How to Make an 18th century Gown by yourself with NO pattern

[@NicoleRudolph]

Brooklinen's Black Friday Sale just got better! They are now offering 25% OFF with up to 40% off their bundles. This is the best deal they've ever offered! You can shop it via my link bit.ly/nicolerudolphyt

[@Kattaccino]

My toxic trait is thinking I could do this despite never having worked up the courage to make an 18th century gown WITH a pattern 😂 your mastery is on full display here.

[@seanathanbeanathan]

This has to be my new favorite comment meme- it's always a little *too* accurate

[@agcons]

Different projects but same trait for me: "No problem! I'll do this, then this, then that, and I'll be done!". Well, no, but the planning and dreaming are fun.

[@barbara_LL]

lol same

[@hannahstraining7476]

This is definitely NOT a toxic trait!! There is nothing wrong with dreaming of making something above your current skill set, as long as you take the time and make the effort to learn the new skills needed first.

[@theexchipmunk]

@@hannahstraining7476 This. It´s more the other way around. If you don´t think like this, you will never make it. The part one needs to adjust is expectation. Because something will never turn out like imagined, there always will be problems and inadequacies one is unhappy about. And from nearly 4 years of making 18th century men´s wear now I can tell, this will never go away, because ones mind just changes the goal posts without even really consciously aware of it. When I started it was "It´s so inaccurate, the techniques and the cut are wrong.". Now it is "It´s still so inaccurate, that stitch is not as wide as it is meant to and the buckram interfacing is cut a bit too curved."

[@JillianEve]

I feel projects like this show us how important community was for textile production. Awesome job doing it alone!

[@wormking9506]

omg Jillian eve!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Kairi98503]

As a recluse I struggle bussed to make my Italian gown, so this video is good reference for when I tackle the cut away one day. Also for anyone doing 16th century dress for the first time DO NOT DO A PURE LINEN BODICE FOR YOUR FIRST TIME! LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE!

[@NicoleRudolph]

Our biggest recommendation for any beginners of any time period is WOOL. Find something that isn't too spongy and it will be your friend!

[@Tvianne]

@@NicoleRudolph thank you both, this is a good tip, I'll keep it in mind ☺

[@naomi.j.m.]

@@NicoleRudolphin that case, would we still want to use linen lining? Or is it better to use something different?

[@NicoleRudolph]

@@naomi.j.m. Always a linen lining! There's very very few examples of anything else until cotton takes over in the 19th c.

[@naomi.j.m.]

@@NicoleRudolph okay, thank you! I've always wanted to make a gown like this (although probably I'd make a more everyday one), I have the american duchess book but seeing you figure out the pattern on video was so helpful!

[@kathleenwoods8416]

I love the methods here. I don't see stuff like the tape trick of yours in modern drafting tutorials, which is annoying, cause like a lot of really advanced cheat-codes its seems perfectly applicable even for a very amatuer sewist!

[@nightburststudios2142]

I’m studying theatrical costuming at uni and I literally just finished a project where we had to figure out and calculate the price of the fabric and notions needed to create this exact dress (1:09)

[@MossyMozart]

@nightburststudios2142 - And.....? (Sounds like fun.)

[@saskiacowan8962]

I’m always impressed by how you manage to draft garments on yourself

[@OsloTime]

Watching this is incredible! I accidentally sat on my glasses and I couldn't figure out how to bend them back to get them to their somewhat original form. Hahah, so I can't even imagine how hard this would be for a beginner whose never sewn anything, like myself. I am living thru Nicole and other sewers' beautiful dreamy creations! 🤩🥰

[@Turquerina]

This is gorgeous handiwork and your gown feels like what a historically accurate Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) might have looked like! I hope the ball was fun, because the way the gowns moved in that room is truly the stuff of dreams...

[@MossyMozart]

@Turquerina - That roomful of silk swoooshing!

[@hailtothefire_]

Watching you hand sew is so incredibly relaxing. I shouldn't be watching this right now when I'm sleepy. It's just making me want to go back to bed haha

[@anettveg6207]

I've been waiting for this video, ever since you said a few months ago, that there will be more 18th century content on your channel. All those years working with this period, and you throuroughness shines through every minute of it. More, more, please have more of 18th century. Thanks.

[@TheGabygael]

i was actually plannng on getting dressed18th century for my birthday in march. it's the first period i looked into (thanks to Katikut who put the craft on my radar, LBCC Historical who fascinated me and Outlander that made me daydream) but i've gotten quite rusty there and i mever start from a commercial pattern because i'm ~~cheap~~ and i try to go as historical i mix primary sources and tertiary sources as soon as something doesn't feel right

[@wednes3day]

Thank you for having proper(?)/manually done subtitles!

