'History House' Antique Patterns by the Fashion Archaeologist
  • Home
  • About
  • Research & Essays
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • GALLERY
  • Construction Help
  • BUY PATTERNS
    • See all patterns (ETSY Shop)
    • Featured Patterns
    • NEW Patterns!
  • NEW!

Welcome to 
The Fashion Archaeologist's 
Blog

Test Drive a PDF Pattern for free!

15/2/2019

7 Comments

 
Do you have PDF anxiety?  Perhaps afraid to purchase a full-sized PDF pattern because you think you might not be able to figure out how to print and assemble it?  Concerned that printing a PDF at home might take too much time, skill, or printer ink? 

If so, here's your chance to test it out without risking any money.  I've made some PDF patterns available below that are small enough to print out on a maximum of 4 sheets of regular printer paper -- just enough to give you a sample of what's involved in the process.  ​ Click on the "Read More" link (below right) to access the patterns and more information. 
You may download and print as many of these free patterns as you wish.  All are historical patterns from authentic sources, mostly small costume accessories.  They include minimal instructions, but they are all capable of being made into the item pictured in the antique sketch that accompanies the file.   Each design has a downloadable, life-size pattern and a downloadable PDF text that goes with it (which includes a copy of the antique sketch).  

If you master these simple patterns, it's really just a matter of scaling up the procedure for full-sized garments.  It will be exactly the same process -- only with more pages and a bit more Scotch tape involved. 

My advice is to start with a purchase of a PDF blouse or lingerie pattern -- these are small enough that they're usually on just one sheet, requiring about 20 to 30 letter-sized pieces of paper to print and assemble.  Once you've tried a 1-sheet PDF, the steps are precisely the same for larger, multi-sheet PDF patterns (these usually include the full walking suits, evening gowns, and wider skirts).  To keep things manageable with these multi-sheet patterns, my advice is to print and assemble just one sheet at a time.   

After you've tried one of these free, small-sized PDFs, and you're ready to move up to the "real thing", browse through my current offerings of PDF historical patterns by clicking on the blue button below.  

So test-drive, and have fun with the free patterns below.  Be sure to download and read the general sewing guidelines in the "text" document that is found under the PDF pattern you choose.   

​Also, very important, please download and read the document below called "How to Print Your Free PDF".  It will give you step-by-step instructions on printing, especially important if you've never tried a PDF pattern before. 

​Just one proviso: I'm not 100% certain these downloads will work on mobile devices -- they are intended for laptop or PC use. 
​
how_to_print_your_free_pdf.pdf
File Size: 675 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

I may be adding a few more of these patterns as time goes on, so check back now and then under the "Free PDF Patterns" category at right.  

Please remember that although the patterns in this post are free, they are copyright.  They may not be resold, shared, or recopied for sale.  However, you may make one back-up digital copy for your own use, and print out copies for your own use as required. ​
After you've tried a couple of the free patterns, see my entire 'History House' catalogue of PDF patterns by clicking on the blue button/link below: 
HISTORY HOUSE historical patterns on ETSY

FREE PDF PATTERNS

​Pattern #FP-01

1862 Ladies' Fancy Cravat: 
Picture
fp-01-1862-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 1563 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-01-1862-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 584 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-02
1862 Ladies' Collar/Chemisette: 
Picture
fp-02-1862-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 1622 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-02-1862-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 658 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-03
1891 Ladies' Embroidered Chemise: 
Picture
fp-03-1891-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 891 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-03-1891-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 1546 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-04
1875 Ladies' Fancy Linen Collar/Chemisette and Cuff Set:  
Picture
fp-04-1875-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 1972 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-04-1875-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 459 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-05
1901 Embroidered Book Cover: 

Picture
fp-05-1901-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 1559 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-05-1901-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 478 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-08
1901 Fancy Embroidered Reticule
(free pattern for Christmas 2019)
Picture
fp-08-1901-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 2329 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-08-1901-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 755 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-10
​
1873 Morning (Day) Bonnet with Pink Ribbons
Picture
fp-10-1873-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 566 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-10-1873-text.pdf
File Size: 795 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-11 
1872 Fancy Bonnet with Green Ribbon 
Picture
fp-11-1872-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 927 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-11-1872-text.pdf
File Size: 802 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-07
1904 Ladies' Embroidered Dress Accessories
(free pattern for Christmas 2020)
​

