Caroline's corset blog

Musings and progress from Caroline - projects she's working on, tips and tricks, and thoughts on corsetry

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  1.  

    FRONT COVER

    I was in two minds as to whether to design this 1860's corset with one or two gussets, so decided to go with both, and offer makers the option. Small-busted woman can get away with one but for larger busts, two gives more flexibility for adding volume. 

    When I want to embark on a historical pattern, I start researching the outer fashions as well as photos of corsets from the era, fashion plates, and patented patterns from the time. The corset’s function was dependent on the fashions and its characteristics very much reflected what it needed to do. There was also the issue of the prevailing technology of the time; the widespread use of the slot and stud split busk from the 1850’s, the sewing machine, dyes, weaving techniques, and in the late 1860’s, the copper forms used for steaming corsets into shape.

    From the 1850’s skirts grew wider in circumference and petticoats were not sufficiently supportive – hence the crinoline was invented in 1856. It reached its maximum size in the early 1860’s.

    There was much satire and amusement in the press of the time;

    R (1)

    (photo from Punch)

    The crinoline was more lightweight than the cumbersome petticoats, and with the expanse of skirts making the waist look small, tight-lacing was not a feature of the early 1860’s; the corsets were quite short and lightweight. The steam moulding (where starched corsets were left to dry on steam-heated copper torso forms) of the late 1860’s produced stiffer, more rounded corsets.

    By the mid 1860’s, the large bell-shaped skirts had reached their peak, and the volume began shifting to the rear – the skirts became flatter at the front with a tapered shape that emphasised the back of the body. Cage crinolines adapted to become smaller – the half-crinoline, or crinolette emerged. Crinolettes sometimes featured extra loops of steel at the top to exaggerate the posterior, bridging the gap between the cage crinoline and full bustle of the 1870’s.

    From my findings, a mid-1860’s corset had the following features;

    - Gussets to provide the bust and hip spring (breasts were allowed to sit in their natural position)

    - Split busk at the centre front

    - Front panel is cut on the bias

    - Short over the hip

    - Diagonal boning on the back panel

    - Lightweight, often one layer or one layer plus a linen liner

    - Eyelets not offset

    - Sometimes sparsely boned with the hip area left unboned

    - Flossing 

    Hopefully I have interpreted this era in this design – I left it quite roomy in the under-bust area and found it super comfortable.

    Here's a little tutorial about how to insert gores & gussets - I achieve a lovely point every time and swear by it!

    GORES 1

    GORES 2

    GORES 3

    GORES 4

    GORES 5

    GORES 6

    GORES 7

     This will be live for Patreon patrons ($3 tier) in August 2022

  2. FRONT PAGE

    I have been thrilled at how popular my first design for men has been, so I designed another! It will be another double whammy this month though as the women's design I based it on (Colette) got an update for 2022 so I included that as well. I added 4 sizes, and generally brought the drafting level up standards I apply now. I originally designed Colette in 2017;

    20210325_115818

    The back panel is comprised of 3 panels that contour the shoulder blades and morph together into a strap that is secured to the top-line of the under-bust. It's a very supportive design, and definitely reminds you to sit up straight and keep the shoulders down - I'm bad for holding tension in my neck and shoulders and designs like this work wonders for my posture.

  3. A neck corset under-bust that can be worn three ways;

    flat 2

    When I combined my usual neck corset it was a little high at the throat and I felt a little constricted so I dropped the top-line and it is now much more comfortable. I have shown this lower line as dotted on the pattern (I have also left the main top-line high so it can be made a  stand-alone neck corset).

    I also popped in a zip at the panel 1/2 seam on the left hand side as I felt it would be so much easier to get in and out of - it is of course, but is not strictly necessary, especially if you have someone who can help you lace down. What do you think to the asymmetry it lends the design? The jury is still out in my opinion but the practicality outweighs the aesthetics I think.

    IMG_1759

    Also now available in my Etsy shop;

    https://www.etsy.com/uk/CorsetsbyCaroline/listing/1237889135/corset-pattern-combined-neck-corset?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1653374357982

    measurements