Glossary – A brief list of historical sewing terms and techniques as well as period and modern fashion terms.
How Can We Help You Be Successful in Your Historical Costuming?
If you’d like to see a tutorial on a specific aspect of 19th Century historical sewing and costuming please contact us.
20 thoughts on “Tutorials”
Christine Armstrongsays:
Hello Jen,
Will you do a tutorial on simple ribbon closure for a regency gown? Mine is not gathered at the neck to the high waist; rather, it has a a fitted neckline and is fitted at the waist with a pleated skirt. Thank you.
So, do you merely need to close it in the back? Even without a drawstring it’s entirely doable and easy.
Use twill tape or grosgrain ribbon (cotton or linen twill tape recommended) in a 1/4″ width; Fold under one end and securely sew (hand tacking is best) to the inside of the dress at the neckline and waist. A third set can be sewn halfway between neck and waist. Use about 12-14″ lengths for each side and trim if necessary. When dressing, tie the sets at neck and waist; ribbons will be seen but are not inappropriate for the era.
Hope this helps!
I deleted those accounts as I didn’t agree with the Terms of Service and their running of those platforms. I will be announcing in the near future where people can find me on other social media sites.
I would love to see an article or tutorial on how to modify a front bodice pattern for a large bust, where the front and side back are all part of the same pattern, I.e., there is no side seam. More length and possibly width must be added to the front, but not necessarily to the sides or back, but hard to do when the side back is part of the front bodice, as is the case with many period women’s bodices, and some men’s waistcoat patterns too.
I would look at “full-bust adjustment” (FBAs) online and in books. Sandra Betzina’s Fast Fit book is one of my favorites for enlarging a bodice front for my large bust cup (DDD). Since FBAs only slice from armhole to apex then down to hem, it won’t/shouldn’t affect the side back area at all. If it does, take in any excess into one of the front darts or pinch up the side back seam.
I’vejust found your wonderful page and already I’m envisioning all I’d love to make. What period dresses would have been worn during the time of King Henry’ reign please? Do I apply these same techniques you’ve already mentioned to sewing for small girls (size 1-2) please?
Thank you so very much.
Welcome to our Joyful Community Dianne!
Unfortunately I don’t know costuming from the 16th century. But do a few google searches and many resources will come up for you.
Although the sewing & patterning techniques we love to write about and share can span decades of historical sewing projects you are doing, our focus is on 19th century into early 20th century.
I love your site. I will be attending a college in the fall for their Costume Cutting and Design program. I have learned so much already. Please keep it coming. Thank you again.
Love your site. I’m learning historical costume design sewing for my 15″ dolls – same techniques but adjusted for tiny figures that require thin fabrics and tiny patterns. I grew up reading historical costume books for fun…! Thanks for the insiration and motivation.
Hello Jen,
Will you do a tutorial on simple ribbon closure for a regency gown? Mine is not gathered at the neck to the high waist; rather, it has a a fitted neckline and is fitted at the waist with a pleated skirt. Thank you.
So, do you merely need to close it in the back? Even without a drawstring it’s entirely doable and easy.
Use twill tape or grosgrain ribbon (cotton or linen twill tape recommended) in a 1/4″ width; Fold under one end and securely sew (hand tacking is best) to the inside of the dress at the neckline and waist. A third set can be sewn halfway between neck and waist. Use about 12-14″ lengths for each side and trim if necessary. When dressing, tie the sets at neck and waist; ribbons will be seen but are not inappropriate for the era.
Hope this helps!
Hello Jen, what happen to your Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages?
I deleted those accounts as I didn’t agree with the Terms of Service and their running of those platforms. I will be announcing in the near future where people can find me on other social media sites.
What is the best fabric to make a long, flowing cloak?
Wool! Definitely. You can read more on wool in this post. 🙂
I would love to see an article or tutorial on how to modify a front bodice pattern for a large bust, where the front and side back are all part of the same pattern, I.e., there is no side seam. More length and possibly width must be added to the front, but not necessarily to the sides or back, but hard to do when the side back is part of the front bodice, as is the case with many period women’s bodices, and some men’s waistcoat patterns too.
I would look at “full-bust adjustment” (FBAs) online and in books. Sandra Betzina’s Fast Fit book is one of my favorites for enlarging a bodice front for my large bust cup (DDD). Since FBAs only slice from armhole to apex then down to hem, it won’t/shouldn’t affect the side back area at all. If it does, take in any excess into one of the front darts or pinch up the side back seam.
I’vejust found your wonderful page and already I’m envisioning all I’d love to make. What period dresses would have been worn during the time of King Henry’ reign please? Do I apply these same techniques you’ve already mentioned to sewing for small girls (size 1-2) please?
Thank you so very much.
Welcome to our Joyful Community Dianne!
Unfortunately I don’t know costuming from the 16th century. But do a few google searches and many resources will come up for you.
Cheers!
Jennifer
I’m guessing you mean Henry the Eighth…check out Prior Attire, she has Tudor fashions. Her blog is called “A Damsel In This Dress”.
Do you have,any Renaissance info?
Although the sewing & patterning techniques we love to write about and share can span decades of historical sewing projects you are doing, our focus is on 19th century into early 20th century.
Jennifer,
Can you post a tutorial on how to make a scolloped hemline that is so common on historical fashions? Thanks
One that is plain or one bound with binding? Any particular time period?
I love your site. I will be attending a college in the fall for their Costume Cutting and Design program. I have learned so much already. Please keep it coming. Thank you again.
Hi Jennifer, Did you get my email about a tutorial on reading Truley Victorin Bodices patterns. Hope to size it is what I need. Thanks Sally
Yes, we did receive your suggestion. Thanks!
Love your site. I’m learning historical costume design sewing for my 15″ dolls – same techniques but adjusted for tiny figures that require thin fabrics and tiny patterns. I grew up reading historical costume books for fun…! Thanks for the insiration and motivation.
Susan