Topstich thread color?

[Bill Cross]

I'm finishing up a civilian sack coat in brown corduroy, and the pattern calls for topstitching around the edges. The topstitching thread I've seen used on military jackets (CSA) is usually a light color. What is the prevaling wisdom? Should I use the same matching brown thread I have used to sew the garment together, or a contrasting variation?

[Clark Badgett]

Bill, most of the older garments I've seen with topstitching, which seems to have been used occationally. The color of the thread was usually meant to match the garment. Even most CS garments that I've looked at the thread is now a meduim brown and seems to have oxidized from some other color. Most frocks that I've looked at, to include at least 2 civilian versions had no topstitching.

[Bill Cross]

Thanks, Clark. That, then, is an inauthenticity of reproductions, since the topstitching is mostly white or off-white. 'Course, a few times in the field, and all that changes.

[Jefferson Guards]

Today I viewed an original farmer's satin vest and a pair of original wool trousers and both had topstitching and buttonholes worked in thread matching to the garments' fabric. I have not yet seen any civilian garments that had topstitching or buttonholes worked in any thread that did not somehow match the garment.

[VMurphy]

I've seen very few men's original clothing, but can tell you as a civilian seamstress that most clothing is top stitched with thread the color of the fabric. Topstitching was a means of strengthing the seams of a garment, and perhaps as an asthetic finish would be secondary.


Regards
Vivian Murphy

[Bill Cross]

Topstitching was a means of strengthing the seams of a garment....

Also of holding things in place like pocket flaps and collars. When turned, a collar, for example, will bulge a little bit at the seams if not top stitched. It's easy to understand the why, it's just that some black thread would make for more interesting stitching and buttonholes. But that's a modern sensibility and not period.

[Gerkin]

Mr. Cross,

I am curious as to where you got your corduroy?? And, how thick are the cords? I ask because myself and some friends are doing a militia impression this summer(Morgan's raid on Indiana), and one friend and me are interested in having corduroy trousers.

Thank you.

[Bill Cross]

I am curious as to where you got your corduroy??

The Rag Shop here in NJ.

Chris Daley suggested corduroy as under-represented in the hobby. I was looking for dark green or purple wide weal, but they only had brown in all-cotton. Lots of poly blend cords, though.

Be careful sewing cotton corduroy, as it tears easily.