Nainsook

Nainsook is a soft, fine, lightweight form of muslin.[1][2] Muslin encompasses a broad range of fabrics of varying weights and fineness, but is always a plain weave, cotton fabric. The word nainsook is first documented in 1790, and derives from the Hindi and Urdu "nainsukh", which literally means "eye's delight".[1]

"The little girl's dress is of white China scilk (sic). The yoke is covered with all-over-lace. The ruffles are hemmed up and feather-stitched. The child's dress is of white nainsook with hemstitching and insertion."

Nainsook was often used to make babies' clothing or lingerie at least until the 1920s.[3] Nainsook cotton was also often used to make bias tape in the 50s and 60s.