Whether you want to make an amazing costume or join a reenactment club, historical costumes can make it possible. Dress like you’ve traveled in time with these patterns, tutorials, and tips. No matter what era you want to replicate, you can find the patterns that will make you look like you’ve stepped from a time machine. If you’re new to sewing, be sure to check out the final section for more advice.
Egyptian Patterns
Cleopatra: This complete look comes with tips for wig selection and headdress making!
Homemade Egyptian Costume: Learn the basics, and then get creative.
How to Tie an Egyptian Dress: Historical costumes often begin with a square of cloth. This tutorial shows you how to make an amazing look with no sewing.
Roman Patterns
Roman/Greek Hero DIY: Do you want to channel your inner Greek legend? This DIY will turn you into a Halloween hero.
DIY Chiton: Hypatia: Learn everything you need to know to make a great costume inspired by the philosopher Hypatia, pattern included!
DIY Roman Garb: Ready to dress like a Roman? Check out this collection of patterns, inspiration, and tips to make something truly classic.
How to Tie a Toga (Video): This is another no-sew Roman look. This tutorial shows you how to make a toga in record time.
Medieval and Byzantine Patterns
Simple Medieval Dress: This easy pattern creates the foundation for a great Medieval costume.
Make a Medieval Wedding Dress: Learn everything you need to know to create an amazing Medieval gown, including pattern, fabric tips, and more.
Easy Medieval Hood: It’s all about accessories, and this simple hood pattern is great for peasants, huntsmen, minstrels, and more.
Garb for the Complete Beginner: This collection of easy patterns and tips can help anyone make a good costume on their first try.
Renaissance Patterns
Easy Elizabethan Chemise: Clothes include layers, but thankfully historical undergarments are easy to make.
16th Century Women’s Ensemble: Dress like a noble with this simple pattern that delivers outstanding results.
Making and Adjusting a Renaissance Bodice: This article features not only pattern images but also tips on how to modify popular styles for authenticity.
18th and 19th Century Fashion Patterns
Early 1800’s Dress and Jacket: Do you love Pride and Prejudice? Then this pattern set is for you.
Victorian Day Cap: This simple, modest head covering was immensely popular in the mid-Victorian era and adds an authentic touch to your look.
Little House on the Prairie: Dress like a pioneer with this easy set of DIY patterns and tips.
Short Corset 1869: Possibly the most famous type of body-shaping undergarment, a great corset is essential to Victorian costuming.
1877 Lace Fichu: A narrow, elegant shawl added for modesty around the shoulders and bust, this historical pattern shows how to make your own authentic accessory.
1888 Ladies’ Kitchen Apron: A great addition for Victorian reenactors and cosplayers, this apron is designed to fit over small bustles to protect your dress while you participate in demonstrations.
Capes for Women: Dracula isn’t the only one who can work a cape; they were once a fashionable choice for outerwear. Adapt your garb for any season with historical layers.
1920s Patterns
Great Gatsby Lounge Pajamas: Prefer pants? Check out this excellent sew-along to become ‘the cat’s pajamas.’
How to Draft a Drop-Waist Dress: The drop-waist dress was the most popular 20’s style. You can make your own!
DIY Flapper Dress: Although it isn’t perfectly authentic, this tutorial will help you get ready to party with Gatsby in record time.
1930s Patterns
Wrap Top Tutorial: It’s sleek. It’s vintage. You could wear it on the street.
Magic Reversible Kimono Dress: This is a fashion still around today. You might even see this “costume” at a dinner party.
DIY 30’s: Check out this collection of patterns and tutorials to put together your own 1930’s style.
1940s Patterns
DIY Bullet Bra: Enjoy a free DIY pattern and get tips from crafters who’ve already tried it.
Spats: Dress up a shoe and keep your expensive heels clean with historically accurate spats.
Felt Hat Tutorial: The 40’s were all about great hats. Start your own trend with this tutorial.
1950s Patterns
DIY Vintage Dress: A big skirt and bare arms make this a perfect summer look.
Roxanne Retro Hair Band: Step up your Rockability style with this 50’s style hair band guide.
Carmen Dress: Get fancy with this elegant and flirty dress.
Steampunk Patterns
Overbust Corset: This iconic piece of underwear is something that steampunkers like to use as outerwear.
Elm Jacket: Great for men and women, this simple pattern looks flashy and fun.
5 Steps to Steampunk: A single accessory doesn’t make a costume. Learn how to pull it all together and craft the right pieces.
DIY Bustle Overskirt: This is a more advanced pattern with lots of potential for a range of steampunk looks.
DIY Steampunk Top Hat: It’s easier than you think to look absolutely dapper.
How to Sew Men’s Vests: Where ladies flaunt corsets, a man looks fashionable in a vest or waistcoat.
Sewing Tips, Tricks and Other Costuming Resources
What Fabric to Use: How do you know which fabrics will make a skirt swing or hold the perfect crease? This guide can help.
How to Sew Pockets: No matter the era, pockets make life easier. Hiding some in your costume will make your experience better.
How to Sew a Button: Buttons are vital to a good fit that stays on. No one wants a costume that falls off when you bend over.
How to Sew Box Pleats: You will encounter a lot of pleats in historical costumes. Be ready.
A Lesson in Lining: Great dresses, vests, and more often feature more than one layer.
Why You Need a Mockup: Sewing big, complicated patterns is a challenge, and realizing you’ve ruined your expensive material is a nightmare. This trick will save you a lot of agony.
7 Tips to Start Historical Sewing: Everyone starts somewhere, and these tips will help you launch with the right foot forward.
Historical Clothing Tips: Take some advice from the experts.
How Can I Make My Historical Costume Look Good: There’s more to costuming than just patterns and tutorials.
Making Everyday Victorian Clothes Comfortable: Get tips from the Victorians on how to keep skirts from flying up, etc.
16th Century Costume Guide: Learn from historians what clothing meant, how it worked, and what you can do to improve your look.
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