All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
This 1800s Corded Stay sewing pattern is an original Past Patterns design
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The 1800s Corded Stay produced from our patterns was worn from the late 1790s thru the 1850s.
2 variations are included with the package, the Wedding Stay and the Corded Stay.
Sarah Levitt in her book Victorians Unbuttoned says: "Nearly all women wore stays; they were essential for decency, and to go without them was to risk being considered a 'loose woman'. One also risked looking peculiar, since the popular idea of the female shape was based on the shape created by whalebone and lacing rather than nature."
Each of the stays in this package fastens and adjusts in the back with laces.
Examples of constructing the 1800s Stay using this pattern can be viewed at http://pourlavictoire.blogspot.com/2022/01/analysis-of-corset-bust-gore-shapes.html and http://historicalsewing.blogspot.com/2009/04/1830s-corset-alterations.html
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is a Multi-Sized Pattern with Sizes Ranging from 10-20
Size 10 Bust 33” Waist 25 1/2” Hips 35 1/2”
Size 12 Bust 34 3/4” Waist 27” Hips 37”
Size 14 Bust 36 1/4” Waist 28 1/2” Hips 38 1/2”
Size 16 Bust 37 3/4” Waist 30 1/4” Hips 40”
Size 18 Bust 39 1/4” Waist 31 3/4” Hips 41 3/4”
Size 20 Bust 41” Waist 33 3/4” Hips 43 3/4”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fabric Requirements using 45”
"Wedding" Stay
Fabric
40” Unbleached Cotton Drill
Sizes 10-14 7/8 Yds
Sizes 16-20 1 Yds
Lining
45” Off White Cotton Broadcloth
Sizes 10-14 7/8 Yds
Sizes 16-20 1 Yds
Interfacing
52” Medium White Linen
Sizes 10-20 1/8 Yds
"Corded" Stay
Fabric
52” Medium White Linen
Sizes 10-14 1 Yds
Sizes 16-20 1 & 1/8 Yds
Fabric Suggestions
The fabric from which the originals were made is undyed fine cotton drill and medium-weight white linen.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We at 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 recipe for what the Kit was comprised of when in production:
1 Yds 60” White Cotton Twill Fabric
4 & 1/4 Yds 5/8" or 1/2” White Twill Tape
1 Yds Cotton Plain Weave Lining
8 Yds Lacing with Metal Tip
1 Wax Heart
1 Wooden Thread Winder
1 Spool White Linen Sewing Thread 35/2 290 Yds
10 Yds Off White Silk Thread
1 Wood “Ash” Board ¼” thick x 18” long x 2” wide
¼ Yds x 90” Cotton Batting
10 Yds Cable Cord (3/32”)
If you would like to be our supplier for these components, please us the Contact Us form on our website. We would love being able to offer Kits to our clients again!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The package includes background notes about corsets and accessories worn in the 1830s, information on sewing a gusset, 26 pages on stitching, cutting fabric and constructing the Stay including notes on vintage tools to use (if you want to create the garment using historically accurate means) and 1 36"x46" sheet of patterns that are computer generated.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Past Patterns 2023. All rights reserved.
Additional information
Weight | 5 oz |
---|---|
Dimensions | 13.0 × 10.0 × 2.0 in |
Size | A & B Ash Boards, Pattern & Kit Back 15 1/2", Pattern & Kit Back 15 3/4", Pattern & Kit Back 16 1/2", Pattern & Kit Back 16", Pattern & Kit Back 17 1/2", Pattern & Kit Back 17", Pattern only, Multi-sized 10-20 |
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
Past Patterns works with vendors from all over the world to help us replicate the amazing articles of clothing. Now you can too!
Visit our preferred vendors page to order directly from some of our top recommended suppliers.
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.