18th Century Great Coats: Overview and Construction

Friday, October 2nd - Sunday afternoon, October 4th

Registration opens Wednesday, June 17th at 12:30 pm

The men’s great coat of the 18th century was a versatile and widely worn garment that is an excellent addition to the wardrobe of the modern reenactor, living historian, or historical costuming enthusiast.  Great coats and related variants appear in depictions of soldiers, sailors, gentlemen, laborers, and anyone else needing a sturdy, high-coverage outer clothing layer to protect from cold, light rain, or wind.  They appear frequently in Anglo-American written records and artwork, though few 18th century examples survive. 

Typical great coats were calf- or ankle-length and cut full in the body, with wide sleeves, to fit easily over a coat and waistcoat.  They also frequently included a standing collar and a large shoulder cape which can be buttoned up around the neck to shed the weather.  This  2 ½ day  workshop, led by Nick Blevins, will focus on a mid-to-late 18th century great coat variant that will be single-breasted with a buttoning collar and shoulder cape.  It will include:

  • An examination of images of this style of garment, and the varieties of ways it can be finished.

  • Demonstration of all stitching & construction techniques needed to hand stitch and finish the garment.

  • Participants will receive access to a pattern with four size options (small, medium, large, extra large)  

By the end of the workshop, participants will have their great coat well under construction, and will have the knowledge to complete it on their own. Please be prepared for “homework” on both Friday and Saturday nights!

This workshop is an INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2. Participants are expected to have good hand sewing skills and experience in creating an article of 18th century clothing using a pattern, and have fitted that piece of clothing. Please read more about our current Workshop Levels here.

Workshop cost of $350 includes: 2 1/2 day workshop and a full paper pattern

Class size will be limited to 12 Participants

Registration opens HERE Wednesday, June 17th at 12:30 pm.

*CANCELLATION POLICY

Because of the nature and enrollment limitation of our workshops, we regret that we are unable to give a full refund for a cancellation.  If you cancel 30 or more days prior to the workshop, we will refund your fee less a $50 cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to the workshop, we will have to charge the full amount of the workshop unless we are able to fill your slot, in that event you will be charged only the $50 cancellation fee.  In the event of the workshop being cancelled we are not responsible for any costs by the attendee for cancelled reservations.