Pattern for 17th Century Breeches

These simple, unconfined and tapered breeches were popular in England in the first half of the 17th century. Often worn by soldiers in the English Civil War

The pattern is based on an outline pattern from Julian Tilbury & Stuart Reid’s booklet “Clothing of the English Civil War Armies” but adapted by Matthew Gnagy’s original tailor’s pattern in “Modern Maker Volume 2”. They are very comfortable and can easily take hooks and eyes or lacing at the waistband to suit an existing doublet. There is a button fly and lacing holes/laces to close waist and knee openings.

The waistband band level can be adjusted to suit a higher or lower waist doublet or coat. There is a pattern for a pocket mounted in the side seam - these were often made of chamois leather.

Sewing skill required - minimal.

Price

£20 plus printing, postage and packing

Please allow 2 to 3 weeks from the date of confirming your measurements for the pattern to arrive as they are all adjusted to your specific measurements so we have none “in stock”.

Pattern for Scots or Irish Trews:

1600’s Highlander military style

1745 - Jacobite style

In Ireland, things can be preserved in the peat. One of these things appears to have been a bundle from a second-hand clothing trader who was carrying, amongst other things, trews. Called the Dungiven Trews, the pattern for these is from a 1961 archaeological report called “The Dungiven Costume” by Henshall, Seaby, Lucas and Connor. It was surmised by understanding the weave of the original plaid (tartan) cloth and matching cut seams on the original flat fabric piece. When made up they are very fitted, having been cut on the bias so that they cling. However, the fabric was cut to be as economical as possible with minimum wastage.

This style of trews is found from the middle ages through to 1745 (see Sir John Hynde Cotton’s suit on the National Museum of Scotland’s website). They are fundamentally medieval fitted hose but the superficial styling changes through time.

Please specify which time period you wish to re-enact using the pattern so that the styling can be adjusted.

Sewing skill required - good*

*This pattern requires many unusual measurements, requires a full mock up to be made and adjustments to the wearer are required. The actual sewing skills required are minimal. It comes with full instructions and email support is available to anyone making it up for the first time.

Price

£25 plus printing, postage and packing

Please allow 2 to 3 weeks from the date of confirming your measurements and time period for the pattern to arrive as they are all adjusted to your specific measurements so we have none “in stock”.