During the Civil War it was not uncommon for boys as young as 12 years of age to enlist as drummer boys. Though they weren’t technically soldiers, they were still close to the battle lines and often took up arms when battles became heated. This uniform is patterned after the standard pants and sack coat issued to enlisted men and is the same style worn by Johnny Clem, who at 9 years of age became the youngest soldier of the Civil War… actually, of any American war.

This pattern has been carefully researched with close attention to detailing. The pants have a fly front with a small working silver button and two front pockets. The jacket features a unique pocket in the front that is accessed through the front placket. The jacket is fully lined … just like the original.

Supplies Needed:
Sack Coat: 1 3 yard of lightweight wool flannel or other lightweight to medium weight woven fabric.  Not suitable for knits.  
 
Sack Coat, Suspenders and Pants Lining: 1 4 yard lightweight cotton muslin.  Not suitable for knits.  
 
Pants: 1 3 yard lightweight wool flannel or other lightweight to medium weight woven fabric.  Not suitable for knits.  
 
Pistol Belt:  Scrap  piece of lightweight brown or black leather.  A piece of retired leather jacket works well.
 
Trims:  For sack coat, 18 inches of 1 4 inch wide middy Braid (optional).  For pants, 24 inches of 1 4 inch wide Middy Braid. 
 
Closures:  For sack coat, 4 – 3 8 inch gold buttons.  For pants, 5 – 3 8 inch nickle buttons and 1 size 4 0 nickle snap, 2 – 1 4 inch eyelets, and 1 – 6 inch piece of string or leather lace.  For pistol belt, 1 2 inch and 1 4 inch buckle with prong.