On May 10, 1775, George Washington attended the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia dressed in a snappy blue and buff uniform that had been adopted by Virginia's militia. The colors were not chosen by mere whim or fancy but because they were the longstanding Whig colors of England. Unlike the Torys, the Whigs had regularly shown support for the colonists in Parliament so the colonists felt politically aligned with them. Fighting had already broken out the month before with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the mood in Philadelphia was angry and defiant. Washington spoke little in congress. He didn't need to; the blue and buff uniform he wore said all he needed to say. He was prepared for war. On June 14, 1775, Congress created the Continental Army, and Washington was unanimously elected as General and Commander-in-Chief. Little did Washington realize that this uniform would remain part of his wardrobe for the rest of his life.
This pattern by Thimbles and Acorns is a faithful reproduction of George Washington's iconic three-piece uniform. It includes a fully lined long frock coat with fashionable curved lapels, functional pockets, split and pleated back, and button-down collar. The waistcoat has two functional pockets and is fitted in the back with ties or lacing. Traditional drop-front knee-length breeches complete this historic ensemble.
Complete the look with the 18th Century Molded Felt Hat, Regimental Cloak, and the 18th Century Shirt patterns.
Suggested Fabrics: Breeches, Vest, Frock Coat, and Frock Coat Lining in medium weight wool suiting, cotton, linen, silk, or velveteen. Not suitable for knits. Vest Lining in lightweight cotton batiste, linen, lawn, or muslin. Not suitable for knits.
Supplies Needed:
Fabric:
Breeches ~ 1/4 yard (1/4 m) 45-inch wide fabric
Vest ~ 1/4 yard (1/4 m) 45-inch wide fabric
Vest Lining ~ 1/4 yard (1/4 m) 45-inch wide fabric
Frock Coat ~ 1/2 yard (1/2 m) 45-inch wide fabric
Notions:
Thread. Breeches ~ twelve 1/4-inch OR ten 3/8-inch buttons, four 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch metal eyelets (optional, sewn eyelets can be used instead), 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide twill tape or ribbon, six small snaps, fusible interfacing. Vest ~ seven 1/4-inch buttons, ten 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch metal eyelets (optional, sewn eyelets can be used instead), 12-inch length of 1/8-inch wide twill tape or ribbon, fusible interfacing. Frock Coat ~ thirty-four 1/4-inch OR 3/8-inch buttons.
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 51 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides digitally drawn step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.
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