Original antique and vintage sewing patterns can cost a small fortune. Unless the buyer is a collector, it may be worth seeking those free or cheaper sources for costume patterns found online in order to reproduce the clothing. There are numerous websites offering vintage clothing and costume patterns that are downloadable, printable and ripe for re-drafting.
Regency Costume Sewing Patterns
The British Regency period, from 1790 to 1820, was so-named when the Prince of Wales became Regent due to the illness of King George III. Women gave up the tightly-laced corsets and boned corsets for looser corded ones and they gave up hooped skirts in favor of the empire waist. The empire waist began with the ancient Greeks and has returned to fashion time and time again through millennia, into the Renaissance period and nearly every decade since the Pre-Raphaelites of the 19th century.
Kosha the Cat has created a few patterns based on designs from Regency fashions including a hat and a petticoat. Instructions are illustrated and easy to follow.
The Costumer's Manifesto is a huge website pertaining to vintage fashion that has pulled together a massive collection of materials for research and study. For those interested in the Regency period, it has complete illustrated directions for making the form of a Regency straw hat, a popular style at the time, and worn during the warmer months of summer as straw hats are worn today.
Victorian and Edwardian Sewing Patterns
The original clothing from this period was very detailed and convoluted with lots of components, so seamstresses should be patient and take these projects slow and easy. There will be a fair bit of handwork involved in most cases.
Tudor Links' website has a wonderful collection of free Edwardian and Victorian sewing patterns. The patterns are all based on original designs for women, men and children. For women, expect to find a complete ensemble from corset and chemise to ball gown and mantle with several choices. Patterns need to be enlarged and/or redrafted.
Vintage Connections' website has pulled together over thirty-five vintage patterns from old books. Most are for experienced seamstresses with little instruction. Expect to find corset patterns, Victorian dresses, a bustle and even a Regency costume.
Costume Gallery has a 1895 evening skirt sewing pattern with illustrated instructions. It includes a scaled pattern sheet for enlarging onto pattern paper. Costume Gallery also offers online classes in costume sewing.
United States Civil War reenactment enthusiasts will delight in the patterns offered in antique Godey's Lady's books and periodicals. The patterns have been enhanced, and as per the originals found in the Godey's periodicals, the pieces overlap. Instructions have not been rewritten but are also original. These are for seamstresses with natural skill, or a good understanding of the language of sewing and fashion of the period.
Further Reading
Vintage Sewing is a reference library of antique books, booklets, periodicals that were all geared to home sewers and due to the lapse in copyright, these materials can be opened and studied online. Its a rich source for the study of vintage fashion and sewing. The article Antique and Vintage Apparel Research and Study for Collectors may be of interest for those looking for further sources of study.
Seamstresses may also be interested in learning Where to Find Free Online Sewing Patterns for Period Corsets. And they might like to know How to Reproduce Vintage and Antique Clothing. This is an instructional piece intended to show the reader how to turn a tired old Victorian dress into pattern pieces for re-making. The article Collecting Vintage Sewing Patterns may also be of interest.
Lorraine Syratt - Lorraine Syratt is a freelance writer, gardener and part-time antique dealer. Please see her full profile for more information.
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