5 Free Patterns for Historical Sewing

Hello everyone and welcome to a new video!
I have been planning some more projects for the new year, and I came across some free patterns online which I wanted to share with you. Historical sewing can seem pretty intimidating, especially if you try starting with complicated period drafts. So I thought I'd suggest some simple looking (and one more advanced, in case you're feeling adventurous) free patterns that I found online.
A word of warning: some of these patterns have few instructions (or none) and are untested. This means you may run into issues like seams not matching or having no notches to match on patterns. I think these issues are surmountable, and worth the advantage of having a starting point. I often struggled with the blank page when I'm attempting to flat draft, but I find it easier to have a starting point, make a mock-up, and then fix it as I need to. When you make a mock-up, you can draw new style lines, new necklines, lengths, everything, and adapt the pattern to the end result you're looking for.
Let me know if you've tried any of these patterns below or if you know of more patterns! I'd love to make a few more of these videos on the channel so that we could have a little free pattern library.
Disclaimer: all rights to these patterns and associated images (as well as historical images) remain with their original creators/owners. I've given credit below with links for all images I was able to trace.
-- PATTERNS --
The Bridgerton Dress (for a Regency dress) www.moodfabrics.com/blog/the-...
The Yarrow Dress (for the Edwwardian blouse) www.moodfabrics.com/blog/the-...
The Birch Dress (for the sleeves) www.moodfabrics.com/blog/the-...
The Snapdragon Skirt (for a 1930s skirt) www.moodfabrics.com/blog/the-...
Aranea Black’s Tulip Corset www.araneablack.com/antique-e...
Marmota’s Dress Diaries 1848 Jacket marmota-b.blogspot.com/2014/04...)
-- RESOURCES --
Edwardian Corset Making video • Making an early Edward...
Ye Olde Boob Pad • Making an Edwardian bu...
I've also just found that Aranea Black has a KZbin channel so please check it out! / @araneablack
www.moodfabrics.com/blog/cate...
rbkclocalstudies.wordpress.co...
MET Regency dress 1810 www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
MET Regency evening dress 1810 www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
MET Regency dress 1809-1810 www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Met Regency dress 1800-1805 www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
MET 1885-1890 Dressing jacket www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
MET 1870-1880 Bed jacket www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
MET dress 1880 www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
Hana’s Discussion of Czech National Costume marmota-b.blogspot.com/2014/03...
-- MORE --
Patreon (exclusive videos), / catscostumery
Instagram (perhaps overactive stories): @catscostumery
/ catscostumery
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/V7V7HRLN
Blog: happilyevertaffeta.wordpress.com
Facebook: / catscostumery
-- All Amazon Links are affiliate links! I also have a list of all my useful sewing things here: www.amazon.com/shop/catscostu... --
For business inquiries, email [e-mail]
Music is from Epidemic Sound.

[@keelyjohnston19]

Aranea black has a few tutorials on KZbin that are really in-depth on how to sew her corsets

[@lgrzerostr]

not anymore unfortunately

[@rockymtngirl2066]

I wish everyone would quit talking about it as it’s not there anymore, or figure out a way to make it available somehow legally.

[@keelyjohnston19]

@@rockymtngirl2066 I spoke about it 8 months ago when it was still up.

[@beth12svist]

Hana - Marmota here. Thanks for sending a flood of sharing requests my way. 😆 Google made an update some time ago, changed the links to my files and I missed one and had not had the wherewhittal to redo it for quite some time... I think all the links in the kacabajka pattern post are now fixed. Fingers crossed. Update: I got another request. I'm now honestly convinced the problem isn't on my side.

[@CatsCostumery]

So sorry for any added hassle! The links were working for me when I tried them 😅 thank you so much for sharing that great pattern!

[@beth12svist]

@@CatsCostumery One of the higher sizes links did not. :-)

[@julia.mcconnell]

I also could not access your files 😢

[@beth12svist]

@@julia.mcconnell I have a feeling - maybe completely wrong - that Google changed it up behind the scenes somehow that whenever someone tries to access it, they automatically expect them to edit it, so when I have it set up for reading only, I have to individually approve access. I am planning to eventually set up a Ko-fi account to solve all these problems Google Docs are giving me, but it will probably still take time. If it's you who tried to access the files a couple moments ago, hopefully it works for you now...

[@StellaMariaGiulia]

I loved this video! I knew a couple of them but the jacket alone is priceless! I want to make one. If you have more, please do share ❤️ Ps. Speaking of the 20th century, Mrs Depew and Vera Venus have a few free patterns from the 30s and 40s and the V&A has two Mary Quant 60s inspired dress patterns and a Frida Kahlo huipil pattern available, if anyone is interested.

[@CatsCostumery]

Thank you, I'll check these out! ☺️

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I have one Mary Quant. Thx for the other hints.

[@gildedgitta]

I am actually making that last jacket! Very slowly. Do note that there is one clear patterning error that id known, and it is that the shoulder "strap" part is not long enough, so you should immediately lengthen that for a mock up!

[@beth12svist]

I should note that in the post, I realised that myself at some point and forgot all about it. The wearer of the original was clearly significantly shorter than average in the torso, and I forgot to account for that in the shoulder area at the time.

