How to Make a Betsy Ross Costume
Research the period for which you need a costume., Read books of the period with an eye to costume description. , Ask a librarian to help you find pictures from that era to guide your search. , Ask yourself: What materials were available to people...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Research the period for which you need a costume.
We'll use Early America for this example, since "Betsy Ross" costume was what the article request was for. ,,, (probably Linen or Wool in early America, not much light weight cotton would have been available, as cloth was handwoven in the early 1700's.) How did they fasten their clothing? (probably no zippers in early America, most likely buttons or hooks.) How do people look in portraits of the time? And remember that portraits were usually only painted of rich people wearing their best clothes.
Day to day wear would have been less elaborate and probably easier to keep clean. , Expect to make some pattern alterations, as modern patterns have evolved considerably from "old timey" clothing patterns. , This may entail finding a craftsperson who still weaves with a loom if you are determined to be authentic.
Many costume designers draw the line here... they will use modern weave and sewing machines to create a costume from an old pattern...
Generally only museums or hardcore collectors will go the extra mile to get fabrics made on a loom, hand cut and hand stitch the costume together, etc. because of the amount of work involved. -
Step 2: Read books of the period with an eye to costume description.
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Step 3: Ask a librarian to help you find pictures from that era to guide your search.
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Step 4: Ask yourself: What materials were available to people in this period of time?
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Step 5: Once you have a good picture in mind
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Step 6: purchase a pattern (or several) that is very similar to what you are looking for.
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Step 7: Obtain fabrics and assemble the costume.
Detailed Guide
We'll use Early America for this example, since "Betsy Ross" costume was what the article request was for. ,,, (probably Linen or Wool in early America, not much light weight cotton would have been available, as cloth was handwoven in the early 1700's.) How did they fasten their clothing? (probably no zippers in early America, most likely buttons or hooks.) How do people look in portraits of the time? And remember that portraits were usually only painted of rich people wearing their best clothes.
Day to day wear would have been less elaborate and probably easier to keep clean. , Expect to make some pattern alterations, as modern patterns have evolved considerably from "old timey" clothing patterns. , This may entail finding a craftsperson who still weaves with a loom if you are determined to be authentic.
Many costume designers draw the line here... they will use modern weave and sewing machines to create a costume from an old pattern...
Generally only museums or hardcore collectors will go the extra mile to get fabrics made on a loom, hand cut and hand stitch the costume together, etc. because of the amount of work involved.
About the Author
Lori Garcia
Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.
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