What's the history behind red and white checkered tablecloths?

Question

I'd like to know when these tablecloths began being used (for example, did they start at an Italian-American restaurant somewhere in the US or were they an immigrant pattern brought over from Germany, France, Holland...). A curious graduate student would like to know.

Answer 1

Some theories are that the colour fast red turkey dye used in the checkered tablecloths was available in the early part of the 20th century.The red and white checkered fabric was durable and strong . However, they used woven colored tablecloths in the 19th Century too.

The Turkey Red dye is a long process and results in a very stable red. It was usually used to dye yarn but was also used for printing fabric.

Even after the synthetic dyes came on the scene, manufacturers still worked with the Turkey Red process, making it easier to use and still retain the fastness. You may see some old red fabrics with a label saying something to the effect that Turkey Red Oil was used. It is still listed in the dye books of the 1950's.

Mauve was invented in 1856 and it was the first synthetic dye. This was the foundation for numerous other synthetic dyes (colors) and one by one they became available as they were invented or developed. By 1880 there were about 40 new synthetic dyes/colors.

The early synthetics were not stable, generally speaking, but over time the manufacturers worked with the formulas to perfect them. By the 1920's they were mostly stable and the dye manufacturers were developing other dyes also at this time.

Before WW1 most of the dyes were imported from the large manufacturers in Germany. When these dye could no longer be imported some of the US chemical manufacturers began to make dyes for the US and were soon supplying the US printers with dyes. At the end of the war, the German dye patents were confiscated given to the US dye manufacturers.

Also if we research more into the checkered design we will find the early settlers in American Midwest when men were horse racing , the women would flag them down with red and white checkered tablecloths to indicate that it was time for the customary communal meal. The waving of a tablecloth - typical red and white checked - announced that dinner, as it were, was served.

Now in Italy, they used the tablecloth as they are representive of the red and white wines. Lacryma Christi wines are made in white, red and rosé versions Theories are that the red and white table cloths went perfect the wines and roses were also eventually added as a decor in the centre of the table too.

We can say for SURE checkered table cloths were out before 1940 as at that time in fashion for women, they were making checkered dresses from the table cloths. This was because every type of cloth was short worldwide so material was severely rationed and women had to mend and make do. Rationing was very strict in the UK and operated on a strict coupon system that for clothing started on Whit Sunday on June 1st 1941. A similar system was set up in America in 1942.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the history behind red and white checkered tablecloths?
I'd like to know when these tablecloths began being used (for example, did they start at an Italian-American restaurant somewhere in the US or were they an immigrant pattern brought over from Germany, France, Holland...). A curious graduate student would like to know.

Answer 3

Checkered Tablecloth

Answer 4

The early picnic took place on Thanksgiving, where the only cloth available for the table was red and white checkered cloth..so it was used and became a national cloth to signify a picnic though, it was Thanksgiving that started it.

Answer 5

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axqOt

Use oxi clean and ariel wash powder wash at 40 deg or if you have silk/lace wash use that when washed don't dry in the tumble dryer. iron on a silk/lace very cool iron. this has worked for me when i was working as a waiter.

Answer 6

It hides the stains from marinara sauce.
A not-so-famous Italian secret!
(Shhhh! Don't tell anybody!)

Answer 7

--->> Tips---> https://trimurl.im/f9/what-39-s-the-history-behind-red-and-white-checkered-tablecloths

Answer 8

Just a change from blue and white checks.

Answer 9

This is none. Hello. bye.

Sincerely,
Samantha Thompson

Answer 10

Great question! They are italian and they hide the staines from spaghetti sauce well:)