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.
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: FREE PDF PATTERNS Pattern #FP-01 1862 Ladies' Fancy Cravat:
Pattern #FP-02 1862 Ladies' Collar/Chemisette:
Pattern #FP-03 1891 Ladies' Embroidered Chemise:
Pattern #FP-04 1875 Ladies' Fancy Linen Collar/Chemisette and Cuff Set:
Pattern #FP-05 1901 Embroidered Book Cover:
Pattern #FP-11 1872 Fancy Bonnet with Green Ribbon
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:
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.
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!!
7 Comments
15/7/2019 06:19:54 pm
Thank you so much for these patterns! They are so beautiful!
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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.
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Patricia Cross
5/1/2022 10:18:57 pm
Thank you for the free patterns. They're great accessories 😍
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Celene Roesch
1/9/2022 04:23:44 pm
Thank you these patterns! Very pretty, can't wait to try them!
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28/12/2022 02:23:56 am
Thank you so much for sharing these patterns with us keep share more content like this.
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28/12/2022 02:25:53 am
Collars are an important part of a garment because they serve as the frame for your face.
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Suzanne Khetagurova
29/11/2023 10:48:30 pm
So beautifully drawn and presented! Thank you for these.
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AuthorPatricia Preston ('The Fashion Archaeologist'), Linguist, historian, translator, pattern-maker, former museum professional, and lover of all things costume history. Categories
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March 2024
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