How to Make Your Civil War Uniform Shirt

Your own shirt designed and made by you for your own Civil War Uniform Impression is easy and economical. Follow these simple directions, and your Civil War uniform shirt will be exactly how you want it.

Take all of your girth measurements.

Using a tape measure, measure your chest, stomach and note the bigger of the two measurements. Write it all down in inches. Do not suck your stomach or chest in. Be sure you are in a comfortable position, so your shirt will fit properly.

Next, measure from top of shoulder to mid-thigh, so you can tell how long you want the shirt to be. Next, measure then from shoulder tip to wrist with arm bent at a 90 degree angle, so the sleeve will have enough room in it for you to move freely and comfortably.

Measure your bicep and wrist.

Measure your neck.

Start looking for material but don't buy anything until measurements are completed

Look at original photographs and decide which type of shirt you like and would be comfortable wearing on the march. Look at the collars and variations on how the neck is done. The collar is an easy part of the shirt to change also. A standard placard front with a slit for the head is desirable and very accurate.

Purchase a shirt pattern. Follow assembly procedures.

Now you are ready to choose your material. 100% cotton or Osnaburg is recommended. Muted colors are more of what was worn during the Civil War. If I were going to do a shirt just starting out, I would go with a red, white and/or blue homespun. I would stay away from real bright colors. Use muted-color fabrics. I think it looks much more accurate that way. The reason I said red, white, and blue is that both armies were patriotic and those color combinations were popular in the Civil War Era.

Hand topstitch around the pocket and neck. Your hand topstitching should be about 6 ? 8 stitches per inch. If you do this hand stitching, you have just doubled the value of your shirt and jacket.

You probably will not start the hobby out as much of a tailor. My first few handmade items were a joke, but eventually I got to where I can put together a good uniform. I would stay away from shirts that were real fancy. If you don't want to make your own shirt, purchase a shirt that is already made that has machine buttonholes in it and rework the buttonholes to make it look more authentic. Take a seam ripper and pick out the buttonholes and handwork them. I would pick out and redo by hand all exposed machine stitching. Someone can show you how to do that in about 15 minutes. You have just doubled the value of your shirt and made it more authentic.

For photographs of shirt designs, patriotic combinations, and topstitching, go to http://www.civilwaruniforms.net/shirts.htm

Next, get yourself some good buttons. Stay away from plastic and modern buttons. Go with glass, bone, shell, metal, porcelain, 2-hole cat's eye or Mother of Pearl. Metal buttons are authentic, but they have the potential to rust and stain your fabric. Some of the sutlers that sell fabric and sewing items have buttons.

Or I have a ton of buttons I might be talked into parting with. Buttons can also be found at flea markets, antique stores, in old button baskets, tins or jars. Frequently, you can buy a whole jar of buttons for $3 ? check out the buttons in it, and if you find a substantial antique buttons, it certainly is worth it. Sometimes the jar is as valuable as the buttons! I have found jars full of buttons with a hundred dollar button in it. Small items like buttons can make a huge difference and increase the value of your shirt, jacket, pants, etc.

To see some antique buttons, go to http://www.civilwaruniforms.net/civilwarshirtbuttons.htm

Try to get solid brass buttons. Waterbury is good. Original buttons are a bit pricey but not out of the question. If you are getting U.S. Eagle buttons, sutlers have them. Stay away from the ones that are plated. I personally just use coin buttons. If you are doing a state regiment, you want to go with state seal buttons. "I" buttons are a good generic impression. For late war buttons, go with the Tate Script "I" which were coming in later in the war. U.S. buttons can go U.S. or Confederate. It would not be unusual to see an Eagle button on a Confederate uniform.

Coach McCoach has been reenacting the Civil War for 27 years. Units he has reenacted with include 4th North Carolina, 2nd Virginia and 21st Virginia, Company B. In the movie GETTYSBURG, he is the soldier holding General Garnett's horse while is talking to General Armistead before Pickett's Charge. His Kepi was used for the little boy in the movie made for the visitors center at Manassas. He received the Stonewall Brigade 1994 Authenticity Award for his uniform.

