1860s Corset

This corset pattern was taken from "Corsets and Crinolines" by Norah Waugh (Fig. 38, 1860s French Stays). I drafted it to scale, and fit it to my own measurements, which made the bust-waist-hip ratio slightly different from the original. I now believe the original ratio would have fit better, and intend to remake this in the future.

Although the pattern is historical, I used theatrical methods to make this corset, including a separate grommet tab in the back with an inch of alterable seam on each side.

I made this corset with a coutil lining, and a light (thrifted) cotton fashion fabric. The coutil is boned separately, so the boning lines would not be seen from the front. The pieces are flatlined together, and piped with self-made piping at the top and bottom, which can be drawn tighter at the bust.