Pattern for Tudor woman's kirtle & petticoat with variations

NEW!

• Made exclusively by The Tudor Tailor

Sewing pattern for Tudor-era women’s kirtles and petticoats with neckline, waistline and sleeve variations (sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-sleeved) and options for front-, side- and back-opening versions. Ideal for 16th century impressions - perfect for reenactors.

This is among the first of our new, improved pattern range. The graded pattern is clearer and easier to see with differentiated lines for each size. A fully illustrated booklet is included with layout plans, clear and comprehensive step-by-step making instructions, guidance for choosing materials, and construction tips & techniques. This garment requires some hand sewing.

Based on research carried out for The Typical Tudor (2022), including a survey of 57,687 items of dress. Highly researched and based on documentary descriptions, extant examples and paintings. See the image of the pattern envelope for specific sources.

This garment could be made of simpler fabrics and worn alone as an outer dress for lower class women, or it could be made of finer fabrics and worn under a gown for middle or upper class ladies.

Red was a particularly popular colour for kirtles and petticoats as it was believed that red had health-giving properties and wearing it close to the skin was beneficial. In our study of 10,000 wills from Essex made between 1558-1603 87% of women's petticoats specified by colour were red. We have red woollen cloth which works well for lower class kirtles and petticoats. Our red frizado is ideal for middle class kirtles and petticoats.

Linen canvas is used to interline and stiffen the bodies (or bodice). We recommend using the canvas together with paste buckram for extra stiffness and support.

Kirtles and petticoats can be finished by working eyelets along the opening(s) or using lacing rings or hooks and eyes.

Please note, these garments are designed to be worn and fitted over other garments. The most usual would be a linen smock (as in the photos). Patterns for these garments are not included in this product and would need to be purchased separately.

Note, photos of actual garments are examples only – no garments are included with this product.