Historian's Top 5 Books for Making 17th-Century Dress

Do you want to make 17th century dress but don't know where to start? Keep watching to find out my top 5 pattern books for this period! Many of these provide tutorials, stitch type instructions, detailed images of garments and even X-rays!

Books mentioned:

00:00 Introduction

Dr Sarah Bendall
Instagram: @sarahbendall_dresshistory
Twitter: @SarahABendall

[sarahabendall]

Hi everyone! Thanks for watching. Are there any pattern books or resources that you think I've missed? If so, please let me know in the comments below!

[Elvertaw]

Thank you for this. Saw you on Bernadette Banner’s YouTube on pregnancy corsets. Thought I’d join!! Marvelous video. Thanks!!

[marie-josephinelealturbaux]

I LOVE your content! Please! I need more!

[susanpilling]

As an English Civil War re-enactor I would recommend The Modern Maker Vol 1 and 2 by Matthew Gnagy. Volume 1 Men's Doublets is an in depth manual of measuring and sewing with superb photography. Volume 2 Pattern Manual 1580 - 1640 has patterns for both men and women. They've taken a lot of the guesswork out after 20 years of 'winging it'. 😊❤

[rhys]

I'm currently making a gown based on the 1630s bodice in patterns of fashion 5! 1630s is such a weird time for fashion I'm v excited to make something from it

[booksaremyblood]

It’s wonderful to have you are now ‘live’.
Your knowledge and skills helped re inspire my passion for making historical clothing (I am a retired theatrical costume technician and corsetière/stay maker) here in Australia (which sometimes feels so isolated when it comes to the making and wearing of historical clothing).
I’m thrilled you have launched a YouTube channel, and look forward to more from you.

[Harfiarka]

Oh thanks gods someone finally really focus on the 17 century! in 2021 I got an amazing replica of a late 17 century harp and I need to make myself some clothes to go with it.... with the low shoulders of the dresses I thought about making an early mantua instead for ease of playing and tuning, but getting the sources is so very hard! (I would hopefully find stuff from 17 century Ireland, )
Anyway, I'm subscribed, and came from Bernadette Banner's channel :)

[jennylafleur]

I’m so excited you are on YouTube now! I can’t wait for more content!

[FantasticalFolliesCostuming]

I wish the V&A would put out a second book for the later period menswear. I've been desperately scouring the internet for years and the only two resources I've found are Reconstructing History, which is not good, and an old Simplicity pattern that's more costume than historical. Tragic! 😢

[meredethYT]

Glad you have a YouTube channel. Hope you keep posting such informative videos. I came from your website which has so much good information. <3 Mere

[habituscraeft]

Ha! I thought I had just discovered you, a few hours ago on a random midnight Google search for 17th century fashion plates. Which was delightful enough, as it was. And then I realized — I already own and have read your book!

What a delight to discover your online presence (both here and your blog). I do not know what serendipitous chance allowed me to find your channel so soon after its inception, but I am thrilled to be here.

[blacktulip]

Interesting video but where's the rest of the century? You're only covering the Jacobean and Carolean period. The time I want to know about is 1660-1700 and no academic ever writes about it and no one creates patterns. Very frustrating. 🤔