Frock coat pattern?

[hardtack1864]

I need to know where I can pick up a authentic pattern for a size 46 Federal Frock coat and where to pick up the piping for it too. I have tried county cloth, but they do not seem to have the pattern or piping. Thank you.

[Jefferson Guards]

I don't know where you could find a pattern, but I do know that Wooded Hamlet sells the piping. You can pick it up at their retail location at Family Heirloom Weavers in Gettysburg or go to their website www.woodedhamlet.com.

[JCbluegrassrifles]

A frock coat pattern is a very prisitne item. Nobody that has a good one will let it out. That is why frocks are so expensive. Because those that make the good ones have done the research and refuse to let their work be sold. For some reason, frocks seem to be 'diamonds in the rough' when it comes to garments. County Cloth will not sell frock patterns. The only thing you can do is buy a kit and trace the pieces for your own pattern. I have seen frock patterns available, but the sources have not been very reliable. The previous response was good enough to mention piping. Wooded Hamlet provides some of the best. But again with the pattern, I don't believe that one will present itself to you. It is unfortunate. The best I can do is say good luck.

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Making a frock is not for the weak of heart. Fed frocks cost a alot because they are very difficult to make and the correct materials are also very expensive. Good luck finding alpaca to line it with.

[NY Pvt]

I know this should probably be in the vendor section but who else makes good federal frock coats besides the obvious Chris Daley and Nick ************. Is there anyone?

Thanks.

[Jefferson Guards]

I have a nice one by Pat Brown.

[NY Pvt]

Brian,

Thanks. But I guess I don't need one anymore (atleast right now), since Reams Station is now cancelled.

[Michael McComas]

County Cloth doesn't sell a frock coat pattern because Mr. Childs doesn't really use one. He drafts each kit on the cloth based on the customer's measurements. If you look on the wrong side of the cloth on some of his kits, you'll see where he's adjusted a curve or added to a line. That's just a hint of the custom work that goes into a frock coat kit. He is really a master of the art.

As for patterns, Homespun makes a pattern, but I confess I have no first-hand knowledge of how good or poor it is. Their single-breasted CS frock coat requires considerable experience and a knack for alteration to make correctly, but it's not an insurmountable task. In their favor, their frock patterns do adhere closely to their published chest and waist dimensions, which many patterns do not.

If you really want to make one, by all means, go for it, and ask questions here as you go. Research the garment as much as you can, and definitely make a fitting muslin first (directions for doing so are in the pattern), and do a first run on cheap cloth before you try to make the real thing. I'm of the "nothing ventured, nothing gained" school of sewing. You'll learn from the fitting muslin what doesn't fit and how to correct it. You'll learn from the cheap practice garment what problems you may have during the assembly. If you're not comfortable after doing your practice garment, do another practice run.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress!

[tarwater_mess]

Frock coats are indeed a bit tricky to properly make up. The correct material is somewhat expensive, the trims need to be dyed using indigo, interior chest area is padded and quilted to hold it in place. You must be skilled with handworked buttonholes to properly complete the coat.

Only a few existing Enlisted Uniform Coats are left in public and private collections making it difficult to copy them.



GOOD LUCK

[Matt Caldwell]

Brian,

Thanks. But I guess I don't need one anymore (atleast right now), since Reams Station is now cancelled.

Where did you hear that as I can not find anything to support this claim.
Thanks,