Cravat styles & pattern

[Rufus]

Does anyone know what style of cravat was most commonly worn, and what type of fabric was it made out of? And can anyone tell me were I can get a good pattern for making one?

[pfeiffer3964]

Rufus:

There was some discussion about this subject on a previous thread:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ghlight=cravat

I'll let the experts fill in any other details, but I though that this information might get you started.

--Jim

[JCbluegrassrifles]

Contact Nick ************ through www.skilletlicker.com
He makes the best repro cravats and I'm sure he could give you some great insight. As far as a pattern, not sure if they are available. Again, talk to Nick.

[pfeiffer3964]

Actually, Mr. ************ has posted some interesting information about cravats on another discussion board. You can access that information by clicking here.

--Jim

[fedhead]

The link above does not seem to be working

Has anybody measured any originals as i am interested in the length and width of the tie yourself variety , do they wrap around the neck twice or once .

[ThehosGendar]

While this thread is nearly two years old, there is some decent stuff which can be added to it.

There are quite a few cravat styles that appear in the LOC images, and some that we don't see much in reenacting.

The first style is one we see quite alot, and is a carryover from the ridiculously huge tied cravats of the 1850s. I've attached three views of this style of cravat below. As you can see, these still do appear in Civil War images, out in the field, but not so much as the next style, which, while the predominant style of tie in the LOC images, does not appear much in reenacting.

This sort of cravat is a very, very thin tie, appearing to be about 1/2" to 3/4" wide, of varying colors and stripes. Officers, enlisted men, and civilian workmen and clerks of all ages are wearing this style of tie. A single survey of one image, LC-DIG-cwpb-04274, "Washington, District of Columbia. Group of Quartermaster Corps employees" shows 17 men wearing the thin style, and many more in the other great survey of middle class men's clothing, the group shots of clerks of the War and Quartermaster's department taken in 1865 on the steps of the Corcoran Art Building (which still exists, is the Renwick Gallery, across from the White House).

Another style that pops up here and there are thick cravats brought up and over the knot. Thinner versions are also seen, and held in place by tie tacks.

So, here's a bit of a wider repetoire of tie styles. Hope to see some sported out there!