Civilian shirts patterned "on the square" were among the most common men's shirt of the 1860s.  Purchased ready-made or made by loving hands at home, it is easily argueable that every man of the period owned one at some time or another.  The pattern name was derived from the simple square and rectangular pattern pieces which made for easy assembly even by the novice.  In addition to being worn widely by civilians, and sent from home to Northern soldiers, shirts of these type were even widely issued to CS soldiers having been made by local contract to individuals or garment firms, or even by soldiers aide societies.  

All too often in the hobby "civilian shirt" is equated to only shirts made of cotton materials, but time after time soldier's letters and even requisition forms are full of requests for "flannel" or "woolen" shirts.  As such, we offer both cotton shirts in colorful materials, and wool shirts made out of wool flannel.

The materials we offer will only be available for a limited time, and for an average of a half dozen kits.  That means if you see a material you like, order the kit right away, and if nothing strikes your fancy, check back every few weeks and we'll likely have something new on hand!  Like usual our kits come with all the materials, thread, buttons, and even beeswax you need to assemble your shirt, as well as detailed instructions with color photographs.  You even have your choice of bone or black metal buttons!

Shirts are available in size medium (42) or large (48).

Cotton Civilian Shirt Kit  $45.00 postage paid

You may choose your material  from any of the cottons available on our cotton fabric page:  Cotton Shirtings

Wool Civilian Shirt Kit $60.00 postage paid You can choose from any of our available 5/1 twill jeans here: CS Fabrics or one of the following woolens for your kit (Click to enlarge)
Green Twill Wool Flannel	Tan Twill Wool Flannel