Bright-colored floral and leaf patterns on barkcloth were used frequently for drapery panels like these.

Two large panels of barkcloth were sewn together to create this great barkcloth quilt.

A close-up of barkcloth showing its nubby texture.

For many of us, it doesn’t seem that long ago that we couldn’t wait to get rid of those heavy floral drapes that our parents and grandparents had. Now, if only we had them back! Barkcloth fabric, which was all the rage for drapes, upholstery and other interior decorating from the 1930s to the 1960s, is back in vogue with a vengeance.

Barkcloth is a heavy, woven nubby fabric with a dense weave. The result is a sturdy, durable fabric that is ideal for drapes and upholstery. The fabric is usually cotton, linen or a blend with a synthetic. The name comes from the nubby or bumpy texture that is said to be similar to the bark of a tree.

This bold, bright tropical print is typical of barkcloth.

An unusual piece of barkcloth with a sailboat motif.

There is some thought that the name barkcloth refers to a paper fabric that was made by soaking and pounding the inner bark of certain trees, such as the paper mulberry, breadfruit and fig trees found in Africa and Asia. The vintage fabric that dominated homes in the ’40s and ’50s was said to be woven to resemble the bumpy texture of this fabric.

Barkcloth patterns are typically very bright and colorful. Floral and tropical prints were among the most popular, but also common were landscapes, birds, botanicals and leaves. Geometrics and abstracts, also referred to as Atomic- or Eames-era barkcloth, came into fashion in the 1950s and ’60s, and recently have enjoyed a new wave of popularity. Large or unused pieces of Atomic- or Eames-era fabric are hard to find and usually command a high price. Unusual novelty patterns, such as cowboy or cocktail themes, also bring higher prices.

An example of Atomic Barkcloth, popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

This novelty print depicts a cowboy shoot-out. Notice the OK Corral sign and Tombstone sign on the building. Cowboy prints are very desirable.

Barkcloth is believed to have originated in France from a fabric called cretonne. Cretonne is a heavy unglazed cotton or linen fabric used primarily for drapes and upholstery. It is named for a small village in Normandy where linen has been manufactured since the 16th century. It was imported to the United States in the 1920s, and became so popular that by the late 1930s barkcloth was being manufactured in American textile mills.

Barkcloth is very popular for making bags, pillows and jackets. Vintage buttons add to this handmade tote. The tote is available in a variety of barkcloth patterns from the author at her booth in Brimfield’s Quaker Acres.

There is still quite a lot of vintage barkcloth available. Old drapes and slipcovers usually consist of enough fabric to be recycled into pillows, new slipcovers, bags, jackets, or quilts. Barkcloth is being widely reproduced today by a number of fabric manufacturers. While this fabric can be very nice, if authenticity is important, be sure to buy from reputable dealers.

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Lynda Kolski is a Worthologist who specializes in vintage textiles.

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The one question that I get asked over and over whenever I’m doing a show is: “How do you get your linens so clean?” The answer is not very exotic: A lot of soaking and patience! Antique and vintage linens require gentle care, but in most cases, can be used and enjoyed for years to come.

Soaking and washing will clean most linen quite nicely. Occasionally, there will be a spot or stain that just won’t come out. In that case, all you can do is accept it as part of the piece and think of it as adding character. Often, a stain can be minimized so that it doesn’t distract from your enjoyment of the overall piece.

Antique Linen Damask Monogrammed Tablecloth or topper:  A wonderful old piece of damask linen, offered for sale by Victorian House Antiques on GoAntiques.  The piece is noted to be 28.5 x 34 inches, and is in good condition with only one spot.  That spot might be able to be soaked out.

Cotton and linen damask tablecloths and napkins, damask and huck towels, sheets and pillowcases should be soaked in lukewarm water mixed with Biz or Oxy-Clean. Although Oxy-Clean is fairly new to the market, Biz has been around for years and is an old laundry staple. Don’t be afraid to let the items soak for hours, even days. Check the item to see if the stains are still there, mix a fresh solution and soak again. I’ve soaked items two and three times until the offending stain or spot was either gone or reduced enough that it didn’t detract from the piece.

Sears Linen and Cotton Table Cloth and Napkins 1936 Ad:  A Sears ad shows damask table cloths and napkins and their prices in 1936.  Antique linen can still be used today if you take care and wash carefully.  The ad is courtesy of GoAntiques dealers Charles & Phyllis J. Wille.

Both Biz and Oxy-Clean are great at getting out all kinds of stains. I’ve even removed red wine stains from a tablecloth with Oxy-Clean. However, never soak any fabrics with rayon, silk, wool or metallic threads in either stain cleaner. Also, if the item has any colored embroidery on it, go cautiously. A lot of early embroidery threads were not colorfast, particularly, the reds, blues, and purples. Start with cold water and watch it. If any color appears in the water, immediately remove the items and rinse in cold water. If the water stays clear, let it go a little longer, but keep an eye on it. If after awhile, you don’t see any discoloration in the water, the thread is probably colorfast.

Carefully remove linens and textiles from water. The weight of the water can pull and stretch the fabrics or even tear them. Many old fabrics are very fragile when wet. It’s best to use an old towel as a sling to pick items out of the water. Never wring old textiles or linens. Gently roll them in an absorbent towel to remove the excess water.

Once you’re done soaking, rinse the item in water until the water is clear. Damask and linen textiles can usually be put in the washing machine in cold water on a delicate cycle. Use a mild detergent, such as Ivory. Any pieces with intricate handwork, such as drawnwork, or lace should always be gently handwashed.

Sun bleaching is another method for cleaning linens. This is a technique that dates back generations when grass fields in Europe were known as bleaching fields. I’ve never had the opportunity to try this, since my yard is full of trees with no large sunny areas. However, I’ve heard great success stories from many textile experts and collectors who have used this technique. After soaking an item, rinse and wash it, and then lay it out on green grass in the sun. This works particularly well with damask and huck tablecloths, napkins, towels and sheets. A few cautions: Colored tablecloths and linens will fade in the sun, and watch out for birds, insects and roaming neighborhood cats and dogs.

Huge Damask Huck Linen/Lace – Towel:  This beautiful antique towel, made from cottage damask huck linen and adorned with hand-made lace, also listed by Victorian House Antiques on GoAntiques, is listed as in excellent condition, with a few faint spots.

Chlorine bleach should never be used except in rare instances as a last resort. Bleach is very harsh on delicate fabrics. I never soak an entire piece in bleach. On a few occasions, when all other attempts have failed, I may spot-treat a stain with bleach. Bleach pens are good for this. I’ll do this only on sturdy white fabrics, such as damask or huck. After treating the area, be sure to rinse the entire piece thoroughly. I would rather have a small spot than a hole in a nice vintage or antique textile.

Rust stains are some of the toughest to remove. Whink, a rust spot remover, often works. However, this is a strong chemical, so read the label carefully and use sparingly. A paste made from lemon juice and salt may also work. Often, rust is one of those stains that you have to learn to live with.

Once your linens are clean and fresh, hang them to dry. I don’t recommend a dryer because the high temperature can be hard on delicate or old fabrics.

Wonderful linens and textiles should be used and enjoyed. I have hand-crocheted pieces from my great-grandmother that I cherish despite a few spots and worn areas. She was a prolific crocheter and would be thrilled to know that her pieces had been passed down and were still being used and enjoyed rather than stored in a drawer. Unless it’s a rare museum piece (in which case it should probably be in a museum), don’t be afraid to display and enjoy your collection and heirlooms.

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