Patterns for Regency - Revolutionary - Victorian - Civil War - Gold Rush - Wild West

Folkwear #116 - Shirts of Russia & Ukraine - Unisex Sewing Pattern

Folkwear #116 Shirts of Russia & Ukraine pattern features popular shirts, worn by late 19th-century peasants and nobility alike. They reflect a merging of European and Central Asian textile traditions, creating a unique folk art. All three shirts are narrower than many ethnic styles; each has a high snug collar, a lined shoulder area, and narrow side panels. 

View A is typical straight-sleeved Ukrainian shirt; the center front opening has facings turned to the outside and closes with hooks and eyes. 

View B, from North-Central Ukraine, features an overlap side closing. The sleeves are gathered into narrow cuffs; cuffs and collar may be fastened with hooks and eyes or traditional button-and-loop closures. 

The off-center side placket in View C is a Russian feature. Its folded construction conceals a buttoned closing. 

In all three styles, the collar, sleeve hems or cuffs and front opening may be left untrimmed, finished with braid, or embroidered. Authentic embroidery designs are given for each style.

Pattern runs small.  Please size up a size to give yourself enough room for any adjustments. Folkwear recommends you ease the collar into the neck, hand basting first to get the ease correct. 

Patterns - Folkwear #201 Prairie Dress.

Folkwear #204 Missouri River Boatman's Shirt pattern. This loosely fitted knee-length shirt was worn by raftsmen and fur traders on the Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio Rivers in the mid-19th century. It is frequently dipicted in the paintings of George Caleb Bingham. Full sleeves with underarm gussets are gathered and attached into a shoulder yoke. A narrow or convertible cuff may be used. A neck gusset set into the shoulders gathers into a simple turned-back collar, which is loosely fastened with a tape tie. The bottom tf the front oepning was oftern strengthened with a needle-lace godet and decorated with the wearer's initials in cross-stitch. The long side opeinings were also reinforced. Our boatman's Shirt can be worn today by men as an overshirt, or shortened to tuck in. The original length is tunic length on women.

#peasant blouse

Patterns - Folkwear #206 Quilted Prairie Skirt.

Patterns - Folkwear #212 Five Frontier Shirts

Folkwear #242 Rodeo Cowgirl Jacket pattern.  This versatile unlined Jacket, adapted from vintage cowgirl costumes, features princess seams, shawl collar, and set-in sleeves. There are three different shoulder yoke variations, and two different cuff yoke and pocket shape variations, as well as an optional belt. Make it in denim, suede, leather, velvet, or silk. Then add an array of embellishments, from fringe and studs to embroidery and lace, to create an entire wardrobe of Western-style jackets for your own multi-faceted personality. Sizes included in pattern range from XSM to 2XL, priced per pattern.

Click the prompt below the photo for yardage requirements and more information.

Reconstructing History #RH804 - Napoleonic or Regency Frock Coat Sewing Pattern

Whether you're a Napoleonic gentleman or a Jane Austin character like Mr. Darcy, you need a Men's Frock Coat! Our pattern is perfect for the 1790s through 1810s: it includes the necessary narrow cuffs and skirts, cut-away front, and fold-over collar. Simple enough for an absolute beginner to make!  Single- and double-breasted versions both included.

Fits chests 34" to 54". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH940 - Inverness Coat or Sherlock Cape Sewing Pattern

Look like your favourite movie star in your own Sherlock Holmes Inverness Coat. The Inverness Coat is really more of a cape than a coat. Starting as a single-breasted variation of the Ulster, in the 1870s the cape stopped going all the way around the back and was instead sewn into the armholes in the rear. In the 1880s, sleeves were deemed unnecessary and the armhole was cut away to accommodate movement. Thus the flowing outer garment made famous by Sherlock Holmes was born!

This easy-to-use pattern (based on an original tailor's draft from the period) helps you make a fabulous Inverness Coat!

Fits chests 38" to 54". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH838 - Regency Evening Dress Sewing Pattern

Do the Empire in style!

One of the stars of the Regency period is the white muslin evening dress. Adorned with multicolour and metal embroidery on the sleeves and hems, the true beauty of the gown was the excellence of the sheer muslin fabric and its beautiful simplicity. The fineness of stitching of the seams and gathering is exquisite and shows all your skill as a seamstress.

