How to Make an Easy Colonial Costume

Colonial costumes are popular year round, as they can be used for Halloween, Colonial fairs, and other costumed events. Because of this, Colonial costumes are not difficult to find in stores, but store-bought costumes can be expensive. A homemade Colonial costume is not only less expensive, it's easier to customize to your size and needs. Best of all, a homemade Colonial costume is easy to put together with the right materials.

Things You'll Need

• White fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• 1/4-inch-wide elastic
• Lace fabric trim
• Plain, long-sleeve dress
• Brown t-shirt
• White, long-sleeve shirt
• Brown pants
• Tube socks
• Brown shoes

Instructions

Female Costume

1. Cut out a circular piece of white fabric that is 19 inches in diameter. Fold over the edges of the fabric 1/2 inch and sew the fold down, tucking under the raw edge of the fabric as you sew. Leave a 1-inch opening in the seam.

2. Cut a piece of elastic that is just long enough to wrap around your forehead. Thread this elastic piece through the hem of the circular piece of fabric, gathering the fabric as needed.

3. Sew the ends of the elastic together and sew the 1-inch opening closed. This will create a mob cap.

4. Cut a piece of lace trim that is just long enough to wrap around the elasticized edge of the mob cap and sew it all around the opening.

5. Cut out a triangular piece of fabric that is 60 inches wide at the base and 24 inches tall in the middle. This will form the shawl.

6. Cut slits into the edges of the shawl and fringe it. Tie it around your shoulders over a plain, long-sleeve dress that is at least calf length.

Male Costume

1. Cut the sleeves and collar off a brown t-shirt. Cut the shirt open straight down the middle. This will form a vest.

2. Fold over the raw edges of fabric on the arm holes, collar, and front opening of the vest 1/2 inch. Sew the folds down, tucking under the raw edge of the fabric as you go.

3. Cut out a triangular piece of white fabric that is 17 inches wide at the base and 6 inches tall in the middle. This will form a neckerchief.

4. Wear the brown vest over a white, long-sleeve shirt and tie the neckerchief around the collar of the shirt.

5. Pair the outfit with brown pants rolled up to mid-shin length, white tube socks, and brown shoes.

References

• Passport to Colonial Times: Ye Olde Colonial Fair: Dressing for the Fair
• Claude Moore Colonial Farm: Colonial Day Resources
• Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Dress Codes