So many components go into creating clothing from the 19th Century. Going beyond the basics of line, proportion/scale, color and texture, these 5 Elements are crucial to successful historical costuming. Start with these Elements and adapt them to your specific project.
Element #3 – Pattern, Tools & Notions
The supplies to create your design.
- Pattern: No matter if you’re using a commercial pattern, a drafted pattern from your own draped design, or starting from scratch on blank paper, the sewing pattern is blueprint for your garments. The pattern also includes all cutting details, seam allowances, and any special notes exclusive to the design.
- Tools: You may not think of it, but even your sewing machine, iron, awl and grommet setter is part of your design. If you are making a turn-of-the-century corset, you’ll most likely need scissors, an awl, zipper foot for the machine and so forth to complete the project. However, for a delicate Romantic Era gown, your special machine feet can be put away and are not considered part of the 5 Elements for that garment.
- Notions: The true hardware for your historical costume. Sewing notions include all the little bits needed to complete a garment – buttons, hook & eyes, snaps, even thread. For period clothing your notions also include corset busks, grommets, buttons to cover, steel boning, and hoop and millinery wire.
Resources: Notions & Tools
Back to Element #2 – Fit
Forward to Element #4 – Fabric & Trim