By the second half of the 19th century, over 60% of America’s cotton was being processed through the mills of New England. This northeastern region contributes immensely to the nation’s craft and textile history.
For inspiration and fascinating insights, let’s journey through four states and seven landmarks and important destinations that tell New England’s textile story.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts was at the forefront of the irreversible progress that turned raw cotton into finished goods for a booming nation.
Boston’s harbour is where raw cotton arrived from southern ports, feeding the textile mills that transformed New England. The US northeast is renowned for its historical and picturesque harbours, drawing many travellers to the area’s scenic waters and cruise ways.
But before your Boston cruise, let’s venture into the city for a slice of history.
1. Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)
MFA, with its globally acclaimed Textile and Fashion Arts collection, is an essential stop on the itinerary. Explore ancient Coptic tapestry fragments, Japanese kimono inspirations, complex European tapestries, right up to high-fashion pieces from celebrated modern designers.
2. South End
Make time to head to Boston’s South End neighbourhood. Here, modern, independent design and commercial art intersect.
SOWA (South of Washington Street) has the highest concentration of independent art galleries in the city. While not all textile-focused, these spaces showcase current trends in colour, texture, abstract design, and mixed media art.
3. Lowell - Western Avenue Studios.
Just 30 miles north of Boston is Lowell. The city, built around its powerful river mills, boasts a thriving creative community, many operating from historic buildings.
Western Avenue Studios is an expansive, vibrant space within a former textile mill. It houses 250 artist studios with another 50 live-work units.
Aim to attend an Open Studio event (first Saturday every month). Grab a coffee, or a craft beer, and wander five floors of creativity. Along the way, you can visit makers in their studios while experiencing an extraordinary array of arts and crafts.
Queen Adeline, showcasing bold African prints from Ghana, is a particular standout. The gallery’s gorgeous “wearable art” is made from 100% cotton and promotes a strong sustainability ethos.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is home to America's oldest textile factory and one of the world's most prestigious design institutions.
4. Providence - Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum
Make the RISD Museum a bucket-list stop. It hosts an exquisite collection of 30,000 fashion and textile items, dating from 1500 BCE to the present.
The curation represents traditions and innovations covering the globe. Here you can immerse yourself in everything from intricate lacework to colourful ethnographic fabrics to boldly deconstructed contemporary installations.
5. Pawtucket - Slater Mill
Five miles from Providence is Pawtucket, and a landmark site of American clothing history. Dating to 1793, Slater Mill on the banks of the Blackstone River was the first water-powered textile mill in America.
Six unique sites on the larger property offer a fascinating journey back in time. Explore the restored machinery and workshops to see first-hand how British textile innovation was adapted and reimagined in the New World. The Mill narrates a powerful chapter of the American Industrial Revolution story.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a rich, storied craft heritage. Today, the state supports an active community of independent artists and craftspeople.
6. League of NH Craftsmen
Founded in 1932, the League of NH Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organisations in the US. The League operates retail galleries in 6 locations, featuring works by hundreds of the state’s most talented artisans.
Visit a few of the shops or attend their famous annual fair in July/August for high-quality contemporary textiles, woven goods, and crafted garments.
Other exciting works on offer include jewellery, pottery, blown glass, and wall décor incorporating photography and prints.
You’ll find the outlets in:
● Concord (Headquarters)
● Meredith (Lakes Region)
● Littleton (Northern NH)
● Hanover (Dartmouth area)
● North Conway (White Mountains)
● Center Sandwich (Historic setting)
Maine
Maine encapsulates historic industry together with a contemporary, sustainable indie scene.
7. Topsham - Maine Fiberarts
The Maine Fiberarts Center in Topsham proudly champions the region’s fibre artists and their work. It’s a dedicated hub that connects visitors to local studios and galleries presenting natural dye traditions, organic fibre production and much more.
Founded in 2000, Fibrearts embodies the state’s respect for hand-craftsmanship and sustainability in clothing and fibrearts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about fabric, history, and arts and crafts, exploring the history of New England’s textile and creative industries can be akin to a pilgrimage.
When you embark on your pilgrimage, use smart packing hacks. You’ll also want to bring a spare bag along for the creative, inspirational keepsakes you collate along the way.
We trust the ideation and creativity that New England inspires will carry expressively into your next project.
Fabriclore is a leading tech-enabled fabric sourcing and customization platform serving fashion designers, manufacturers, and brands worldwide. With an extensive portfolio of over 300 varieties including cotton, linen, silk, sustainable blends, and innovative eco-friendly textiles, Fabriclore is trusted for its reliable quality, digital design solutions, low minimum orders, and commitment to responsible sourcing. The platform bridges traditional craftsmanship and modern production, empowering creators to bring unique design ideas to life with flexibility and efficiency.
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