I was recently contact by a potential client to construct an 1860s corset, as underpinnings for a reenactment ensemble, which has always been an era that has held a fascination. So jumping in with both feet, I immediately started researching my pattern hoard and lo and behold, not a single pattern. A shocking oversight!
While my fashion plate books have scaled patterns and drawing for this era, I do not have a fully sized draft (and little inclination to scale patterns atm), so I turned to Etsy, a mixed treasure trove of pattern sources. Two patterns piqued my interest
1. 1860s gored corset by Red Threaded - based on an extant example held in the V&A fashion collection (image below)
2. AUBIN mid 1800s gored corset by Atelier Sylphe - based on an extant example in the collection of the designer.
I ultimately went with the Atelier Sylphe pattern for several reasons
- Pattern taken directly from a period piece with notations made on the pattern of original features
- Positive experiences with other Atelier Sylphe patterns
- The Red Threaded pattern (& the original V&A example) have bones which terminate at the waist - 😣 OUCH!
- Welt seams are used throughout the pattern, which is my favourite construction method - so beautifully clean inside and out 💕
So this beautiful pattern is now siting on my worktable waiting to be sewn together... stay tuned for details
