All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
These 1790s Stay sewing patterns are original Past Pattern designs
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Past Patterns item#0030, the Transition Stay sewing pattern was pulled, with permission, from the extant garment in the Danvers' Historical Society in Danvers, Massachusetts. The threads appear to be hand spun and the fabric appears to be hand woven of linen warp and cotton weft. The thread count is approximately 40 warp and 36 weft. The pieces are sewn together with linen thread, perhaps the thread used to weave the fabric. The stiffening is whalebone. While the front is fully-boned the back and sides are partially boned. Variations of the front boning from Conner Prairie Museum in Fishers, Indiana and The Chester County Historical Society in West Chester, Pennsylvania are included with the pattern.
The stay is worn with Past Patterns item#0031 Lewis & Clark Era Front Closing Gown. Past Patterns is also developing three high waisted short gowns and two petticoats of the era.
Patterns for the shift and day cap may be purchased from Kannik's Korner at: www.KanniksKorner.com
Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Nancy Rexford for editing the Introduction and allowing Past Patterns to reprint portions of "Frocks and Curls." Thanks to the Danvers Historical Society; the Connecticut Historical Society; Ericka Mason at Conner Prairie; Alden O'Brien at the DAR in Washington, DC; the Farmers‚ Museum in Cooperstown, NY; Margaret Ordonez at the University of RI; Kristina Haugland at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the SPNEA; Paula Richter at the Peabody-Essex Museum; Megan Spagnolo at Western Reserve Historical Society; the Kansas City Museum; the Chester County Historical Society; Marianna Klaiman and The Hermitage, Ho Ho Kus, NJ; the ladies in the workshops at MOMCC; Travellers Rest in Nashville; and Katy Depot in St. Charles, Missouri, who enthusiastically tested the pattern; and the people who generously opened their homes to me when I traveled to research.
Reviews on constructing the Transition Stay are available at https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/31424#pattern-review
Here's a guide to enlarge the Transition Stay, https://zipzipinkspot.blogspot.com/2021/08/tutorial-renovating-1790s-transition.html
WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT PRODUCING KITS DUE TO LACK OF COMPONENTS AND LABOR INVOLVED IN PRODUCTION
IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE RECIPE FOR OUR KITS, PLEASE SEE OUR RECEIPE BELOW
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Available in 3 variations of sizes
Sizes 08-14 for Bust 32”-36” Waist 24”-28” Hips 34”-38”
Sizes 16-20 for Bust 38”-42” Waist 30”-34” Hips 40”-44”
Sizes 22-26 for Bust 44”-48” Waist 36”-40” Hips 46”-50”
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Materials required (all at 45” width):
Fashion
Sizes 08-14 ½ Yds
Sizes 16-20 ¾ Yds
Sizes 22-26 7/8 Yds
Lining
Sizes 08-14 2/3 Yds
Sizes 16-20 3/4 Yds
Sizes 22-26 1 Yds
3 5/8 Yds. of 44” wide
4 3/8 Yds. of 36" wide
2 3/4 Yds. of 54” wide
Fabric suggestions:
The original stay we used to create the pattern was made of plain weave line warp and cotton weft. The warp was approximately 40 threads per inch. The weft was approximately 36 threads per inch.
Notions suggestions:
If hand-sewing, use 100 yards of 20/2, 30/2, 35/2 or 40/2 white, brown or natural linen wet-spun sewing thread. If using silk thread, use 80 yards blue or forest green button-hole weight silk thread; use bees wax on linen and silk thread. We suggest 2 yards round-braided cord for front lacing. For the reed, we suggest oval-oval ¼”; for sizes 08-14, 20 yards, for sizes 16-20, 26 yards and for sizes 22-26, 29 yards.
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We are one time constructed Kits which included all of the components you would need to build this item accurately.
Due to Covid, we have seen the prices of supplies skyrocket while simultaneously seeing vendors go out of business eliminating our access to the items we need.
Here is what our receipe for the Linen Kit for this item was comprised of:
Linen Fabric
sizes 08-14: 32" Laundered 35" Unlaundered
sizes 16-20: 32" Laundered 35" Unlaundered (I am verifying this amount with Saundra as I think this may be a typo and require more)
sizes 22-26: 45" Laundered 48" Unlaundered
Reed: 1/4" Oval
sizes 08-14: 6 ounces (20 Yds) = 171 grams
sizes 16-20: 7 ounces (26 Yds) = 199 grams
sizes 22-26: 8 ounces (29 Yds) = 227 grams
Linen Thread
sizes 08-26: 35/2 Linen thread 290 Yds - We suggest purchasing thru https://www.wmboothdraper.com/
72" Lacing that matches lines fabric
1 Wax Heart
1 Wooden Thread Winder
1 set of either 6" or 8" aluminum bust improvers
In the past, if you are using Green Silk twist, add 10 Yds which we suggested using Eterna Silk Color #4090, a 100% silk product, that was made in China for Yodamo, Inc. Eterna Silk was discontinued which impacted not just us but a whole bunch of people. I found this article which suggests an alternative, https://trishburr.com/2012/08/17/eterna-silk-discontinued/ -> https://www.needlecraft.biz/Eterna_DMCart117.htm
Curved Needles for Binding
Tapestry Needles for Threading the Needle for Cording
If you would like to be our supplier for these components, please us the Contact Us form. We would love being able to offer Kits to our clients again!
