How to Make Colonial Breeches
Colonial knee breeches evolved from the bloomer-style pants that were popular in the 16th century. They were worn by both men and boys and typically consisted of breeches that covered the knee and were closed by buttons. A long pair of stockings that came above the knee were worn underneath to cover the legs. Working men often wore breeches made of leather, but breeches were also made of cotton, wool and even silk.
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Things You'll Need
- Old pair of boy's shorts or long pants
- Scissors
- Buttons
- Ribbons
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
- Fabric glue
Instructions
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1
Cut off the pant legs around calf level.
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2
Decide whether the breeches will be held at the knee with string or with tape, ribbon or elastic. If using string, move to Step 3; if using alternative hemming method, follow steps 4 and 7.
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3
Cut a triangle from the bottom of the pant legs to a point about 5 inches up on the outside seam. If the pants are already snug, do not cut triangles, but instead cut 5 inches straight up on the outside of the leg.
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4
Turn up the cuffs of the pant legs so that the hem will end below the knee, and glue or sew the hem in place.
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5
Poke eight small holes at an equal distance on each pant leg, about every half-inch. The first hole should be about a half-inch from the rolled-up hem at the knee.
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6
Lace the string through the holes, the same as with shoe laces. Tie a bow at the hemline.
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7
If not using string, cinch the hem using the elastic, ribbon or tape.
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