Site Vindolanda Context Vindolanda ditch Excavation year 1985 Site phase

Preservation state organic Fabric structure 2/2 twill Twill pattern diamond

Description Rectangle of 2/2 diamond twill (Z/S, c.14-15/c.13-14 per cm) (repeat 16 warp/7 weft [d2r]) (026/001) with 2-cord selvedge (026/003) is sewn obliquely with run-and-fell seam to narrow rectangle 026/002 (probably same twill, but repeat after 10 and 39+ warp). At opposite edge of 026/001 fragment 026/004 (diamond twill possibly as 026/001, but one repeat over 22 warps) is sewn over fragment 026/003 (diamond twill) which itself is sewn down to 026/001. Two sets of fairly random stitches penetrate and secure the superimposed fragments. All fragments dark brown except paler brown 026/003. The function of this amalgam (300 x 220mm overall) of re-cycled pieces of diamond twill (probably all of the same or a virtually identical fabric) is obscure. The vertical bands of 39+ and 22 warp threads before change of weave direction in 026/002 and 026/003 respectively suggest that these pieces may come from a selvedge zone of the original diamond twill web [CHECK cf selv on 026/003] or reflect a chequered effect (cf Hald, Anc Danish.., 89 fig 70, 90 fig 71 Hjørring Præstegaards Mark).