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The package includes our original artwork on the front cover, fabric and sizing charts on the back cover, background notes of the original stays that we researched, information on how stay changed from 1795-1808, instructions on stitching accurate for the era, a layout guide, well-tested written and illustrated instruction on constructing the garment and 1 sheets of computer generated sheets of patterns, 1 36”x53”.
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Our patterns are printed on 20 lb. white paper and packaged in a reusable plastic. We always attempt to offer the most reasonable shipping rates for domestic and international orders. Multi item purchases are automatically adjusted for combined shipping.
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Past Patterns 2023. All rights reserved.
This item is for single, non-commerical usage. If you want to mass produce items, please contact us.
Sizing Information
(Metric size sheet opens as a PDF in a new browser tab)
Preferred Vendors
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FAQ's
(Frequently asked questions)
Why are both Trowsers and Trousers listed on site?
Over the last 200 years, much like the human body, our style of language has changed. For vintage patterns, we attempt to use the language of the day where possible.
Can you grade (edit) a Vintage Revival pattern for my size?
please contact us with the specific pattern number and the specifications you require. We have staff available for this for an additional fee.
What sizes do Past Patterns patterns come in?
Our patterns, with some exceptions, are manufactured in sizes 8 through 26 for women and sizes 34 through 54 for men. Most patterns are multi-sized. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
Do you have vintage patterns (manufactured prior to 1950) that you want to sell?
we are always on the lookout for original, American designed, vintage patterns especially for categories outside of current items. We are interested if you have 1 pattern or 1000 patterns. Give us a call to discuss.
Why is my pattern size different from my off the rack dress size?
We use the U. S. Board of Standard Measurements to size our patterns. The ready made clothing manufacturers have their own set of sizes developed from their own statistics. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
How are the patterns packaged?
We package our patterns in two forms: Bond Paper and Tissue. Except for the Tissue patterns, each is slipped into a reusable plastic sleeve. Many contain documentation in the form of Historical Notes or the printer ie., Butterick. Because the patterns are printed in house to order, they can take from three to seven days. Tissue patterns, which are printed out of house, are available to ship immediately.
What does a Corset Kit contain in addition to the Corset pattern?
In addition to the pattern, the kits contain everything you need to make the corset except the thread. The kits contain, according to their type, fabric and lining, stays, clasp or busk board, back lacing, tape for finishing the edges, trim lace, ribbon, leather, tin stock, waist tape, punch and setter, eyelets, marking pencils, cording, reed and a loop turner.
Need a pattern in your language?
we can translate our instructions into just about any language
Have an old and incomplete Past Patterns item. What can I do?
The answer depends on if the pattern is still in production or not. If it is, please mail us the old pattern and we will ship you a copy of the latest pattern for a minimal fee along with normal shipping charges. If the item is no longer in production, we would need to know exactly what you have to determine the best course of action to help you.
What is the difference between a Past Patterns original pattern and a Vintage Revival pattern?
The Past Patterns originals were designed in house and based upon the research, disassembly and time of Saundra Ros Altman. These designs come from finds all over the United States reaching from San Diego, California to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. She created the initial patterns, the sizing charts and the instruction content. Many of the these patterns are multi-sized or are available in various sizes. For the most part, these designs are done taking into account the modern human body's shape, height and weight. The Vintage Revival patterns are traces or copies of an old, mass produced pattern; the first mass produced patterns came out in the 1850s. For the most part, you get exactly what came in the original package; in some cases, Saundra has appended historical notes to the instructions. The Vintage Revivals patterns, being copies of the originals, generally only come in one size and are based upon the size and shape of the human body from the era the pattern came from.
What software do you use to create patterns?
We utilize PW Studio for our designs. Isabelle Lott, a contributor over the years to Past Patterns, is the owner of the company and will be happy to answer an software related questions you have. Her software is available for licensing.
What measurements do I need to know to order a Corset Kit?
The bust and back length. The back length is measured from the prominent bone at the base of the neck to the natural waistline.
Where can I see the appropriate clothing fabrics for the 18th and 19th centuries?
You can see 1740 through 1940 fabrics in a book titled "Textile Designs" by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers. The subtitle states, "Two Hundred Years of European and American Patterns for Printed Fabric by Motif, Style, Color, Layout and Period and 1,823 Illustration in Color." What they don't say is that 90% of the swatches pictured are life size. The ISBN is 0-8109-3853-7. A second book is Wearable Prints, 1740-1860, History, Materials, and Mechanics by Susan W. Greene. The ISBN is 978-1-60635-124-6. Great books! Order it from your local library that has interlibrary loan capability if you cannot afford the price. There are now many sources for appropriate fabric through the Internet.
Where can I find antique patterns to purchase?
On the Internet try: "Patterns from the Past."
Need a pattern tomorrow?
we do offer expedited domestic shipping for extra fees. We can also expeditie international shipments but delivery dates overseas cannot be promised.
Becoming a Wholesalers of our patterns
We offer Wholesalers significant discounts that will allow both your and our businesses to flourish.
Why don't we sell PDFs of our patterns - First due to piracy. We have spent over 40 years creating and tracing these patterns along with researching them. We print and ship all of our patterns ourselves. If we started sending out PDFs, in no time, copies of our Intellectual Property would be all over the internet and we would be out of business. Second, some of our patterns are constantly being updated. We want our clients to get the BEST POSSIBLE version of our products.