These knitting patterns are all inspired by these fresh looks at historical costumes and clothes. Great for costumes, cosplay, or everyday fashion statements. Most patterns are free.
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
Girls Cape From 1865
Girl’s shawl is an historical cape originally featured in Godey’s Magazine, in 1865. It is knit in a eyelet pattern with a knit border in garter stitch embroidered with black to create the illusion of ermine fur. The cape closes with a hook and eye, and is decorated with a bow at the neck. It’s great for historical plays, dress up, Halloween costumes, and a special events. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Jamie Quick & Brandy Foersch
Voyageur Cap
Inspired by hat worn by French Voyageurs in the 18th century, this cap is designed by Susanna Locati. It’s great for historical reenactments, Halloween costumes, and a warm everyday hat. Fingering weight yarn.
Chainmail Coif (Helmet and Cowl)
Mock chainmail hood for both children and adults for dress-up and costuming. Sizes extra small, small, medium, large. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Katie Golus.
Outlandish Bodice Vest
Cabled fitted vest is great for either for an everyday statement piece or for dress-up and costuming. Sizes extra small, small, medium, large. Knit as is for regular wardrobe or customize the corset-style bodice for cosplay with included instructions for extending the peplum and adding laces. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by bron matheson.
Chainmail Hauberk for a Young Knight
Knit chainmail tunic is great for quick costumes. It will only take a few hours and is very a simple and forgiving pattern. Designed by Kara Shallenberg. Worsted weight yarn. Available in English and Danish.
More Free Patterns
Henry Tudor Sweater
An intricate knotwork pattern taken from a famous portrait of Henry VIII inspired the cables on this long-sleeved raglan men's pullover with leather buckle fastenings. Sizes S[M, L, 1X, 2X] / 36[41, 42.5, 45.5, 51]". Designed by Tigg's Togs. Worsted weight yarn.
Lady’s Travelling Cap (1847)
Franklin Habit translated this knitting pattern from Frances Lambert’s My Knitting Book (Second Series), 1847. The wonderful four-row stitch pattern blends adjacent shades like watercolor. Could be adapted for a baby bonnet.
Kællingesjal 1897;recreation, Museum, Denmark by Mette Rørbech
This recreation of a 1890s Danish tie-shawl by Mette Rørbech that wraps around the body and ties in the back. tie-shawl.The shawl has elegant borders and a band of stockinette fabric that also help you tie the shawl and keep it snug. Pictured project is by FyrkantigSpunk
Revolution Jacket
Chelsea Darling and Ryan Marnell designed this modern cardigan version of an American Revolution era jacket. Sizes XS [S, M, L, XL, XXL]
Shetland Lace Jabot and Cuffs
Joannie Newsome designed this lace jabot and matching cuffs. The lace is charted (no written directions) but you can substitute your own lace pattern if you wish.
Orange Crush
Modern bustier designed by DolanDesigns is perfect for layering.
Chain Mail Cowl and Hood
Pattern includes where to get seine cord, dying instructions, knitting instructions and how to apply foil for silver effect. Designed by Martha A. Marking. Quick knit in Super Bulky yarn
Patterns for Purchase
Dragon Rider Tunic
Viking inspired pullover sweater knit all in one piece, from the top down, with minimal finishing and several small, fun details. Sized for children 2 [4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14] years. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Annika Barranti Klein
A Sensible Shawl
Free with Kindle Unlimited. Celeste Young created this warm, comfortable shawl that wide enough to cross the body and tie in back, leaving the hands free to knit, work in the garden, and around the house. The Van Dyke border is adapted from The Knitter’s Companion series written by Mrs. Mee and Ms. Austin throughout the 1800s. Finished Size: 50” wide excluding I-cords and tabs (96” wide from I-cord CO to I-cord BO); 27” deep from top edge to bottom point. One of the patterns in Jane Austen Knits
- See the other patterns in Jane Austen Knits and get the book free with Kindle Unlimited on Amazon
- Or buy the pattern on Ravelry
Renaissance Tunic
Teva Durham’s pullover sweater with cables is shaped by by adjusting the size of the cables and the number of purl stitches between them. The front features a romantic keyhole opening and a stand-up ruffled collar. 35 (37, 39 ½, 42, 44 ½)” (89 [94, 100.5, 107, 113] cm) bust/chest circumference. Originally published in Interweave Knits, Winter 2002/2003
Knitted Ribbed Bustier
Great for layering or wearing alone. This is a simple, yet elegant piece that will knit up quickly in bulky yarn and is very versatile. Women’s S (M,L, XL)
Rivulet Shrug
Andrea Marquis designed this versatile, collared shrug that also has modern style versions. Bust 28-34, 36-42, 44-50