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I literally spent an hour looking for a free pattern for a vintage flannel night gown for my mother. Such a timely topic!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Wow that’s a great list! Almost a present! I have difficulty looking things up my keywords and phrasing don’t make sense to anyone but me. So unless a kid is feeling like it I avoid that nightmare. It’s just frustrating. TLDR any time you want to do a video like this I’m all for it!!!

[@mayfair_forest_witch]

I can't handle how beautiful you are in this video, I mean, you are always beautiful of course, but your overall look here is above and beyond!

[@nix_cosplay]

I can vouch for Araea Black's patterns! I love the underbust I made with them

[@MabruBlack]

Mood also has a sleeves pattern bundle called ‘MDF312 - The Valli Sleeve Pattern Pack’, there are a few there that could be used for historical modifications. It can be found under the ‘accessories’ section.

[@jeannegreeneyes1319]

Thank you and yes, I'd enjoy more free pattern sources and ideas videos. Be great to watch you make some of them as well.

[@jackiejames4551]

This was a great introduction to free patterns, and I would be very interested in seeing what else is out there.

[@taylorwidmer6208]

I made a long skirt version of the Bridgerton dress over the summer! It came out so cute.

[@heathermclaren9506]

Great suggestions! I have spent a looooot of time staring at Mood patterns to work out how to hack them. I want to make the Yarrow dress anyway but hadn't thought of using it for a shirtwaist!

[@samanthakessel7285]

I am very close to finishing a jacket... It is a wool patchwork where I have whipped the wool squares toogether with wool thread and the resulting fabrics folded and top-stitched to pattern pieces made of cotton batting. Then the pattern pieces are whipped together.

[@bonniehyden962]

You could never put out too many videos, Dear Lady!

[@dianerobb3968]

I enjoyed the video you presented sharing free patterns from Mood, I am interested in seeing more like this, thank you and God richly bless you and your family

[@elainebye9090]

I love this type of video! Very good ideas. I'd like to try more than one of them. I'm definitely the type of person who neeeeeeeeds a starting point!

[@lynndragon2536]

I’d love to see you try a few of those modifications to the patterns

[@believeinfaeries8713]

I have a couple of the Mood patterns saved! I hadn’t thought to try to make historically inspired clothes with them. I can also vouch for the Aranea Black patterns. I have used many of her patterns to make some great corsets.

[@mjdc2533]

This was interesting and fun to watch. I like this style and topic as it gets me thinking as well. Easy on the pocket book is nice. Patterns get expensive.

[@RachelRhiarti]

Especially with the current energy costs/sub-zero Scotland situation, I'm greatly appreciating the free pattern recommendations - thank you! I do wish Mood were a little (lot) less spammy... such a lovely range of patterns and fabrics, but I ended up blocking them because there's no unsubscribe option on their emails. The Anarea Black KZbin link doesn't work for me. This one does, if anyone else runs into the same problem: www.youtube.com/@AraneaBlack

[@annak4314]

Why does the link not work and the channel does not show anything at all 😢

[@jessicabey275]

Oh and thank you for this! I downloaded some of AB corset patterns and I did see she had a YT channel that she has some tutorials.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

It's so generous that these patterns are offered for free.

[@marshaloneagle4646]

This was wonderful! I am more history bounding than historical recon. Love love the info on how to move X pattern forwards or backwards with little tweaks.

[@MichelleSMV]

This is such a great resource that you’ve provided. I always knew about Mood having free patterns but I hadn’t known about some of the others. Really great video Cat!

[@clt8923]

Thank you very much for this video. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos and never mind free patterns to play with.

[@fri5481]

Realy enjoy this content. Just get the inspiration Juice going😊

[@aniE1869]

Your blouse makes you look like a cute little pumpkin! 🧡

[@LaraSchiffbauer]

I absolutely am involved in more videos like this! I need the guide of a pattern to allow the creative side of things to grow and still be wearable! I totally enjoyed todays video and will be checking out the coat pattern!

[@katyb2793]

Thank you so much for generously sharing these! And can I say, every time you say 'show' it sounds SO Australian 😄🇦🇺 We'll happily adopt you!

[@nannasbraindump6343]

I'm always on the lookout for free patterns, and find it very difficoult to find. The corset is just the thing I have been searching for. Thank you.

[@JekahAQuilter]

This is great! I’ve used a Aranea pattern before and they’re beautiful ❤️

[@darkred83]

Great video and lots of inspiration! Would love to see more videos in this direction. 😊

[@michellecornum5856]

Yes! More of this, please.

[@BethAge95]

Thank you for sharing these information! Very helpful to get started without spending a lot of money :)

[@SpeedAkinom]

Great video topic! My first corset is made from Aranea Black’s pattern. I also use Mood’s free patterns, but not for historical projects yet. I will try and sew stockings and gloves from free patterns next year.

[@katybradley5143]

Mood’s patterns are a great starting point for beginners and are reasonably size inclusive as well. The amount of ease varies based on who designed the pattern and the style of the pattern, so I always recommend a mock-up. You could easily do a whole follow up video just of Mood patterns that can be adjusted for historically inspired clothing!

