Muslin

Muslin, a fine cotton fabric somewhat resembling Gauze (q.v.) in appearance, but it is woven plain without any looping of the warp threads on the weft. A piece of the finest muslin at one time manufactured at Dacca in India, measuring 3 yards in length by 1 in breadth, weighed only the fifth part of an ounce, and cost £40; but none approaching to this in fineness is made in India now. Very fine muslin has been woven from yarn spun by machinery at Manchester, but it wanted the delicate softness of the finest Dacca. Printed muslins are made in France and England for female summer attire. In India some muslins are woven with coloured patterns; others are embroidered with silk or beetles' wings; others again are printed with gold and silver leaf. Such names as 'woven air' and 'evening dew' are given in that country to those of exquisitely fine texture.