[@user-vw2dw3vl5g]

I’m just so blown away with your skills. I’ve been sewing clothes for 50 years and am 65. I’ve sewn by hand and think I’m pretty good, but you so far pass me like my a 10 year old novice! I’m making several items and am researching each of your videos and so enjoy the labor! Thank you! Thank you! For taking the time and patience to do your videos! Best to you!

[@betsyhill3254]

Just found this … recovering from surgery and catching up . Absolutely appreciate your teaching style and look forward to your patterns! Thank you!

[@florindalucero3236]

For Halloween last year I needed something like this, but couldn’t afford/didn’t have the time to buy or make something. So I took a corset, an Autumnal wrap dress that had ruffles at the cuff and hem, and a bunch of plaid flannel fabric that I was going to use to make a quilt. I used a white long sleeve cotton blouse, turned the corset around to mimic the straight top of the 18th C, and whipped the fabric into a temporary floor length skirt. But the part I’m most proud of is the wrap dress - I pinned it at the waist front to imitate a stomacher, used the fabric belt to tie gather it at the center back to make a flounce, and the elbow length ruffled sleeves were just right. It was giving Mary from Hocus Pocus and I was so proud!

[@felinetherapy4782]

Glorious. Best fabric choice, so regal.

[@cherylrosbak4092]

You wear those colours so well! That trick with the tape looks so useful; I think I might try it first for padding out my dress form.

[@mikuhatsune184]

I like your tape method for self fitting. On fitting my first gown last year, I printed the shapes of a gown from PoF that I liked and split and spliced the paper until it fit me. Lots of tape and going back and forth, but I eventually got it. Your method looks like it is a lot easier to manage than that and also takes into account how fabric, unlike paper, stretches in various ways. I’ll try your method on my next gown, so thank you for the video 🤗

[@Musicwarmsmysoul]

Anyone else think that it's almost prettier bustled? What an amazing feat! Definitely beyond my skills currently. Beautiful dress.

[@Inlandexile]

Bailey has earned herself extra treats and snuggles!

[@pammatthews9743]

The colors within this gown suited you wonderfully

[@spikedcolor]

Really enjoy seeing all the construction and how many steps are involved in making these gowns. Amazing work, as always!

[@victoriawu6551]

The absolute flexing on display here. Beautiful gown.

[@beckstheimpatient4135]

I was right! You look like the most delicious Ferrero Rocher chocolate truffle! The gown suits you so well, and oh boy do I love the soubds of your tailor's shears, and the sound of stitching silk.

[@hannahstraining7476]

Oh my, this gown is just stunning! The back just took my breath away, and then seeing it gently swish as you walked away from the camera, just so elegant! Doing all that patterning on your own is impressive, too. The back bodice and the sleeve construction were particular interesting. I hope you have many occasions to wear this gown!

[@ecologicaladam7262]

Is it superfluous to say "Stunning"? Your back end looked absolutely amazing and you had just the right walk to make it swing - something I appreciate as an occasional kilt-wearer! Congrats from the UK :-)

[@tiredoftrolls2629]

How would you freshen a dress such as this that would never be washed? Historically, how would it be done? I know they wore protective undergarments, but I have been places where people have sweat through many layers.

[@NicoleRudolph]

The linen undergarments do a really great job to start as it evaporates moisture far faster than cotton or synthetics. The lining, being linen as well, is less prone to odor even if it does get dampened. Spot cleaning and dry cleaning are great options beyond that if the gown is out of a fabric that can't be submerged in water. I have gently soaked linen and wool gowns before, for example. But for silk, tricks like vodka (gin was used historically) do wonders to remove sweat issues.

[@carmendavila272]

So pretty! I can’t believe you sewed all that by hand! I know it’s the wrong era for this, but it reminds me of Sweeney Todd. I think you should make a matching skirt-petticoat.

[@twinnish]

What a beautiful job you did on that dress! It’s gorgeous. I love the dresses that don’t have so much trim on them because I think that’s more my style.. I love the ones with all the trim, but I know I would feel silly in them. I appreciate the aesthetic of all of them, but I also know the ones that I lean towards. I think yours is very feminine, and also very simple and I like that. The fabric and the silhouette are perfect.😘

[@KlingonPrincess]

I saw your short yesterday and am so excited to watch this in full! Just finished watching. It's truly magnificent!

[@zuul81]

I sew a similar dress but your fabric choice is so much better than mine.

[@megb9700]

Me trying to figure out how you found a wig in modern times with an 18th C style, then I realized it’s like Loretta Lynne’s. The whole creation is stunning!

[@MiljaHahto]

I won't be making a 18th century gown - probably ever - but this has so many fitting and drafting tips irregardless of time period. Marvellous!

[@karink6974]

That was impressive! All of your videos are. You are so talented! Beautiful dress.