[@WantedVisual]

I love this!

[@danhurl1349]

this is so great!

[@nian60]

Thank you for all the tips. Aranea Black has many videos with corset advice.

[@FilomenaJackStudio]

Thank you!❤

[@AliciaB.]

oh yes please make more videos like this !!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

If I hadn't already made Sewstine's kefta (free Mood pattern) I would be SO tempted by that 1848 jacket! ...I still kind of am... but I have too many coats and jackets already! The corset though... very tempting. Would love to try a wrap corset but omg so much work to fit to my "brick with boobs" figure and I don't know how/when to pad things out.

[@CatsCostumery]

I've tried the kefta pattern, it's a great one! ☺️

[@adedow1333]

I do like this video very much. I agree that the keystone guide is quite intimidating, but once you get into it and figure out where there was a single instruction left out, it's much easier. My main frustration with that guide is that there are no instructions for assembly. I would up making a lovely walking skirt, but I bag-lined it because I didn't have the space to treat it all as a single layer (and I didn't want to fell all those seams in the inside). So the sale is right, but the internal methods are not.

[@DebbieGring]

Thank you for this video! And goo luck on you PHD endeavors!

[@eastlynburkholder3559]

Great info

[@kessera5645]

Saddly Arenea's website and channel are down. I made my first corset with her pattern and luckily downloaded some other patterns I wanted to try

[@julia.mcconnell]

Oh no, I just bumped into this video and I was too late. Do you mind sharing the pattern, please? Thank you

[@stevezytveld6585]

Thanks. This was fun. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@theco-conspiriters]

Wooop!!! Goooood stuffffff

[@pixiew93]

First time seeing your videos and I just wanna say your hair is gorgeous!

[@tashacano3324]

I think I've dled that shirt pattern before lol it's called the wren shirt & it's free too

[@nicolemulready6329]

Your hair looks beautiful in this!

[@rivergalen4020]

Please make more.

[@cocorita4312]

i love the shirt that you are wearing in the video :) can you tell us a bit more about it?

[@CatsCostumery]

I made it, there’s a video about it on the channel if you search ‘victorian’ :)

[@jessicabey275]

My printer does not like pdf patterns. I just made my dad a buttom up shirt from mood and the scaling was all over the place. I had the settings right before printing and it also doesn't print around 1/4th of a inch of the bottom. It's happened to all of the patterns I print just not mood. I'm just going to go to office max or something and print them off. It's very frustrating

[@katybradley5143]

If you’re in the US try the plotted pattern for pdf pattern printing. It’s way less expensive than any print shop near me could offer, and they’re very quick.

[@jessicabey275]

@@katybradley5143 is this the site that turns print at home patterns to A0? I have a print shop near me and to get 3 A0 printed it was between $5-$10

[@katybradley5143]

That’s a reasonable price for 3 AO pages. Idk if this site can convert a pdf pattern to A0 if it’s set to A4/8x10. I just know they can print my patterns for me for a lot less than anywhere in my area.

[@jessicabey275]

@Katy Bradley the first place I called didn't even know what A0 was 😳 seriously and it's a print shop... Then I second knew what I was talking about when I said sewing patterns

[@kaytiej8311]

I've found some 70s patterns work well for the 30s. Thanks for all the research you've done for this. Really helpful and interesting.

[@justinanderson4814]

You remind me a lot of Maddie Ferguson from Twin Peaks 🤘

[@louiselund2419]

I love it ❤

[@kimikohide6940]

Question: it's there a big difference between the new edition of pattern of fashion and the old one? 'Cause I have the old one and I don't know if I should but the new version. If it's worth it or not.

[@jennydiedrick-edwards8108]

For those who do not know, Aranea Black has closed her website and all social media pages. No one seems to know what may have precipitated this; I have concerns. There is no access to her pattern library and all of her content has been removed. 😭

[@julia.mcconnell]

😢😢😢😢😢

[@JuniBlueDoe]

Great video! Not sure if you’ll respond, but where did you get your shirt? Did you make it? I’m dying to get my hands on a shirt with giant sleeves just like it but there’s no patterns online😭

[@CatsCostumery]

I did make it! There's two videos on it in the channel under Garibaldi shirt and Modern Victorian ☺️

[@byggrynsgroet]

love this! but what about the blouse you're wearing in the video? did you sew it yourself, and do you have a tutorial and/ or pattern?

[@CatsCostumery]

It's called the Garibaldi blouse, I have two videos on it in this channel! :)

[@byggrynsgroet]

@@CatsCostumery thank you!💕

[@mnickrowe]

Is your yellow mustard blouse from Son De Flor?

[@lucyj8204]

I've made up the Snapdragon and it's too narrow for me (I prefer Volume for Days) and the godets are hideous to put in, but it would definitely work for someone with more skill and less podge!

[@IlonaZilinskaite]

You look so beautiful in this video 🤩🤩🤩

[@megansingerlcsw2116]

Is there a pattern for your blouse?

[@evyrose14]

It's the garibaldi blouse, she has video's on it on her channel, I believe!