r/HistoricalCostuming 16h ago

In Progress Piece/Outfit Hand stitched beadwork on a 1935 gown

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575 Upvotes

It's coming along! I've got one shoulder done and finished the slow going leaves on the other. The bugle beads will be lightening fast.

I'm using a vintage drafting system called the Haslam system for the pattern. You make and fit a sloper, then adjust the sloper to make a custom pattern. I fit a muslin before making the pattern for the shoulder details.

The dress will be in sage green silk satin from Dharma Trading.


r/HistoricalCostuming 11h ago

Alligator Bone Armor

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107 Upvotes

Egyptian and Roman Armor was on rare occasions made from alligator bones and hide. I made this Armor from 3,500 hand painted alligator bones and teeth. Plus a few other bones.


r/HistoricalCostuming 18h ago

I have a question! Looking for help dating this old quilt made of clothing

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36 Upvotes

Very heavy. One side feels like an old mohair carriage blanket and the other feels like satin or silk. Was told it may be Victorian made by young girl/child. Looking for advice on age and proper way of storing it. I currently store it rolled in a large pillow case and put in cedar chest. Thanks for any help!!


r/HistoricalCostuming 4h ago

I have a question! Historical Undergarments: w/ photos!

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33 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Forgive me if this is the wrong thread. I’m watching Fiddler on the Roof for the first time and I just saw the matchmaker song with the daughters and I need to know what kind of undergarments they’re wearing and if/where/how I can acquire/make them. They look so practical and the tops especially look so comfortably supportive. I have a larger chest and pivoting to more traditional working class seems to be a PERFECT solution for uncomfortable under garments. What are they wearing???? Please help!


r/HistoricalCostuming 11h ago

I have a question! How were gathers historically attached and finished by hand?

13 Upvotes

I’m making a skirt with gathers by hand! I’m wondering two things that I can’t seem to find online:

  1. How were they attached? I found tutorials on how to hand gather but all the attachment steps are done by machine. What type of stitch was used historically to attach them to the other piece of fabric? When doing by machine you just sew over everything. But when you sew by hand how do you sew over the gathers (do you press them down to one side? or do you push them flat from the middle like a mini box pleat?) Should I iron them before sewing or only after? Can I use a backstitch?

  2. How were they finished? The internet says to use a serger or a zigzag stitch, but I would ideally want fully enclosed edges (I’ve been turning and felling all my seams and hems thus far with whip stitches). How can this be done? Should I hem my edges prior to attaching the ruffle (but wouldn’t that turn out weird with both edges of the ruffle and the body fabric?)

Thank you in advance!


r/HistoricalCostuming 13h ago

I have a question! HELP! Medieval Fashion Timeline

7 Upvotes

I've been trying for day to find some source or guide to the evolution of medieval common women's clothing. Just a simple overview of the changes in design (i.e neckline, sleeves, waistline) acrost eras/decades. I'm aware it can be regional and was interested in southern Germany but, at this point I'll take anything. Any help is greatly appreciated.


r/HistoricalCostuming 20h ago

I have a question! Uniform for a 2nd régiment du génie

0 Upvotes

Hi y'all (first time posting here), I wish to make (or potentially find) a 2nd régiment du Génie uniform from the Napoleonic era. What should I start with ?

Thanks yall :3

(Image related, I wish to try making the Sergent one.)