[@haleycarmon8329]

do y’all know how many times i’ve cried trying to fit things over my body?? too many. this video has been sent from the heavens because so many people do not explain or show how to fit without a dress form. it makes me bonkers as a visual learner.

[@RCZeta919]

Ahhh, those colors look divine on you! I love that zone front style. Every day I get closer to making 18th c stays 😅

[@hannahbradshaw2186]

I've got the Scroop Augusta pattern waiting but I'm terrified 😂

[@friendlybunnie]

I want a victorian men's suit to match, that pattern is everything

[@theexchipmunk]

While the sleeve fitting is quite helpful, I am actually very happy about the other part you have shown, namely the separation of the seam from the lining when sewing up the sleeve. Didn´t ever think about doing that, but this makes it possible for me to use this sleeve construction in men´s wear and still be able to finish the lining around the shoulder joint in a nice way. Really happy for that, as it saves me like half the seam work on the sleeves.

[@debra333]

Hi, Nicole! I love your work, and this is the best birthday gift I could get!! ❤ Thank you!

[@caraboska]

Very nice. And I'm loving the way it drapes when you hitch up the skirt :)

[@marynimocks6791]

Nicole! This is such a terrific video! Hearing your thoughts and watching your trys, is both comforting and illuminating. Rotating the sleeve was an eye opener for me for sure! Thank you so much!

[@indiabilly]

So unbelievably beautiful! It’s fascinating to watch the whole process but the end result is breathtaking xx

[@sherrileerothwell5516]

That is such a lovely gown.

[@sweetbriar06]

Thank you for making this video for those of us who are always struggling to remember which step comes next. You are a hero to your people. ❤

[@magdagrabka24]

Fitting the back with the ribbons is a genius idea

[@pashawasha47]

Absolutely wild how like this time last year we were neck deep in the 1920's with you 🤯 You are SO incredibly skilled!!

[@gabbytriestomakethings]

Such perfect timing for this! I am making a Victorian ball gown bodice this week for a ball next Saturday and I’ve been trying to think how to fit myself as my mannequin is not exact and that era is not as forgiving as my usual early to late medieval period. Though it’s a different century I really feel like I can use the concepts from this video in my drafting process.

[@nancyeckerman4689]

Best fitting video for solitary sewer without a good dress form I have seen.

[@aimeemorgado8715]

Oh, the dopamine rush I got from sewing and figuring out how to make what I imagined in to what I had to work with and my knowledge/ skill level. I am not sewing now ( Rhumatoid disease is not yet under control), but I keep painting and making journals. Sometimes it’s just finger painting because I can’t hold a brush or pen. This channel make me want to sew- and gives me a little of that dopamine hit when I watch hand stitching. Thank you for all you share. ❤❤

[@leewitte4580]

This is absolutely spectacular!! Your methods are just so perfectly logical!!! Very easy to follow you small adjustments! You earned a new subscriber!!❤

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

Whilst I am never going to be doing this period, the section on fitting the sleeves is invaluable, thank you!

[@lisahodges8299]

Thank you I enjoyed getting a better understanding of how to fit using this method for modern garments too. Birdy

[@tenaoconnor7510]

Love the stripes 😻 that color is beautiful. Dress is Amazing as usual 😻😻😻. I need to get practicing so my stuff can look that good. 😊

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

Excellent informative video - thank you! You would have taken Versailles by storm!

[@marikotrue3488]

This is a beautiful gown, but the draping in back is breathtaking. The dress is its own jewel, so smart to keep the accessories classic, aka lustrous pearls.

[@nicolakunz231]

Beautiful work! And I needed a nice chill vid with Nicole today!

[@nurmihusa7780]

Absolutely luscious workmanship. As always such a joy to watch your creations come together.

[@Angela-un2tx]

The straps to hold up the drape is MIND BLOWING 🤯❤ Done! Using it! Holy Hannah!

[@karriek2207]

I am truly impressed. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@carmenm.4091]

I did this too! Made an Italian gown. Must admit, still have to finish the train. Think it’s to long. Your technique for doing this is so clever and so much better than what I did. I Love your dress. What a beauty! Just Gorgeous.

[@spritelybird]

Thank you for being the best kind of historian. One that immerses yourself in the topic for true understanding. You're greatly appreciated.

[@lyndabethcave3835]

This video is such a treasure trove of information, thank you so much for sharing with us! (I've long wanted to make an 18th century gown but been intimidated about doing it by myself, so this helps SO MUCH.)

[@mariansmith7694]

A Beautiful Masterpiece

[@seanmcgcostumes]

I learned so many practical sewing things from this, holy crap. Love the way you incorporated the antique lace in a way that'll best preserve/get the most out of it while still using it, and the easy net petticoat thrown on over the ivory one you already had?! Such a clever way to quickly jazz it up and make it more versatile!

[@charityrochford2175]

That dress is Gorgeous on you! The perfect fit and so beautiful!