2004 permission granted to reprint this article in print on your website so long as the paragraph above is included and the contact information is included to coach@civilwaruniforms.net

---

Bartering: A Modern Day Phenomenon

Back in the early days of America, families didn't have... Read More

50 Ideas to Get Organized and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby

Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides being relaxing and fun,... Read More

Decorative Metal Work Techniques From The Early 1900s

Today's Metal Craft workers should truly appreciate the artistic skills... Read More

Airbrushing Does Not Have to be All Disappointment, Heartache, and Bloody Hard Work!

A smart, but irritating man once told me that Airbrushing... Read More

The ABCs of Ceramics

Ceramics can be delicate and decorative or unrefined and utilitarian.... Read More

Diet and Fitness ? Help from Your Hobbies

Everybody battles with their weight from time to time. It's... Read More

The Nuts and Bolts of Vintage Tin Toys

Before Game Boy and Play Station, there were tin toys.... Read More

Rare Depression Glass Pieces

Depression Glass - The Rare PiecesDid you know that if... Read More

Embroidery Digitizing Software

Embroidery Magic 2 software is very easy to use to... Read More

Simple, and Stylish Wedding Reception Centerpiece: Craft Project

This simple, yet elegant table centerpiece is a great way... Read More

A Few Tips About Comic Book Backing Boards

Comic Book Backing Boards come in different thicknesses and acid-free... Read More

Scrapbooking Childrens Favorite Stories

Countless memories are built during the formative childhood days. If... Read More

Amish Furniture for Kids Summer Projects

Summer is coming, and the kids will soon be out... Read More

Family Album In The Digital Age

Back then it was simple - you take the picture,... Read More

Copyright: Five Facts Every Scrapbooker Needs To Know!

Here are five basic things that EVERY scrapbooker should know... Read More

Jewelry and the Art of Selling

Two of the most frequently asked questions we get at... Read More

How Could Your Hobby be the Key to Financial Success?

Virtually everyone has the knowledge they need to make a... Read More

Baby Boomers Need Creative Practical Hobbies

"Well how are you really enjoying your retirement?" I asked... Read More

Origami Instructions - Getting Started

The birthplace of origami is still a mystery. Paper was... Read More

Sewing A Button On By Hand

I have so many people come into my shop saying... Read More

Making a Chunk Candle

Making chunk candles is an and fun activity for all... Read More

Roasting Your Own Coffee - A Hobby You Can Love

There is nothing like a cup of coffee that has... Read More

How To Create A Collage Journal

Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way... Read More

When It Comes To RC Airplanes You Can Choose From Ready to Fly, Almost Ready to Fly or Scratch Built

Soaring through the air, watching the clouds and the birds... Read More

Organize 1000?s Of Photos Easily

The easiest way is to start right from the beginning,... Read More

Money Making Hobbies - Which Ones?

Which ones can be money making hobbies? A friend made... Read More

Are You Making Money At Craft Shows?

If you are involved in the crafts business, and are... Read More

An Easy Way to Understand Your Collectibles

What kind of gifts you often receive? Is it toy... Read More

Endless Possibilites With Custom Printed Lanyards

Custom printed lanyards are an extremely popular item and are... Read More

Setting Up Your Display Case

One of the best ways to display photographs, memorabilia and... Read More

Discover the Truth about Comic Book Collection; Nerdy Geeks or Shrewd Investors?

It is unbelievable when one says, yeah, I collect comic... Read More

Starting Your Own Scrapbook Club

Before I discovered the world of scrapbooking, I was inexplicably... Read More

Scrapbooking Yourself as an Individual, Homemaker, Worker, and More

From age 25 onwards, our grand adventure has just unfolded... Read More