19th Century Boys Clothing

1860s Frock for a Young Boy

Dear Sis,

Carter is four and a half like William, so there was a discussion about whether we should fully breech his impression or not. Carter was excited to try a frocked outfit. 

During the period boys wore frocks just like girls from infancy until sometime between the ages of two and five. Generally, the lower class breeched sooner and the upper class look their sweet old time:) Very masculine frock, skirt/jacket, and even combination tunic/breeched styles existed. I was inspired by this period original. 

Frock with Coordinating Trousers

Cut and Trim Inspiration

The Frock:

I used Elizabeth Stewart Clark’s Andrew Tunic pattern as my baseline for construction with the options for a close fitting neckline and a loose short sleeve. The closure is in the back and uses hidden hook and eye tape. The neckline and armscyes are piped. I added a two inch waistband because, which is on the wide-side, but necessary for my trimming plans.

Trimming the Bodice:

I used 1/2 inch velvet trim and a row of polished wood shank buttons. I trimmed the skirt to match.

I haven’t started the coordinating trousers yet, but this is enough for the Battery Hooper event we will be attending soon!

Love,

b

1860s Frock for a Little Boy

Dear Sis,

I happened to have fabric for a frock, pinafore, and slat bonnet in my remnant stash! Just enough for a little boy, who just turned two:)

Inspiration:

Two Layer Directionally Pleated Skirt

with a Smooth Bodice and Fitted Sleeves

The frock came together quickly!

I modify Elizabeth Stewart Clark patterns for most of creations. This is a smooth bodice with an open neckline. The neck, armscyes, and waist are piped.

The short sleeve is cut on the salvage so no hemming was needed. The fullness is controlled with a few pleats in the back, which will be visible in the final photo that features the buttons on the back closure.

This homespun fabric is loosely woven enough the sunlight shows through a single layer. For this reason I chose a two layer skirt that is directionally pleated and sews directly to the waist. 

Onto trimming:

I used 1/2 inch velvet trim to accentuate the layers of the skirt.

I used hook and eye tape at the closure to save time, but I still stitched on small metal buttons for a more masculine look.

This final shows the back of the sleeves best. In the period, even smooth selves often had a bit of fullness, often controlled with gathering or pleated just below the shoulder seam. 

Love,

b

P.S. The bonnets are done too!

William’s Civil War Outfit

Dear Sis,

I finally finished the last of the hand sewn button holes today:) William’s gown is done!

He really enjoys wearing it. It was hard to get him back out of it after pictures. He had fun squatting and watching the skirt puff up around him.

I used Elizabeth Clark’s frock pattern for children birth – 2 years. We didn’t bother with period undergarments. We’ll probably only use it twice before he grows out of it anyway! 

We used reproduction cotton and pattern options for  a smooth bodice, with an open neck, and smooth sleeves. The neck, arms eyes, and waist are all piped. The skirt is controlled with directional knife pleats.

Here is a close up of the sleeve details! The tiny sleeves are my favorite part:)

I had a few period appropriate button styles but these horn buttons were such a perfect color match I used them even though they are an 1/8 inch too large! I was hoping to fit one more button for a more period look, but alas the size made it impossible to get them placed nicely with an additional button.

We are going to an even later this month and have another marked on our September calendar. Hopefully I remember to get some good photos during all the excitement.

Love,

b