Vintage & Period Costumes Crafty Tip
While sewing machines did exist during the Civil War they were primarily only found in commercial settings and were not part of even the wealthiest of households. To keep your reenactment clothing looking authentic, sew any seams, embellishments, or button holes that will show on the outside of the garment by hand. While they'll never admit it in public or on the set, most re-enactors do utilize sewing machines for those parts of the garment that will not be seen.