This pattern includes all 3 items: an embroidered linen belt, and 2 fancy embroidered cravats: 
Picture
Picture
Picture
fp-07-1904-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 1060 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-07-1904-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 1034 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern #FP-09
1910 Ladies' Fancy Jabot 
(Free pattern for Christmas 2021)
Fancy, lacy jabots were everywhere in the Edwardian and 1910's eras, and were particularly fashionable from about 1908 to 1914.  They were used as daytime accessories to enhance a blouse worn under a jacket, especially with walking suits.  Make this pretty jabot from net, or from fine handkerchief linen or cotton batiste.  The embroidery design is included in the pattern. 
Picture
fp-09-1910-pdf_pattern.pdf
File Size: 1632 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-09-1910-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 486 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pattern # FP-06     
1901 Ladies' Dressy Pleated Collar
​(Free pattern for Christmas 2022)
This is an iconic early Edwardian accessory -- a very pretty pleated and embellished collar that was intended to be worn over a dress or blouse with an open round neckline.  It's perfect for summer linen or cotton dresses, but would make a lovely addition to an otherwise fairly plain winter wool dress as well. 

Fine, semi-sheer, crisp fabrics are best, such as Swiss muslin, cotton batiste, or even handkerchief linen, in white or off-white, as the traditional choice for this collar.  The upper portion (the actual collar section) can be completely covered with lace or lace appliqués to create a very dressy effect.  The fabric for the lower (pleated) sections is pre-pleated before the pattern is cut out.  Don't forget to download the text file (sewing instructions) and the document entitled "How to Print Your Free PDF" (see top of this page) along with the PDF pattern itself, and -- Happy Sewing!! ​
Picture
fp-06-1901-pdf_pattern-dec2022.pdf
File Size: 1002 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

fp-06-1901-text-pdf.pdf
File Size: 529 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


7 Comments
Martina Frank link
15/7/2019 06:19:54 pm

Thank you so much for these patterns! They are so beautiful!
cheers from Switzerland
Martina

Reply
Valarie LaBore
15/12/2019 02:38:48 pm

Thank you so much for these bonnets. I hope after the holidays I can get one made.
Val

Reply
Patricia Cross
5/1/2022 10:18:57 pm

Thank you for the free patterns. They're great accessories 😍

Reply
Celene Roesch
1/9/2022 04:23:44 pm

Thank you these patterns! Very pretty, can't wait to try them!

Reply
Faithful To The Bay Jacket link
28/12/2022 02:23:56 am

Thank you so much for sharing these patterns with us keep share more content like this.

Reply
Faithful To The Bay Jacket link
28/12/2022 02:25:53 am

Collars are an important part of a garment because they serve as the frame for your face.

Reply
Suzanne Khetagurova
29/11/2023 10:48:30 pm

So beautifully drawn and presented! Thank you for these.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Patricia Preston ('The Fashion Archaeologist'), Linguist, historian, translator, pattern-maker, former museum professional, and lover of all things costume history. 

    Categories

    All
    001 Announcements/NEWS!
    1750-70 Gold & Silver Gown
    1750 Robe à La Française
    1755 Taupe Robe à La Française
    1755 Turquoise & Gold Sacque
    1764: Countess Howe Project-PART 1
    1764: Countess Howe Project-PART 2
    1764:Countess Howe Project-PART 3
    1764: Countess Howe Project PART 4
    18th Century
    20th C. Edwardian To WWI
    ALL ABOUT PDF PATTERNS
    Corsets & Stays
    Costume History
    Free PDF Patterns
    General Chit Chat
    Historical Sewing Methods
    Lingerie & Underpinnings
    Regency/Empire Era
    Sewing Tutorials & Tips
    TEXTILE TALK

    Timeline

    March 2024
    December 2023
    October 2023
    June 2023
    November 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019

    RSS Feed

Site powered by Weebly. Managed by Dot5Hosting
  • Home
  • About
  • Research & Essays
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • GALLERY
  • Construction Help
  • BUY PATTERNS
    • See all patterns (ETSY Shop)
    • Featured Patterns
    • NEW Patterns!
  • NEW!