Abby Cox | It Took Me 4 MONTHS to Hand Sew a Medieval Dress (Kirtle) | going braless has never been more comfy @AbbyCox | Uploaded December 2020 | Updated October 2024, 3 days ago.
I used to be able to hand sew an 18th-century gown in about 8-12 hours. This kirtle took me *forever*. (aka I'm really out of practice...oof) As much as I can see issues with it, and things I wish to change, I am still extremely happy with the outcome!

I don't know what it is about 2020, but between all the glorious Medieval reenactors and costumers on Instagram and Youtube (looking at you @MorganDonner). The idea of making a medieval outfit has been in my brain for most of the year. (Let's be honest, it probably has something to do with plague and bardcore)

If you've been on this journey with me, you know that I've already made my medieval smock (youtu.be/scpY2y05IaU) and struggled through my hose (youtu.be/e4ymBWW_azg). This video is about making my medieval kirtle. Part sewing vlog, part sewing tutorial, I hope you enjoy going on this little adventure with me.

(I do show how to do a running back stitch, pretty hand sewn eyelets, and how to make cloth buttons without molds or stuffing.)

I made my medieval kirtle out of a red wool flannel (the same fabric I used to make my Belemnite dress: youtu.be/jxwb0kRiNAo) with osnaburg linen from @BurnleyandTrowbridge as my lining. I used 30wt silk thread and buttonhole twist for all of my sewing, and heavyweight linen thread to make my buttons. The lacing is actually cotton candle wicking (because I'm still working on the lucet braid lol). My wimple and veil are from a vintage deadstock linen fabric that I am hoarding like a dragon.

🧵Shopping Suggestions (No affiliates):

Wool Fabric: burnleyandtrowbridge.com/collections/woolens-broadcloth-coatings *OR* en.thehistoricalfabricstore.com/wool

Linen for the Lining: burnleyandtrowbridge.com/collections/linen-white-naturals-neutrals/products/6732-natural-medium-weight-linen OR en.thehistoricalfabricstore.com/product-page/medium-linen-269g-natural

Wool Braid for Hem Binding: burnleyandtrowbridge.com/collections/worsted-wool-tape-braid/products/worsted-wool-hat-braid

Thread:

For Buttons: burnleyandtrowbridge.com/collections/threads/products/tailors-thread-heavy

For Dress Construction: britexfabrics.com/notions/thread/japanese-30-weight-silk-thread.html & britexfabrics.com/notions/thread/japanese-silk-buttonhole-twist-thread.html

🖼Images Used:
Royal 20 C V f. 96 Irene painting a picture: bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMINBig.ASP?size=big&IllID=47936

Royal 20 C V f. 30v Arachne weaving:
bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMINBig.ASP?size=big&IllID=47362

Royal 16 G V f. 15 Thisbe:
bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=43032

🥳Socials
Instagram: instagram.com/abbyelyn
Patreon: patreon.com/abbycox
Tiktok: @nabs_co

📚My books:
The American Duchess Guide to 18th-Century Dressmaking: amzn.to/2GrkAIQ

The American Duchess Guide to 18th-Century Beauty: amzn.to/2TTwJtq

💌Business Inquiries *ONLY* abbycox@viralnationtalent.com
(This email goes directly to my management and not to me.)


🎶Music via Epidemic Sound (https://www.epidemicsound.com)

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