Reconstructing History

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

Reconstructing History #RH002 - High Medieval Common Woman's Dress Sewing Pattern

Full-size paper pattern with complete instructions and historical notes for 15th century Commonwoman's Kirtle with long (A) or short (B) sleeves and pin-on Sleeves. 

Easy enough for a beginner.  Beautiful enough for an expert.

RH002 fits busts 28"-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 #RH004 - Medieval Peasant Man Clothes Costume Sewing Pattern

12th through 16th c Peasant Man sewing pattern

Paper pattern for Western European Peasant Men. It includes patterns for the tunic, leggings, hood or coif, drawers, and shirt shown in these illustrations and based on extant archeological examples.

Fits chests 34"-54". All Sizes in one envelope.

Reconstructing History #RH007 - Late Medieval to Early Renaissance Costume Dress Sewing Pattern

1440s-1480s Lady's V-neck Gown sewing pattern - look like a medieval princess!

The ubiquitous V-necked gown of the mid-15th century -- often called The Burgundian Gown -- appears to be a unique and singular garment. This historical period costume pattern is for the V-neck Gown so popular among Western European noblewomen in the 15th century. 

Both the pleated early version and the smooth-fitting later version are included in the pattern, along with two sleeve variations.

Fits busts 28"-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 #RH017 - Medieval Women's Dress Sewing Pattern

Buy our full-size paper pattern with complete instructions and historical notes for 14th century Kirtle or "Cotehardie" with long buttoned or laced or short sleeves with or without tippets.  Northern European and Italian variants included.  A variety of closures and neckline options are also included.

It may seem rather academic but the accuracy of your gown depends upon how accurately you construct it. Of course you can make a fantasy version. But if you want to be historically accurate, it's best to look less like a pink princess and more like the peasants down the street. Also boots, hats, a cloak, and a bodice do not belong with this outfit. Hoods are worn. The hair can also be worn uncovered in elaborate braided hairstyles. Creating a wonderful woolen gown is all in the cutting. A color you love will make a real beauty. Black or blue or yellow or crimson or even cloth of gold will make a garment elegant in its simplicity.

RH017 fits busts 28"-48" and waists 23"-41". All Sizes in one envelope.  
RH017Q fits busts 48"-60" and waists 41"-53". 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 #RH019 - 14th century Women's Surcote sewing pattern

This garment was worn over the tightly fitting kirtle (RH017) as an overdress the church elders called "The Gates of Hell" because it revealed a woman's curves through its side openings.

RH017 fits busts 28"-48" and waists 21"-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 #RH107 - Men's 1630's Cassock and Cape Sewing Pattern

This full-size paper pattern for men's cassock (casaque) or mandillion.  Can be worn as a sleeved overcoat or a cape. Detailed instructions with embellishment suggestions and historical notes.

Multisized to fit chests 32"-60".

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

Reconstructing History #RH202 - Elizabethan and Jacobean Loose Gowns Sewing Pattern

Gowns feature an open front, epaulettes and a stiff inner yoke to which the gown is pleated for support. Choose from two different styles of hanging sleeves or a sleeveless version. Historical notes. All Sizes in one envelope. Embellishment suggestions included.

These full size paper patterns for Elizabethan and Jacobean Loose Gowns are based on extant examples in the Isham Collection.

Fits busts 28"-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 #RH203 - Late Elizabethan Corsets Sewing Pattern

This paper pattern for late Elizabethan corsets is based on two historical extant English examples. 

View A, based on the pair of boys (corsets) belonging the Pfalzgräfin Dorothea Sabina von Neuberg in 1598 are front-boned, five piece bodys featuring a static front busk, integral shoulder straps, back laced closure, and separate tabs at the waist. 

View B, based on the corset worn by the effigy of Queen Elizabeth I in Westminster Cathedral, features a front opening and integral waist tabs. Historical notes. All Sizes in one envelope. Fits bust 30½"-48" and waist 23"-41". Embellishment suggestions included.

Fits busts 28"-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 #RH204 - Elizabethan Women's Gown Sewing Pattern

Paper pattern with complete instructions and historical notes for Elizabethan Loose Gown and Kirtle with matching Sleeves based on extant examples in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nürnberg, Germany. Kirtle features interlining for shape, applied decoration, eyeleted back closure, and tie-on sleeves. Gown can be mid-calf or floor length and features a straight or cut-away front, applied decoration, relaxed puff or padded sleeves, and a stand collar.

Fits busts 28"-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 #RH205 - Renaissance Men's Doublet Sewing Pattern

1570s-1600 Elizabethan Doublet sewing pattern to be worn with RH206 Renaissance Trunkhose.

Paper patterns with complete instructions and historical notes for man's doublet circa 1570s-1600. Included are instructions for optional peascod belly.

Fits chests 34"-54". All sizes included in one envelope.

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