Man's Shirt 1790-1830. English Style Pattern

Clear pattern easy to make

This is a historically accurate pattern and as such, it's very different than a modern sewing pattern for a shirt. Most of the pieces are geometrically shaped with very few curved lines. One of the most interesting features is the gusset under the arms. It definitely makes the shirt fit differently than a modern shirt and is perfect for wear with a waistcoat or frock coat that has high armholes.I found that I had to adjust the pattern pretty radically in this area as it was simply too tight under the arms for the person I was fitting however, I managed it and didn't have re-cut any pieces. For this reason, I would suggest basting the arm seams first and then fitting before sewing the final seams. It makes it much easier to make any changes necessary.Note that the center V opening is extremely deep. That was perfect for the costume I was making but might be lower than you'd like for other costumes. I would advise checking first before slashing the V as indicated on the pattern.I used a mid weight linen and the result is excellent. A light weight linen would also hang well.For Jack Sparrow, I had to thin down the wrist band and create a cuff (non-ruffled). I also made small pleats around the neck and at the shoulder and the cuffs rather than the illustrated gathers. Pleats look much more period correct IMO and avoid the "puffy shirt" look. I sewed the shirt by machine but I hand stitched a running stitch along all the edges of the collar, cuffs, hem, and V-neck and it made all the difference. If you have time, try this because it looks amazing and very period.For Ren Fairs or pirate garb, this pattern will elevate your costume to a professional looking level.

This pattern was very historically accurate. It included period construction techniques and even instructions on how to do the various stitches necessary for authentic construction. I did not give the pattern a full five stars because the instructions can be a bit confusing. This pattern is not for a beginner. If you get the pattern I would suggest going through the instructions and writing in the number for the different pattern pieces as they are referenced since they seem to sometimes jump from working with one pattern piece to another without clearly delineating this change. Numbering steps would have helped with this. There are also some general instructions on adding a ruffle to the chest area. I would like to have had a pattern piece for this and also some kind of instructions on how this would be attached. I would definitely recommend this pattern and having made the waistcoat from a different maker which was much inferior I wish I had gotten the Kannik Kornerr for all my husband's clothes. One further recommendation. The collar is very tall. I would recommend basting it on and checking it before final attachment.