18th Century Lappet Cap

18th Century Dress, Fichu And Cap — 18th century short gown

This is my 18th century lappet cap. It’s suitable for a mid-18th century working woman. You can see working women wear lappet caps in these two paintings by Chardin and Hendriks. The lappets can also be pinned up like here.

Related: How To Make An 18th Century Straw Hat From Scratch

Handsewn 18th Century Lappet Cap - Details running whip stitch — Wrong side of the small hems: The sewing stitches are completely invisible on the right side of the lappet cap.

My mid-18th century lappet cap is completely handsewn using 18th century sewing stitches. And it didn’t take long to sew the lappet cap by hand.

I used unbleached cotton fabric and cotton sewing thread. Linen fabric might’ve been more authentic. But as there were no import bans on cotton in the mid-18th century in the region where I live, I used some cotton fabric scraps from my stash.

Handsewn 18th Century Lappet Cap - Details brim crown cartridge pleats — Inside view of cap with cartridge pleats

I gathered the crown of the cap with cartridge pleats. Then I attached the crown to the brim piece.

Related: How To Sew Cartridge Pleats

Rolled whipped gathers would’ve been more authentic. But I didn’t know this when I made the lappet cap many years ago. Here’s my tutorial about how to gather and attach the crown with rolled whipped gathers. And here are more photos of my 18th century cap.