This easy-to-use pattern, based on extant and pictorial examples, helps you make your own lady's evening dress circa 1805.

Fits busts 30"- 50". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH802 - Men's 18th Century Frock Coat Sewing Pattern

Be a proper 18th century Gentleman!  Use this pattern to make a Men's Frock Coat for the 1750s and 1760s with dog-ear cuffs, narrowing skirts, and curved front. 

Upper class and lower class options included.

Fits chests 34" to 54" and waists 28"to 50". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH822 - Open Robe Anglais Sewing Pattern with Polonaise Option

In the late 17th century the lounging robe or robe de chambre began to be worn outside the bedchamber as an informal day dress. The pleats folded into the back of the gown were stitched down and the Mantua was born.

In the 1730s the Mantua changed.  This change came with a new name for the gown: robe en fourreau or robe anglais.

Use this pattern, based on extant and pictorial examples, to make an Open Robe Anglais or Gown en fourreau with stomacher as worn in early decades of the 18th century and Polonaise skirts worn in later decades.

Fits busts 30½"-48" and waists 23"-41". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH832 - 18th century Women's Underpinnings Sewing Pattern

Use our Underpinnings pattern for all your 18th century skivvies!

Ladies, no matter what you wear on the outside, you need the right foundation garments on the inside. Use this pattern, based on extant examples, to make your own shifts, pocket hoops, and hooped petticotes. Also includes instructions for other varieties of hoops like panniers.

Fits busts 28"-50". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH833 - 18th Century Corset Sewing Pattern

Colonial, Georgian, and Revolutionary Corsets. 

Full-size paper patterns with complete instructions and historical notes for stays (corsets) circa 1740s-1790s based on extant examples.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Fits busts 28″-50″. All sizes included in one envelope.

Reconstructing History #RH921 - 1880s-1930s Men's Dress Coat or Tail Coat Sewing Pattern  

Full size paper patterns for Men's Dress Coat for the 1880s through 1930s with narrow sleeves, cuffs and skirts, wide elbows, waist seam, side panel, cut-away front, and fold-over collar.  This is double-breasted, but meant to be worn open over an evening waistcoat.  Detailed instructions and historical notes included.

Fits chests 34" - 54".  All sizes included in the pattern.  

Reconstructing History #RH954 - Victorian Era British Army Dress Tunic Sewing Pattern

The ubiquitous scarlet tunics of the British military conjure up thoughts of the “Red Coats” of the American War of Independence and the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Now you can make one of your very own!

This easy-to-use pattern helps you make a Victorian Era Men's Army Dress Tunic for the 1850s through 1910s.  Variations to conform to the 1856, 1868, 1881 and 1910s regulations included.  Full instructions on how to build the corset-like interior that makes this coat look as fabulous as it always does.

Fits chests 34" to 54", waists 28" to 50", and hips 35" to 55". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH955 - Victorian Era British Army Frock Coat Sewing Pattern

A military man isn’t always in Full Dress Uniform (Tunic) or Formal Evening Dress (Mess Dress). Certainly the pageantry of the Victorian Military wasn’t dropped as soon as formality slackened. For these less than formal occasions, there is the Military Frock Coat. Related to the civilian frock coat, the Military Frock Coat gained popularity among the armies of Europe and the Commonwealth in the 1830s. It's still worn today; Prince William has been photographed wearing the Frock Coat as part of his Irish Guards uniform when doing public service.

Our easy-to-use pattern helps you make a Victorian Era Men's Army Frock Coat for the 1850s through 1910s.  Variations to conform to the 1856, 1868, 1881 and 1910s regulations included.  Full instructions on how to construct the garment along period lines.

Fits chests 34" to 54", waists 28" to 50", and hips 35" to 55". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History Pattern #RH956 - Victorian Era British Army Patrol Jacket - Sgt. Peppers Sewing Pattern

Band uniform or beloved British music group with lonely hearts? With its distinctive braid adorning the front of the jacket, British Army Patrol Dress does indeed look like a modern marching band uniform. But band uniforms are based on Patrol Dress and not vice versa!

This easy-to-use pattern helps you make a Victorian Era Men's Army Patrol Jacket for the 1850s through 1910s.  Variations to conform to the 1856, 1868, 1881 and 1910s regulations included.  Full instructions on how to build a jacket according to period tailoring techniques included.

