At the moment, this is the beginning of our recommended pattern
page.
These are just a sampling out of several major pattern companies out there
that carry historic patterns. With any pattern, we definitely recommend
making a practice garment out of a cheap fabric (that's close in weight and
texture to the final fabric you intend to use) in order to get a good fit.
Past Patterns
The Historical Pattern Co.
P.O. Box 2446
Richmond, IN 47375-2446
(866) 738-8426
http://www.pastpatterns.com/
-Best bet as far for authenticity and detailed instructions!
-Men’s and women’s historic patterns that are based off of originals,
with notes on period sewing techniques.
-Good basic patterns for women are #702 (dart fitted bodice), #707
(chemise) and #704 (ballgown bodice).
-Good basic patterns for men are #007 (two mid-19th century pleated
front shirts) and #014 (classic plain-cut summer trousers of the Mid-19th
century).
Homespun Patterns
-Good patterns for women include W-001 and W-005 (both women’s
basic work dresses).
-Good patterns for men include M-020 (civilian sack coat), M-019 (civilian
vest), M-O23 (civilian trousers), and M-011 (drawers).
-These patterns are made off of originals in the Kentucky State Historical
Society, but are good basic patterns which convey the “look” of the period,
North or South.
Simplicity
(Modern pattern sewing company that has extending their line of good
Civil War period patterns. These are available at any fabric store/section.)
-Recommended patterns include: #7212; ladies’ day dress with work dress
option. The fancier design seems late war since the skirt fabric
is concentrated toward the back, but this can be easily adjusted.
Go for the simpler version for a great utilitarian dress.
-#7215; chemise and corset (make multiple chemises; you’ll be glad
to be able to change into a fresh one over the course of a re-enacting
weekend!).
Elizabeth Stewart Clark
PMB-354, 1795 W. Broadway
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 523-3673
http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com/
-I have not personally tried out these patterns, but they appear to
be simple and are great for basic children's clothing.
-carries Elizabeth’s “Historic Moments” patterns for young boys and
girls.
-step-by-step instructions for infant frocks, girls’ dresses, boys’
frocks and boys’ top/bottom combination garments.
Period Impressions
(carried by) James Country Mercantile
P.O. Box 364
Liberty, MO 64068
(816) 781-9473
(Beware: some of these patterns pieces don’t always fit together. This company does not have their own website, but there are many sutlers that carry PI patterns. Listed below is one of several)
-Men’s, women’s and children’s patterns.
-Good patterns for women include P-448 (1859 style dress) and P-453
(basic work dress).
-Good pattern for men is P-752 (civilian style shirt commonly worn
by the soldiers).
-Good pattern for little girls is P-301 (basic day dress).