The waistcoat was a light jacket of the 16th century. It can be used for all classes, depending on fabric choice, ornamentation and the garments layered under it.

The bodice of the kirtle has several neckline options:  a rounded neckline, a high neckline and the choice of an added collar. The back neck is high and rounded at the nape of the neck. The waistline varies depending on the design of the hem of the garment.  The waistcoat can be made in either a shorter or longer length with inset gussets, or with a waistseam and an attached peplum.  The waistcoat can be made to fasten with lacing or ribbons at the center front.

The waistcoat is not meant to be boned, as it was a loose over-garment. 

There are multiple sleeve options.  A two-part sleeve with a more narrow fit and tapering at the wrist, and a single part sleeve with fullness at the shoulder, also tapering to the wrist.  Sleeves are set-in.  

Sizes 2- 30 are included in every package.

The detailed instruction manual includes historical notes, extensive fitting and sewing instructions, and design tips.

The pattern is a digital download, and comes with PDF files in a zip file.  They include:

• The front and back cover pages of the pattern
• The instruction manual
  
• A PDF form with instructions on how to assemble the pattern
• A PDF file with the pattern on a sheet that can be printed at your local copy shop
• A PDF file with the pattern tiled to be printed on a home printer.  The same file will work for letter and A4 size paper.  

DO NOT download the zip file to your phone.  It must be downloaded to a computer.  

This pattern coordinates with our 16th Century Kirtle and Elizabethan Lady patterns.

NOTE:  RETURNS ARE NOT ACCEPTED ON DIGITAL DOWNLOAD PURCHASES.