[@sava-smth]

This looks beautiful, oh my goodness!

[@romystumpy1197]

Magnificent workmanship,the whole process to the finished garment was a delight to see

[@debcarroll8192]

You truly are a genius! (Not that I ever doubted it, but this solo draping process proves it!)

[@jomercer21113]

That deep v in the back bodice is marvelous!

[@samtyers8236]

This is fascinating to watch

[@moonbasket]

I'm obsessed with this gown. Well done. I love the stripes and the bows on the stomacher are my absolute favorite part.

[@e.urbach7780]

This is a really good, clear, step-by-step presentation of how to do this! One question, would you recommend making a fitting mockup of the sleeve first, especially if you didn't have a good scaled-up sleeve pattern to work from? The one time I made an 18th-century bodice, I tried to fit the sleeves on myself and they were never right, so if I were to re-use that sleeve pattern (the semi-correct one that I ended up with), I would worry about ruining the final fabric if I cut the pattern piece out and completed the sleeve fitting from there.

[@NicoleRudolph]

My ideal system is to do a mock-up of the sleeve, but wait to fit it to the actual bodice. It does mean you have to make sure to plan for eventual sleeves in the cutting process. However, it's far more accurate than checking on the mock-up bodice!

[@jeannebrooks6003]

Beautiful! Absolutely stunning!

[@karenwright8556]

So pretty 😍 you did good! Bravo!

[@BeepBeepAndVanillaBean]

That camera measuring tape hack is brilliant

[@anieth]

Love seeing those English seams! Beautiful footage, and beautiful gown, the colors really flatter you. I love that you're doing something different. I've done hundreds of dirndl/kirtles, but am thinking to keep doing 18th Century history bounding!

[@carolinepierson6776]

Gorgeous ❤ You look glorious. Stunning job

[@jenniferstone2975]

Love your hair style in this video! Looks very glossy, healthy and the color suits you perfectly. ❤

[@Lauren.3.Cooper]

Absolutely gorgeous work. These larger construction project videos will always be my favorite :) you look stunning!!!❤

[@chamberswagner2010]

I absolutely love this gown! I took the online Burnley & Trowbridge class for draping a bodice on a mannequin during the pandemic but it's so cool to see you do that on yourself. Making an 18th century outfit is one of my goals sometime.

[@MrVst1]

Love that dress.

[@joycetaylor5847]

Beautiful artistry so interesting to watch. Thank you!

[@cor3944]

I love stripe patterns ❤ you are looking very young with the new hairstyle. Nice

[@tehnoobestgamer]

Rose Bertin would approve!

[@ultimateskillchain]

This came out so well! That trick with the tapes and pinning the pattern to it, that's genius. Definitely reinforces the fact that you (and I) would definitely benefit from a good dress form though... I keep wrestling with splashing out for one but I'm almost at the point....!

[@NicoleRudolph]

I have a dressform but they’re never your exact proportions. The bust moves up and down depending on era, the rib cage flare, waist length, posture, etc all vary from person to person and even day to day. Not to mention checking for arm movement!

[@RED-cy7ig]

You looked gorgeous.

[@charliemum]

Such a pretty dress and can I just say you are rocking that Bob ❤

[@RobinGH]

Stunning! You could be a portrait!

[@sublimnalphish7232]

That is some beautiful fabrics chosen for all 3 I love the brown strips and that netting looked so soft and I'm always a fan of ivory !

[@wolkehauch7445]

Thank you for showing the entire process, I learned a lot from it. The dress came out great, you look spectacular!

[@susanpolastaples9688]

Will you be dancing with Prinny at Brighton? The material is gorgeous and the pattern is chef's 💋

[@SewlockHolmes]

I love seeing all of the fitting process! The trick with the tapes is brilliant! I'm excited to try this technique sometime in the future. Although I have historically had the most awful time with sleeves so fingers crossed!

[@natashabenjamin4222]

Gorgeous…. I have an eaten/silk stripped fabric and I a, scared to use it. I believe I have 9 yards of it. What intimidates me is matching the strips to each other. I am a beginner and have only made a Victorian walking skirt. But I do want to make an 18th century dress for Halloween and for fun.

[@patriciakellyadams134]

You. Are. Amazing!

[@leahwood7575]

This is an incredibly gorgeous dress and you are gorgeous in it! 😍

[@lesleyharris525]

You look fabulous ❤

[@eleanorlaurent2303]

You are so skilled! I am amazed by your talent in every video 🩷

[@mcomeslast]

Thanks! This helps for adjusting mock ups for more modern clothes, as well.

[@jeannechapman2696]

You are so talented. Beautiful gown.

[@Hair8Metal8Karen]

One of these days, I'll get round to making my 18c Ursula dress. I'm sure this will come in handy when (if) I do 😂