Fits chests 34" to 54", waists 28" to 50", and hips 35" to 55". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Laughing Moon #BCP-1 - Dore Victorian Corset Sewing Pattern. Ladies Victorian Underwear 1840s-1890s.  This is ideal to use with the Corset Making DVD.  

Reconstructing History #RH813 - Regency Men's Trousers Sewing Pattern

This Men's Trowsers pattern gives you an easy-to-follow guide to making the trousers of the Napoleonic or Regency period. Long the lower body garment of the lower classes, during the French Revolution the wearing of trousers became a statement of empathy with the revolutionaries, the sans culottes (literally “without breeches”), as breeches were a symbol of the aristocracy.

If we take changes in clothing as an indication of changes in social concepts, it is not surprising that this is the outfit that heralded the rise of the middle class.

This pattern helps you make Trowsers you'll be proud to wear!

Fits waists 28"-50". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH816 — 18th Century Men's Banyan and Cap Sewing Pattern

In the late 17th and early 18th century, European upperclass men and women took to wearing this type of garment as a dressing gown.  Inspired by Indo-Asian influences, such as the kimono and the jama. The hat has a turban-influenced style.

Full-size paper patterns with complete instructions and historical notes for men’s banyan and cap as worn in the 18th century. Multisized to fit chests 32″-60″. Embellishment suggestions included.

Fabric Requirements:  4 yards

Reconstructing History  #RH944 - Ladies' 1880's Victorian Corset Sewing Pattern

The 1880s are often thought of as the height of corsetry. Colorful and highly-decorated creations were worn by women every day, and many of them survive for us to study. This French-style corset pattern, based on an original pattern from the 1880s, has all the hallmarks of these lovely undergarments.

Fits busts 28" through 48", waists 24" through 40", and hips 34" through 50". All sizes in one envelope.

Can be made with a straight busk or a spoon busk.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

All sizes included one envelope.  Priced per pattern.

Suitable for Victorian and Civil War costuming.

Reconstructing History #RH834 - Early 1800s Regency Corset Stays Sewing Pattern

Be "uplifted" by Regency stays!   Wear under Reconstructing History RH838 Regency Evening Dress.

In the early Regency period, the style was to discard corsetry and appear "as nature intended".  But women who weren't blessed with the perfect figure still used foundation garments to form their bodies into the fashionable shape.

This easy-to-use pattern, based on extant and pictorial examples, helps you make your own light, short-waisted corsets, or stays, circa 1800.

Fits busts 30½"-48" and waists 23"-41". All sizes in one envelope.
Or order a Made to Measure pattern in your personal measurements.  

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH904 - 19th Century Men's Frock Coat Sewing Pattern

The 19th century Frock Coat probably began as a military garment, buttoned to the neck with a standing collar. The Frock Coat was strictly for undress (informal) wear at this early date. The dress coat for both day and evening wear was the Tail Coat. Like the Tail Coat, the Frock Coat was worn both single- and double-breasted. The longer Great Coat or Top-Frock Coat was going out of fashion by this time, soon to be replaced with the Chesterfield, Ulster, and Inverness Cape that we still see in use today.

Use our easy-to-follow pattern to make a Men's Frock Coat or Top Coat appropriate for the 1840s through 1860s with narrow cuffs, attached wide skirts, side panel, and optional shoulder cape. Knee-length and long versions included.

Fits chests 34" to 54". All sizes in one envelope.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Reconstructing History #RH807 - 18 Century Men's Waistcoats (Georgian)

This easy-to-use pattern makes a Men's Waistcoat, circa 1740s-1760s, sleeved or sleeveless. In the early 18th century, frock coats began to be worn open, showing off the waistcoat beneath more and more. They used extant garments and the pictorial record to make our pattern. 

Fits chests 34" to 54". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: wool, heavyweight silk; lightweight silk or linen for lining; heavy linen or canvas for interlining

Notions: thread; up to 20 buttons for front closure; buttonhole floss

Yardage Requirements: 3 yds at least 45" wide

Reconstructing History #RH811 - 18 Century Men's Fly-front Breeches

Fly-Front breeches? Yes, please! Breeches from the 18th century look very strange to the modern eye. They've got weird shapes, they're fiddly to adjust for wear, and they can be challenging to construct. 

