18th Century Military Clothing Workshop
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As the nation continues celebrating the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution, interest in the period, and in the clothing that defined it, has never been higher. What better way to spend the 250th anniversaries of the Second Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton, both fought in January 1777, than learning how to reproduce clothing from the period?
As 18th century garments were generally fitted (if not in their initial construction, upon distribution by regimental tailors), it is nearly impossible to produce most period garments on an “off the rack” basis. To get a proper fit, it is necessary to either find a quality tailor or take up the needle and thread on your own. For those who choose the latter, fitting and sewing 18th century clothing can be daunting to the novice to say the least, as well as those with experience in modern techniques.
To help with whatever garments you’re working on, this general sewing skills 2-day workshop with Henry Cooke of Historic Costume Services is an opportunity for participants to get assistance with their projects. While the novice may not complete their project in two days, they should at the very least leave with a partially constructed garment, the skills to finish the project, and instructional information to refer to.
Students are encouraged to bring their own materials and patterns, or they can coordinate with the instructor for a “kit”, regardless of whether it’s a project you already started and need troubleshooting to finish or haven’t begun yet as you’re not sure where to start. Kits must be paid for separately directly with the instructor by November 6, 2026.
Costs for kits will vary depending on the desired materials (linen vs. wool, lined vs. unlined), trimmings (e.g., buttons, regimental lace, etc.), etc., and will be quoted based on specific details provided by the participant. However, as a rule:
• Regimental Coats: $280–360
• Waistcoats: $160–200
• Breeches: $120–250
• Overalls: $125–150
Because of the limited workspace and the attention required for each student, class size is limited and registration is first come, first served. Registrations must be received by Friday, December 18, 2026. Complete workshop details, including directions, material lists, etc., will be distributed to registered participants.
What you need:
• A sewing kit including scissors, pins, tailor’s chalk, linen thread (or cotton hand quilting thread), seam ripper, hand sewing needles, beeswax, tape measure, and yardstick. Please also bring any fabric and patterns you may need for your garment. Sources of supplies are available upon request.
• Optional: Sewing machine with cotton thread for internal seams, iron (with steam feature) and ironing board (we will have one for general use)
Location: The workshop will be held at The Art League’s Slaters Lane Annex at 800 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please note that the workshop will be held on the second floor, and there is no elevator in the building. Free and plentiful on-street parking is available on Potomac Greens Drive.
Hours: The workshop will open at 8am both days for setup and promptly begin at 9am. Following a brief introduction, we will work until 12pm, then resume after a 1-hour lunch break. After resuming at 1pm, we will continue until 4pm on Saturday, and approximately 2–3pm on Sunday (people often want to get a head start on their trips home).
Meals: Coffee will be available both mornings, but lunch and dinner are on your own. A bakery, sandwich shop, smoothie shop, and restaurant are directly across the street, with other options within walking distance. Gadsby’s Tavern, built between 1785 and 1792, is nearby for those wanting a period dining experience.
Lodging: The workshop location is in North Old Town Alexandria, close to many hotels and bed and breakfasts in Alexandria and South Arlington. Visit visitalexandria.com/old-town/hotels and stayarlington.com/hotels for options.
Cost: The cost of the workshop is $275 per participant, plus kit cost if desired (paid separately directly to the instructor). Participants can bring a second person (e.g., a helper or “model” for whom the garment is intended), provided they are collaborating on the same garment.
Contact Todd Post at [email protected] with any questions.
As 18th century garments were generally fitted (if not in their initial construction, upon distribution by regimental tailors), it is nearly impossible to produce most period garments on an “off the rack” basis. To get a proper fit, it is necessary to either find a quality tailor or take up the needle and thread on your own. For those who choose the latter, fitting and sewing 18th century clothing can be daunting to the novice to say the least, as well as those with experience in modern techniques.
To help with whatever garments you’re working on, this general sewing skills 2-day workshop with Henry Cooke of Historic Costume Services is an opportunity for participants to get assistance with their projects. While the novice may not complete their project in two days, they should at the very least leave with a partially constructed garment, the skills to finish the project, and instructional information to refer to.
Students are encouraged to bring their own materials and patterns, or they can coordinate with the instructor for a “kit”, regardless of whether it’s a project you already started and need troubleshooting to finish or haven’t begun yet as you’re not sure where to start. Kits must be paid for separately directly with the instructor by November 6, 2026.
Costs for kits will vary depending on the desired materials (linen vs. wool, lined vs. unlined), trimmings (e.g., buttons, regimental lace, etc.), etc., and will be quoted based on specific details provided by the participant. However, as a rule:
• Regimental Coats: $280–360
• Waistcoats: $160–200
• Breeches: $120–250
• Overalls: $125–150
Because of the limited workspace and the attention required for each student, class size is limited and registration is first come, first served. Registrations must be received by Friday, December 18, 2026. Complete workshop details, including directions, material lists, etc., will be distributed to registered participants.
What you need:
• A sewing kit including scissors, pins, tailor’s chalk, linen thread (or cotton hand quilting thread), seam ripper, hand sewing needles, beeswax, tape measure, and yardstick. Please also bring any fabric and patterns you may need for your garment. Sources of supplies are available upon request.
• Optional: Sewing machine with cotton thread for internal seams, iron (with steam feature) and ironing board (we will have one for general use)
Location: The workshop will be held at The Art League’s Slaters Lane Annex at 800 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please note that the workshop will be held on the second floor, and there is no elevator in the building. Free and plentiful on-street parking is available on Potomac Greens Drive.
Hours: The workshop will open at 8am both days for setup and promptly begin at 9am. Following a brief introduction, we will work until 12pm, then resume after a 1-hour lunch break. After resuming at 1pm, we will continue until 4pm on Saturday, and approximately 2–3pm on Sunday (people often want to get a head start on their trips home).
Meals: Coffee will be available both mornings, but lunch and dinner are on your own. A bakery, sandwich shop, smoothie shop, and restaurant are directly across the street, with other options within walking distance. Gadsby’s Tavern, built between 1785 and 1792, is nearby for those wanting a period dining experience.
Lodging: The workshop location is in North Old Town Alexandria, close to many hotels and bed and breakfasts in Alexandria and South Arlington. Visit visitalexandria.com/old-town/hotels and stayarlington.com/hotels for options.
Cost: The cost of the workshop is $275 per participant, plus kit cost if desired (paid separately directly to the instructor). Participants can bring a second person (e.g., a helper or “model” for whom the garment is intended), provided they are collaborating on the same garment.
Contact Todd Post at [email protected] with any questions.
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Where is it happening?
800 Slaters Ln, Alexandria, VA 22314-1220, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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