Photo: Jane Austen’s World
We’ve already introduced you to thousands of vintage sewing patterns you can purchase online, but what if you’re interested in trying your hand at historical dresses? Cosplayer Artemisia Moltabocca has done us all a service by pulling together a fantastic set of free resources for sewing your own costume, from an Italian Renaissance ball gown to petticoats from the 1950s.
Moltabocca, who also has a great set of sewing tutorials on her site, has gathered free patterns from across the internet, as well as pattern making sites that help you generate the perfect pattern for a custom corset. And if you aren’t sure how to take the pattern images and enlarge them properly, Moltabocca also shows how to quickly and effectively enlarge a pattern using Powerpoint.
If that weren’t enough, her Free Historical Costume Patterns Pinterest board is a treasure trove of discoveries. For instance, did you know LACMA’s Costume and Textile Collection has free patterns as part of its Pattern Project? You can find everything from a 1940s zoot suit to French lounging pajamas from the early 20th century.
Whether brainstorming the perfect Halloween costume or just looking to play dress-up, it’s astonishing just how many free resources are available. Make your own 1940s bullet bra for a pinup look—or Madonna circa 1990—or take on a full Tudor costume from start to finish with a step by step tutorial. A quick look around the site will surely get your hands itching for a sewing machine and fabric to get started on your own costume.
Cosplayer Artemisia Moltabocca has compiled a fantastic resource of free historical costume patterns available online.
Artemisia Moltabocca (Photo: Costume Diary)
‘The Women of France,’ 1927. (Photo: BnF)
Photo: Va-Voom Vintage
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h/t: [Open Culture]
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