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Historic Costumes and How to Make Them

by Mary Fernald

Patterns for fifteen centuries of English dress

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Patterns for fifteen centuries of English dress

Mary Fernald’s guide organizes costume-making material across a broad historical span, from fifth-century Saxon tunics to late-nineteenth-century dress. It pairs scaled diagrams and working patterns with notes on sizing, materials, sewing methods, and period-appropriate colors and textures. Examples include Elizabethan garments, Restoration menswear, eighteenth-century gowns, empire styles, and crinolines. A closing section turns to period headdresses, caps, and hoods, making the book a practical reference for constructing complete historical outfits.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Costume designers seeking historical garment patterns and construction notes
  • Home tailors interested in period clothing
  • Community drama groups preparing historical costumes

Themes

English fashion historyHistorical costume constructionPatterns, materials, and sewing methodsPeriod accessories

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

This practical and informative guidebook is a "must-have" for anyone planning to create accurate period costumes for theatrical productions and historical reenactments. From short tunics worn by Saxon men in the fifth century to a lady's bustle dress of the late 1800s, this profusely illustrated text contains a wealth of authentic patterns. Information on pattern sizes, materials required, and methods of sewing accompany simply drawn diagrams for Elizabethan doublets, capes, and trunks; a man's coat and vest from the Restoration period; a lady's bell-shaped gown of the eighteenth century; an early-nineteenth-century empire gown; a crinoline; and other wardrobe items.
Diagrams have been carefully and accurately drawn to scale from working patterns, and detailed notes for making costumes include suggestions for the most suitable colors and textures to be used for costumes of particular historical periods. A final section includes diagrams and information for creating period headdresses, caps, and hoods. Students of costume design, home tailors, and community drama groups will welcome this carefully researched guide to fifteen centuries of English fashions.
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