Renaissance Blackwork Shirt & Chemise
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There is a 60 page written instruction booklet with digital illustrations AND a YouTube tutorial (that includes my cute senior cat!).
The instruction booklet also includes; Design options, fabric and supplies information, fabric yield recommendations, sizing information, how to pick the right size, finished garment measurements, table of pattern pieces required for each design option, common pattern adjustments, how to print, construction of the chemise & shirt.If you are a complete beginner, there is also a Helpful Beginners Guide that comes with this pattern, including the recommended type and size of sewing needles, type of thread and explanations on pre-washing, grainlines, stitch length and more.
If you are planning to do the hand embroidery, the Blackwork Stitches document has information on stitches and extra steps before beginning the chemise or shirt.
There are also detailed cutting plans provided for each size and type of garment and sleeve.
View the sew along video here: https://youtu.be/BX8RQBlMgsE
If you are having difficulty understanding any steps of the instructions please email atelier.arden.official@gmail.com and we’ll help where we can. -
Type of fabric recommended: Very light weight cotton such as a cotton lawn or muslin. Or cotton poplin, lightweight linen or cotton linen blend for a more structured look.
Or threadbare, lightweight cotton sheets from the thrift store.
We recommend using a fabric under 130 GSM or 3.38 oz/yd².
Look below for the fabric yield tables.
Interfacing: Light to medium-weight iron-on/fusible interfacing for the collar & cuffs. Optional for light to medium fabrics. Less than 0.5 metres will be required.
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Fits up to; bust 170 cm / 67 ”, waist 160 cm / 63 ”, collar 61 cm / 24 ” and wrists 26 cm / 10.2 ”.
Fits down to; bust 64 cm / 25.2 ”, waist 54 cm / 21.3 ”, collar 31 cm / 12.2 ” and wrists 11 cm / 4.3 ”.
Instructions included to find your size (sizing chart labels sizes from A - J). Note, your size will be different between patterns.
Bodies can be so wildly different from one another. Instructions are included to alter the pattern for a different height, arm length, and collar, wrist adjustments.
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Format: PDF Digital Sewing Pattern instant digital download & download link will be emailed to you within 15 minutes of purchase. The download link only works for 24 hours, so make sure to download straight away.
Pattern files include A4/US Letter for print at home and A0 for print shops & projectors.
How to print at home: Open the file in a PDF viewer on your computer- not a web browser. When printing, always double check you have selected “Actual Size” or scale to 100% and never select “scale to fit”.Please print the test square on the first page to check it’s the correct size before committing to printing all of the pages.
If you are having difficulty accessing or printing the pattern please do email atelier.arden.official@gmail.com and we’ll help where we can
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The Renaissance Blackwork Shirt & Chemise Sewing Pattern is intended for personal use only, and cannot be used for profit or resale of finished garments. Please contact me for any licensing enquiries atelier.arden.official@gmail.com.
Being a product that is emailed to you automatically, once you place your order, as with most pdf patterns, this product is non refundable. However, please do email atelier.arden.official@gmail.com if you have any queries with your order.
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This pattern has been made by independent designer, Arden Hartley, without the use of AI. It was designed through nearly a year of prototyping and testing in Arden’s small studio in rural NSW, Australia. All sizes were digitised and graded in Adobe Illustrator by Arden with the help of her senior cat, Hissy Miggins who slept through the whole process.
The pattern was tested over 15 times by real people with a variety of skill levels and sizes, from all over the world.
“(I loved) the space on the plackets and cuffs to have decorative embroidery. The pattern instructions itself were lovely to follow, the images and extra historical hints were appreciated ”
— Sarah“I like the versatility and flexibility to customise how you want and well as the size inclucivity. The instruction booklet makes picking this pattern up and making it so easy for someone who has very little sewing knowledge and experience ”
— Jess“I loved getting to try all the decorative stitches on my machine! I genuinely had a fun time experimenting and feeling like I did something new for once”
— EmilyRenaissance
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Blackwork
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shirt
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Chemise
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Renaissance ✳︎ Blackwork ✳︎ shirt ✳︎ Chemise ✳︎
How the testers made it
PDF Digital Sewing Pattern instant digital download & download link will be emailed to you within 15 minutes of purchase (make sure to check your spam folder). Your Download includes all sizes.
Whether you're heading to the Ren Faire, building a LARP character, or making a historical wardrobe, this Renaissance shirt and chemise/camicia sewing pattern is for you.
It can be made as a full-length chemise to layer under your renfaire outfit (it works perfectly with the Garden Stays) or as a shirt to wear on its own or beneath a doublet.
Designed with beginner sewists in mind, this pattern balances a historical-inspired look with approachable construction and comfortable fit—making it a great choice whether you're new to historical sewing or an experienced costumer.
Design options: Shirt or chemise, Renaissance or medieval fantasy sleeves, wide or standard plackets, collars and cuffs, and with or without ruffles.
What’s included: 60 page written instruction booklet with easy to understand illustrations, Youtube sewing tutorial, Helpful Beginners Guide, Hand Embroidery Blackwork Stitches Guide, Blackwork Hand Embroidery Design, and detailed cutting plans for each major design option & size.
Skill Level: Beginner/Adventurous beginner
Time: Testers completed this pattern between 5 - 10 hours. Perfect as a cosy weekend project!
Format: Includes A4/US Letter and A0 formats. The A0 pattern files include size layers for sewing projectors.
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Everything you need to get started
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Visual person who needs to see it to understand? Me too!
While I worked hard to create helpful, easy to understand illustrations, sometimes you just need to see a video.
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