This kit is designed to help you make a basic shirt that might have been worn between approximately 1760 and 1790. While shirts did vary stylistically in small ways throughout the 18th century, they retained their basic structure and construction throughout. The specific dimensions, instructions, and construction of this shirt are based on the information found in Garsault’s L'art de la lingère (1769) as well as Instructions for Cutting Out Apparel for the Poor (1789) and a few extant examples.
Please note that this is a kit with pared down instructions rather than a full pattern. It is recommended that you have at least an intermediate level of sewing skill and a decent familiarity with historical stitches. If you need a bit of extra help, check out the W&R YouTube channel for tutorials and sew alongs.
Pieces have been cut precisely with drawn threads to ensure they are perfectly on grain.
Sizes
A - up to 36" chest & 11" upper arm
B - up to 44” chest & 14" upper arm
C - up to 52” chest & 17" upper arm
D - up to 60" chest & 20" upper arm
Kit Includes:
- illustrated instructions for shirt & thread button making
- pre-cut shirt pieces
- full spool of 100% linen thread
- pins
- needle
- beeswax
Cover photo is detail from the painting "Portrait of a Man Holding a Compass" from the North Italian School.