This group of garments forms part of a layette or set of clothing for a baby in a wealthy 18th century household. Each piece is sewn by hand and ornamented with hand-made bobbin lace: sewing machines were not invented until much later in the 1860s. The pieces consist of an infant's cap, shirt, mittens and sleeves, made from a fine linen lawn. Their size is much smaller than we would expect for a modern baby, and in general infant garments before 1900 are considerably smaller, reflecting different standards of nutrition. The garments were probably made in England, though the luxurious lace edging was imported from the Low Countries. It was made by hand on a lace pillow using bobbins, with the characteristic Valenciennes ground.

In the 18th century babies had to be dressed up for ceremonial occasions such as christenings. Fortunately for us this ensured the survival of these fragile textile garments, then treasured and preserved. Even the thread used for weaving lawn and making the lace was expensive because of its extreme fineness, making lace a precious commodity for all ages.