How to Sew a Romantic Pink Corset – 18th-century stays tutorial

Every now and then, you make something that you’re completely enamored with — for Jessica, it’s this pair of 18th-century stays made using a Lovely Scrolls Light Pink cotton. In general, the stays work like a modern longline bra or vintage girdle, supporting the bust from the waist and easing the lower back from taking on all the work, while protecting the hips where the many skirts, petticoats, and panniers historically rested on the body. This historical sewing post is part one of a two-part series walking through the construction.

Historical sewing teaches you techniques that change how you make everything else — boning channels, hand-bound eyelets, fitting through layers. Worth diving into even if you never make a second pair.
— Mayra

What you’ll want on hand

• Spiral steel boning (24 inch, 1/4″) — the historical-correct boning for stays
• Heavyweight cotton coutil — the structural fabric corset-makers reach for
• Hand-sewing needles assorted size set — multiple sizes for binding and eyelets

Get the full tutorial at WeAllSew →

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