Use this pattern, for fly-front breeches, circa 1730s-1760s, based on extant examples, and get a leg up!

Fits waists 28"-50". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: wool or heavyweight silk, lightweight silk or linen for lining

Notions: thread; 2 - 7/8" buttons for waistband; 2 to 5 - 5/8" buttons for fly closure; 10 - 5/8" buttons for leg closure; buttonhole floss

Yardage Requirements: outer material & interlining: 2 yards at least 60" wide

lining: 2 yards at least 60" wide

Reconstructing History #RH815 - 18 Century Men's Shirts & Drawers (Georgian)

No matter what you have on the outside, you need linens on the inside. Simple and easy to make, these 18th century undergarments are a great place to start on your historical clothing journey! At the end of the project, you'll have great body linens to protect your outerwear, as well as a shirt and drawers you can be proud of.

Fits chests 32" to 60". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: 3 oz - 5 oz linen, white, natural or half-bleached

Notions: thread; bobbin lace, needle lace, or cutwork trim, silk embroidery floss (optional)

Yardage Requirements:

Medium shirt - 2¼ yards ~57" wide

Large shirt - 2¼ yards ~57" wide

Drawers - 3 yards ~57" wide

Reconstructing History #RH841 - 19 Century Pelisse - Long Ladies' Coat (Regency)

The Regency Period conjures up images of women swanning around the manicured lawns of stately homes wearing diaphanous white high-waisted gowns that look more like nightgowns to the modern eye than daywear. But it did not take long before women wearing these beautiful dresses made from fine imported cotton came home to the fact that the weather in England is bloody awful. 

Female riding costume supplied an idea: a short jacket that ended under the bust. Enter the pelisse. 

Our easy-to-use pattern helps you make a lady's pelisse circa 1815-20 based on an extant and pictorial examples.

Fits busts 30"- 50". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: silk taffeta, fine wool (heavy cotton or linen for underbody)

Notions: thread, buttons, hooks and eyes (closure), passementerie and decoration to taste

Yardage Requirements: 6 yards at least 54” wide

Reconstructing History #RH843 - 19 Century Spencer - Longer (Regency)

In the 1820s, the ladies' Spencer jacket returned to its roots as a man's jacket. The Spencer became more tailored with interlinings and interior structure added. The decoration also returned to the military with double-breasted varieties sporting rows of buttons set in martial fashion. Braid adorned Spencer jackets, and in an unusual throwback to the Renaissance, sleeve tops sported elaborately sculpted poufs.

Our easy-to-use pattern, based on extant and pictorial examples, helps you make your own front closing lady's Spencer jacket circa 1820, with long sleeves, center front closure, and rounded collar.

The story goes that the Second Earl of Spencer was sleeping next to a fire. Hot coals rolled out and onto the tails of his coat. So he had the tails of his coat cut off and thus invented the Spencer jacket. The fashion soon ran to cut the tails off their jackets. This may be the origin of women's Spencer jackets. 

Fits busts 30"- 50". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: silk taffeta, fine cotton (heavy cotton or linen for underbody)

Notions: thread, ties, decoration to taste

Yardage Requirements: 3 yards at least 54” wide

Reconstructing History #RH842 - 19 Century Spencer - Shorter (Regency)

The ladies' Spencer jacket in the 1810s is something very different to ladies' riding costume in previous decades. There are no military or masculine elements on display. It is entirely feminine, almost an item of undress. In fact, it is not dissimilar from the top of women's gowns. Jackets of this type were very light, often functioning as a cover-up for a dress with rather diaphanous sleeves, a chilly prospect in damp and rainy England.

Our easy-to-use pattern, based on extant and pictorial examples, helps you make your own lady's spencer jacket circa 1810.  This is a short spencer, reaching just below the bust and closing center front with drawstrings.  An inner bodice forms the bust into the proper position.  Choose RH834 early 1800s stays if you need more support.

The story goes that the Second Earl of Spencer was sleeping next to a fire. Hot coals rolled out and onto the tails of his coat. So he had the tails of his coat cut off and thus invented the Spencer jacket. The fashion soon ran to cut the tails off their jackets. This may be the origin of women's Spencer jackets. 

