Pinking away!

When I was initially looking for an 18th century pinking tool, I dreamed of getting one of these:

This pinking tool belongs to the fabulous
costume maker who has Before the Automobile.
She writes that it is from William Booth Draper.

Unfortunately, no one had these in stock, so I had to get creative. I found my solution at a taxidermy supply shop, and honestly, though I still want an authentic punch (just to say I have one), I would not trade my tool for anything! It is sooooo easy and I can churn out yards and yards of trim in no time. I think the 18th century seamstress would have loved to get her hands on one of these!

This rotary pinker works great with crisp fabrics. For softer fabrics, go two plus layers at a time. Test first, because some fabric leaves strings that you have to go back and clean up.

Pick one up for yourself at Van Dyke's Taxidermy. They are a little pricy but they are very heavy duty and you can buy replacement blades if needed. The only drawback I see is that the pinked edge is pointy instead of scalloped, which is what one usually sees on extant dresses. Though I always go back to this engraving below (see "A"). I wonder what it was used for and why you never see it on dresses? Anybody know?

Via Fuschia's 18th Century Dress.