Recently I was doing some research for some project of my own decided to try out drafting from source material from the 1890’s. Do you know what I discovered – those instructions SUCK by modern standards.

What do I do about it? Write up new ones of course! I have started the task of translating the instructions from the 1894 Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter into a set of mini books that contain easy to read and follow instructions along with lots of full color diagrams. This means everyone – no matter what size, gender, or body type – can draft their own Victorian/Edwardian garments!

Victorian/Edwardian Waist/Sloper Draft

A sloper (or waist as it was known in 1895) is essential to creating the patterns inside of the Keystone Jacket and Dress cutter as well as other books of the time.

The drafting techniques used in this mini book are taken directly from the 1895 Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter book. This book is freely available at archive.org.

What’s included:

• 32 pages of drafting instructions
• Full color diagrams with easy to follow instructions
• Practice workbook with the number already filled in
• Basic waist draft with variation to the hips

Victorian/Edwardian Sleeve Drafts with Variations

The drafting techniques used in this mini book are taken directly from the 1895 Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter book. This book is freely available at archive.org.

What’s included:

• 21 pages of drafting instructions
• Full color diagrams with easy to follow instructions
• Practice workbook with the number already filled in
• Basic sleeve draft with variations
  • Narrow Shoulder Variation
  • Vent with Buttons Variation
  • Large Sleeve Head (2 version)
  • Very Full Sleeve Head
  • Dress Sleeves
  • Sleeve for Shirtwaists

Victorian/Edwardian Shirtwaist Draft

The drafting techniques used in this mini book are taken directly from the 1895 Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter book. This book is freely available at archive.org.

NOTE: These drafting instructions require an existing waist/sloper pattern. If you do not have your own, you can find these instructions here in the store.

What’s included:

• 13 pages of drafting instructions
• Full color diagrams with easy to follow instructions
• Bodice and sleeve draft based on your existing sloper/waist draft