braid dates to the **1920s–early 1930s**, a period when beautifully woven trims were widely used to accent garments, millinery, and decorative household textiles. The trim features a **deep chocolate brown ground with raised tan woven patterning**, creating a striking contrast that reflects the geometric design sensibilities of the **Art Deco era**.
The braid is finely woven with a firm structure and narrow profile, measuring approximately **3/8 inch wide**. Running along the length of the trim are small raised lozenge-like accents worked in a soft tan thread that stand in relief against the darker brown ground. The effect is both textural and decorative, giving the trim a refined yet understated character.
Fiber analysis suggests the trim is likely woven from **early rayon (often referred to historically as artificial silk) combined with cotton threads**. During the 1920s, rayon began replacing silk in many decorative trims due to its subtle sheen and durability. The brown ground threads exhibit the gentle luster typical of rayon, while the tan pattern threads appear slightly more matte, consistent with cotton.
The color palette—warm brown paired with soft tan—was particularly fashionable during the late 1920s and early 1930s and harmonizes beautifully with period fabrics such as wool crepe, silk, velvet, and cotton.
Originally, trims such as this were sold by the yard from notions counters and would have been used to embellish:
• Dresses and coats
• Collars, cuffs, and seam accents
• Millinery and hat bands
• Boudoir accessories and vanity linens
• Decorative pillows or lamp shades
This piece remains **unused**, preserving its full length and crisp woven structure.
Measurements:
• Length: **6 yards 20 inches**
• Width: **3/8 inch**
Condition:
Very good antique condition. The trim appears unused with strong color and no visible fraying. It has been carefully stored and retains its original character beautifully.
This is a wonderful example of **early twentieth-century decorative passementerie**, ideal for collectors of antique sewing materials, costume designers, and anyone restoring or creating garments with authentic period details.
> Its narrow scale also makes this trim especially suitable for **antique and vintage doll dressmaking**, where authentic period trims add beautiful finishing details to miniature garments.