Fits busts 30"- 50". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: silk taffeta, fine cotton (heavy cotton or linen for underbody)

Notions: thread, ties, decoration to taste

Yardage Requirements: 2 yards at least 54” wide

Reconstructing History #RH919 - 19 Century Men's Trousers (Victorian)

Proper Victorian trousers! In the 19th century, trousers went from the simple leg coverings of farmers to proper evening wear for the aristocracy. They changed slightly over the decades of the 19th century, to where men are still wearing basically the same thing today.

Use this pattern, based on extant examples and period tailor's manuals, for men's trousers circa 1830-1900. Includes the early version's instep strap and the later shaped bottoms.

Fits waists 28"-50". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: wool, heavyweight silk; cotton or linen for lining

Notions: thread; buttonhole floss; 10 - 5/8” buttons for waistband; 5 - 5/8” buttons for fly closure (optional)

Yardage Requirements: outer material 3 yards at least 36” wide; lining 3 yards at least 36” wide

Reconstructing History #RH945 - 19 Century Long Tailed Bodice (Victorian)

Start your dress from the 1870s or 1880s right here. Make the perfect Steampunk or Victorian outfit! You need our pattern for this beautiful ladies’ long-tailed bodice based on an original period tailor's draft. With its front darts and seamed back, this basic bodice looks beautiful on a variety of figures and works from the 1870s through the 1880s as well as for any fantasy outfit you can create. Works over a bustle or not. Wear it modernly as a jacket or coat! Pair it with skirts! Wear it with pants! It's all up to you.

Fits busts 28" through 48" and waists 20" through 40". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: any top weights

Notions: thread; buttons for closure, interlinings optional

Yardage Requirements: outer and lining 4 yds 45” wide or 3 yds 60" wide

Reconstructing History #RH963 - 19 Century Bustle Cage (Victorian)

Tired of putting on your bustle in the parking lot of the event?  You need our tiny, collapsible bustle cage pattern based on an original pattern from the 1880s. This tiny wonder gives the "centaur bum" look of those big bustles, but collapses so you can pack it in the smallest luggage.  And it's still 100% period-accurate!

Fits all sizes. All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: linen, cotton, or any top weight fabric

Notions: thread; 10 yds 1" twill tape or other fabric tape; 24" long 1/2" steel boning or one reel 5/8" flat oval reed

Yardage Requirements: 1 yard at least 25" wide

Reconstructing History #RH964 - 19 Century Padded Bustle (Victorian)

Tired of putting on your bustle in the parking lot of the event?  All that boning too bulky for you?  You need our padded bustle pattern based on an original pattern from the 1870s. This tiny wonder gives the "centaur bum" look of those big bustles, but is soft and collapses so you can pack it in the smallest luggage.  And it's still 100% period-accurate!

Fits all sizes. All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: linen, cotton, or any top weight fabric

Notions: thread; scrap fabric or horsehair (for stuffing)

Yardage Requirements: 3 yards at least 25" wide

Reconstructing History #RH966 - 1850s Circular Cage Crinoline

Get your big belle hoop here!

When skirts widened to ridiculous widths in the 1850s, something more than a bunch of petticoats was required to hold them in their proper circular shape. 

Enter the Cage Crinoline!

Our pattern includes three interpretations of the crinoline: the light and skeletal hoops and tapes, the boned cloth petticoat, and a hybrid of the two with hoops and tapes above and a wide hem of boned fabric at the bottom.

Fits all waist sizes

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: cotton

Notions: hoop boning, thread; buttons, or hooks and eyes for front for closure; twill tape

Yardage Requirements:
30 yards hoop steel boning
30 yards twill tape or 6 yards at least 40"/1m cotton for petticoat body
optional:  2 yards fabric for hem

Reconstructing History #RH971 - 1877-1890s Combinations

Victorian Women's Combinations Underwear sewing pattern.

Make yourself some undies!

In the 1880s, ladies' garments were becoming so slender that the old frilly chemise and drawers added too much bulk.  Enter the Combinations!

Fits chests 32" to 60". All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: cotton batiste or sheeting

Notions: thread; bobbin lace, needle lace, or cutwork trim, silk embroidery floss (optional)

Yardage Requirements:  3 yards at least 40"/1m wide

Reconstructing History #RH973 - 1870s-1890s Petticoats

One pattern for all your late 19th century petticoat needs!

