Top Stitching

[skurki]

I am not a reenactor but a North-South Skirmisher, still I have an interest in Civil War and the uniforms. I am representing a typical private in the 7th Regiment Virginia Volunteers. Our unit has adopted the Richmond Depot uniform in dark gray called Richmond Gray. We wear an RD II shell coat with matching trousers and either kepi cap or civilian hat.

During the winter months while not skirmishing I am entertaining the thought of adding some top stitching to my uniform inside and out. I have seen some top stitching in pictures in Don Troiani's Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War. What I am looking for is some sort of tutorial on how to apply the top stitching, where to apply it, what materials to use, what color etc. I am very new to this hobby and to sewing also. Please be gentle, I am trying.

[J_V]

Hello Scott,

I can appreciate that you want to improve the uniform you currently have. However, something in your description gives pause. You state that your coat does not currently have any top stitching. While there are surviving examples of Civil War uniforms with machine top stitching, I will venture a guess that your coat/trousers are not accurate reproductions (the "Richmond gray" term raises that flag also).

Do you know what material your coat is made out of, such as wool jean, cassimere, wool kersey, etc.? I am not trying to give you a hard time by asking these questions, but rather, I am trying to determine whether selling the goods you own and buying a more accurate reproduction would better serve you in the long-term. You can always learn to top stitch through other means.

Please don't become discouraged by this post. With some time, consideration, and planning, authenticity is possible if you desire it enough. Please let me know.

[M.Latham]

Scott,

I would be happy to render any assistance I can, send me a PM and we can discuss.

34th Bttn, Va. Cav. NSS-A

[Minieball577]

Scott, and I too, as with mark, would be willing to give you further assistance with this. The article I sent you via e-mail a week or so back has some ideas on how to top stitch.

7th Wisconsin, N-SSA

[lukegilly13]

This is a little more complicated than just "how do you topstitch". There are several different techniques. Do you live near a museum that has any original jackets? You should check out the detailed images of Echos of Glory...and for he Richmond, I would recommend Cadet Gray and Butternut Brown for viewing originals. I just spent the last hour and a half on topstitching a commutation jacket that I have been putting together for about 2 weeks (and i've still got more to go). I should add that this is the 5th garmet i've top stitched and one was an overcoat. It is not a really difficult thing to do...but I suggest taking the advice of others (much more knowledgeable than me) and use it to develop your own tweeks to achieve the same goal. I would strong encourage looking at the end result on an original jacket before attempting...good luck!