Native American Clothing • American Indian Clothing Patterns • Frontier Patterns
Native American Clothing and Frontier Patterns
From Eagle's View Patterns
Breeches were worn by both military and civilians in the 1700s. Usually made of broadcloth or linen, they were also worn in leather and were buttoned or buckled just below the knee or tied with a draw string. In the fur trade the legs were extended but pants kept the drop front, the full gathered seat, and gussets in the back of the waistband.
The coat was worn by men who joined Roger's Rangers in the French and Indian wars, by Washington's troops at Valley Forge, and by Brisbane's Regiment of the South Carolina Militiain the 1836 Seminole War. Options for this wrap style frock include square and round edges of the bottom and cape, gathered or tapered sleeves and a choice of fabric or leather.
Indians and mountain men wore leggings and breechclout for protection against the elements and were first made of leather and later of cloth or blankets. These articles of clothing were frequently decorated by the Indians in distinctive tribal designs and styles.
Designed after typical shirts worn by the French voyagers in the late 18th century. Typical of this period, the shirt has no shoulder seam. The fabric is folded in half in both directions before cutting. A shoulder reinforcement is also included.
The fur traders made extensive use of the blanket capote and this apparel, with bright colors and contrasting stripes, was quickly adopted by the Indians of Western America. These coatswere popular along the western moving frontier and were later used by soldiers and frontiersmen.
Early Frontiersman
Leather Pants
The early frontiersman's pants are styled with a button front and slightly flared legs and are typical of those worn in the1800s. When teamed with the early frontiersman's shirt they make the core of typical "Mountain Man" clothing.
This mountain man's work shirt is designed after typical shirts worn by mountain men in the late 18th century. It has a choice of two lengths. The traditional length is 36 to 39 inches long. Men typically had few clothes and this shirt frequently substituted as a night shirt.
Native American Leather Accessories
Leather gloves & gauntlets, as well as leather, fur backed and cloth mittens.
The fur traders made extensive use of the blanket capote and this apparel, with bright colors and contrasting stripes, was quickly adopted by the Indians of Western America. These coatswere popular along the western moving frontier and were later used by soldiers and frontiersmen.
This leather shirt depicts the style worn in the early 19th century by fur trappers and Indians. The shirt is slightly tailored but has the freedom of no sleeve cuffs or button closings. The early frontiersman's shirt has a false yoke when front and back fringe is added. Other options are sleeve fringe and a collar.
This three hide dress is typical of the plains Indian dress worn by the women of many tribes. It may be decorated with beadwork, quillwork, shells, coins, fur, fringing, ribbon, metal cones and trade cloth; for everyday use it was worn without adornment.
The 18th century waistcoat was styled with a high neck and many buttons down the front. Made of fine wool broadcloth or linen, and lined with fine linen or cotton, the waistcoat comes nine to ten inches below the waist.
Indian Moccasin Patterns
The two-piece moccasin was basic to the Plains Indian and each tribe had variations in shape and style. Some of the differences were in the shape of the tongue and sole, fringe and in decoration. The most common adornment used on moccasins was done with seed beads, porcupine quills and metal cones. Using this pattern you can create either soft or hard sole Indian Plains Moccasins and variations are given for the tongue.
Plains Indian
Hightop Moccasin
The two piece hightop moccasins were traditional to the plains, woodland and marsh Indians of the United States and Canada. They were highly decorated for ceremonials and best dress but were worn plain for everyday wear. The most common adornment was done with seed beads, porcupine quills and metal coins. Using the pattern you can create either the soft or hard sole moccasin.