Possibly the most ubiquitous female garment in every time period is the petticoat. In the 19th century, skirts went truly mad. The round skirts of mid-century expanded to great widths in the 1850s and 1860s. By the 1860s, the bulk began to shift backwards until bustles appeared in the 1870s. Petticoats changed to match.  Natural Form (bustleless) dominated the late 1870s, and petticoats changed yet again.  By the early 1880s, the bustle returned, again giving the impression that the lady wearing it was shaped more like a centaur than a human and a lady's petticoat added to this silhouette. Even the slender looks of the 1890s owed their look to petticoats. 

This pattern includes them all in their nearly infinite variety!

Bustled. Natural Form. Crinoline. Slim. Based on original garments from the 1870s through the 1890s.

Note: This pattern is for the petticoats (white on the cover art) only.  This pattern does not include corset or chemise.

Fits all waist sizes 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: cotton

Notions: thread; buttons, or hooks and eyes for front for closure; twill tape; lace or other trimmings

Yardage Requirements: 4-6 yards of at least 40"/1m wide, up to 10 yards of lace trim

Reconstructing History #RH943 - Ladies' Basic Bodice for 1870s-1910s

Make the perfect bodice for you!

Now revised and revamped.  Better fit.  Better instructions.

Replicate a dress from the 1870s and start here: the perfect Steampunk or Victorian outfit! Make this beautiful ladies’ bodice based on an original period tailor's draft. With its front darts and seamed back, this basic bodice looks beautiful on a variety of figures and works from the 1870s through the 1910s as well as for any fantasy outfit you can create. Lengthen it into a jacket or coat! Pair it with skirts! Wear it with pants! It's all up to you.

Fits busts 28" through 48" and waists 20" through 40". All sizes in one envelope.
Or order a made to measure pattern in your personal measurements.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: any top weights

Notions: thread; buttons for closure, interlinings optional

Yardage Requirements: outer and lining 4½ yds 45” wide or 3 yds 60" wide

Reconstructing History #RH975 - 1870s Under Bust Corset

Make yourself a Victorian under bust corset!

In the 1890s, the top of the corset moved down to below the bustline where it could best do its job of narrowing the waist while other elements of feminine dress highlighted the bust.  Our Underbust Corset based on surviving examples is both easy to make and wear. 

Fits busts 28" through 60" and waists 24" through 52". All sizes in one envelope.
Or order a made to measure in your personal measurements.

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you've come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: cotton coutil or densely-woven twill

Notions:
thread
metal eyelets
¼” steel bones
½” steel bones
steel busk
¾” cotton stay tape (twill tape)

Yardage Requirements: ½ yd at least 60” wide

Tags: waist cincher, underbust corset, laughing Moon 113, corselette

McCall's Sewing Pattern M8132 - Women's Victorian High Waist Dress Costume

• The late 18th century begins a period of "Natural" style, ease & comfort
• These dresses skim the body
• Both have an overlay, high empire waistline & neat puff sleeves
• A lovely waist length jacket keeps the chill away
• Perfect for Victorian inspired costumes

McCall's Sewing Pattern M8133 - Men's Victorian Vest Costume

• A man's suit always came with a vest
• Close-fitting, partially interfaced, lined, single & double-breasted vests have front extending to upper & side back, no shoulder or side seams, welt pockets, & back & belt cut of lining fabric
• Perfect for Victorian inspired costumes

McCall's Sewing Pattern M8135 - Men's Victorian Double-Breasted Jacket Costume

• Late 1800's jacket was all about cut & tailoring as an indicator of quality
• Lined double-breasted jackets have two-piece sleeves with gathers, back pleats & shaped hemline; wrong side of fabric & lining will show
• Perfect for Victorian inspired costumes

McCall's Sewing Pattern M8136 - Women's Victorian Jacket and Lined-Skirt Costume

• Suffragette, super nanny or renegade alien these two pieces are very versatile
• Fitted, lined, button front jacket a has two-piece sleeves with gathers, sleeve head & back slit
• Lined skirt b has back invisible zipper
• Perfect for Victorian inspired costumes