Uploaded May 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Most 18th century people didn't wear the glamorous pastel silk gowns of Versailles, so how did they dress? I set out to sew a historical costume for an ordinary 18th century working woman-- sewing by hand, because at time of filming I'm still sheltering-in-place and bored. Bonus : a short explanation of the math behind getting your petticoat pleats right! This outfit consists of a pleated petticoat in a style worn through the whole 18th century, and a fitted jacket that flares dramatically at the bottom, seen in paintings from 1744 but most accurate for the 1770s. Jacket and petticoat outfits were worn by all in different fabrics and styles; this one could be everyday wear for a seamstress or shopkeeper, or casual wear for a middle-class woman.
Join my Patreon for behind-the-scenes updates, pattern diagrams, research lists, monthly video chats, and more! patreon.com/snappydragonstudios
Or, you can buy me some Ko-Fi : ko-fi.com/snappydragon
Follow me on IG for more stitchy business : @missSnappyDragon
For business inquiries, send an e-mail to : SnappyDragonStitches at Gmail dot Com
I do not take personal costume/sewing or research commissions.
Want to send me letters? Send mail to PO Box 3884, Berkeley CA, 94703! Letters and cards only please đź’š
Diary of a Mantua Maker on pleating petticoats : mantuadiary.blogspot.com/2008/07/perfectly-pleated-petticoats.html
Winged cuff tutorial from Rockin' the Rococo (scroll down a ways) : brocadegoddess.wordpress.com/calico-jacket-and-petticoat
My fabric
Red linen : fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-IL019-biking-red-softened-middle
Peach-pink linen : fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-IL019-complexion-softened-middle
Ikea curtains : ikea.com/us/en/p/ritva-curtains-with-tie-backs-1-pair-white-00323514
Jacket pattern (currently not recommended), Period Impressions : patternsoftime.com/proddetail.php?prod=PI421
The petticoat doesn't use a pattern, but the instructions in the American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking were very helpful : american-duchess.com/book/american-duchess-guide
Most 18th century people didn't wear the glamorous pastel silk gowns of Versailles, so how did they dress? I set out to sew a historical costume for an ordinary 18th century working woman-- sewing by hand, because at time of filming I'm still sheltering-in-place and bored. Bonus : a short explanation of the math behind getting your petticoat pleats right! This outfit consists of a pleated petticoat in a style worn through the whole 18th century, and a fitted jacket that flares dramatically at the bottom, seen in paintings from 1744 but most accurate for the 1770s. Jacket and petticoat outfits were worn by all in different fabrics and styles; this one could be everyday wear for a seamstress or shopkeeper, or casual wear for a middle-class woman.
Join my Patreon for behind-the-scenes updates, pattern diagrams, research lists, monthly video chats, and more! patreon.com/snappydragonstudios
Or, you can buy me some Ko-Fi : ko-fi.com/snappydragon
Follow me on IG for more stitchy business : @missSnappyDragon
For business inquiries, send an e-mail to : SnappyDragonStitches at Gmail dot Com
I do not take personal costume/sewing or research commissions.
Want to send me letters? Send mail to PO Box 3884, Berkeley CA, 94703! Letters and cards only please đź’š
Diary of a Mantua Maker on pleating petticoats : mantuadiary.blogspot.com/2008/07/perfectly-pleated-petticoats.html
Winged cuff tutorial from Rockin' the Rococo (scroll down a ways) : brocadegoddess.wordpress.com/calico-jacket-and-petticoat
My fabric
Red linen : fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-IL019-biking-red-softened-middle
Peach-pink linen : fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-IL019-complexion-softened-middle
Ikea curtains : ikea.com/us/en/p/ritva-curtains-with-tie-backs-1-pair-white-00323514
Jacket pattern (currently not recommended), Period Impressions : patternsoftime.com/proddetail.php?prod=PI421
The petticoat doesn't use a pattern, but the instructions in the American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking were very helpful : american-duchess.com/book/american-duchess-guide
