Colonial Clothing and Homemade Goods — Reading Comprehension

In colonial America, most people made their own clothing and goods at home. Stores were rare, and many families lived far from towns. Life was not easy, but people worked together to meet their needs.

Each family member had a job. Mothers and daughters spun wool or flax into thread. They used spinning wheels and simple tools. Fathers and sons often helped grow crops like flax in the fields. This thread was then woven into fabric using a large wooden loom. Making enough cloth for the family took many hours.

Once the fabric was ready, it was cut and sewn into shirts, dresses, and pants. Colonists used strong, simple stitches to make clothing last. They dyed the cloth with things found in nature, like berries or tree bark. This made each piece of clothing look a little different.

Colonists also made other homemade goods. They carved wooden spoons, built furniture, and made candles out of animal fat, called tallow. Children often helped gather materials. Everyone worked to make the things they needed.

Homemade goods and clothing brought families closer. It also helped the colonies grow strong and independent. As one colonist said, "We must make what we need, for we are far from help." These skills helped colonists survive and build new lives.

Interesting Fact: Some colonial children learned to sew and weave before they learned to write or read!

What did most colonists make at home?

What tool was used to spin thread?

What was tallow used to make?

Why did families work together?

How did homemade goods help colonies?

What does the quote show about colonists?

Colonists made their own fabric. True or false?

What is a loom used for?