Foundations Revealed introduces you to the varied and beautiful world of corset patents.
These historic diagrams show the cut of original Victorian corset patterns. They help us to see into the mind of the expert designer of the Golden Era of Corsetry, allowing us to uncover the secrets of fit and style that modern corsetry is only just beginning to explore.
For those who are working with modern corsetry, these designs will allow you to branch out from the ordinary, standard, vertical seamed “Victorian” style which is so common now, and into something fresh and new, yet classically elegant. They also allow historical costumers to move beyond the limited number of commercially available corset patterns that may not be appropriate for your body type, and explore styles more suited for you.
Our writers figure out and test each pattern for you, so that you can both benefit from their experiments, and make interesting choices for your own work.
1869 Skeleton Corset
Photos, details and a pattern for an 1869 American skeleton corset. It has no fabric between the boning channels, just a few horizontal tapes to hold the bone casings together.
19 commentsPatent Challenge H.S. Strauss No. 208049, Pt 1
Clare takes on the FR patent challenge to breathe life into this deceivingly simple 1878 corset, beginning with the toile.
1873 T.S. Gilbert 6 Panel Corset, Part 1
Rachel talks us through her journey to re-create this late-Victorian corset, which is ideal for 'well endowed' ladies with a curvy, hourglass figure.
Patent Challenge H.S. Strauss No. 208049, Pt 2
In this second instalment, Clare will take us through the process of making the final corset and the lessons she learned from this project.
T.S.Gilbert 1873 Corset Patent, Part 2
Katie-Louise guides us through the completion of this beautiful Victorian corset and discusses the changes she would make to the pattern if she made it again.
Fanning's 1878 Corset Patent, 3
Sandra Stuart shares each step in the construction of this real Victorian corset patent, finding it an illuminating experience with stunning results!
1878 Marsh Corset, part 2
Marsh claims leather is more durable in the hard wearing areas of a corset. Christina tests his theory on this C19th patent - is he right?
T.S.Gilbert 1873 Corset Patent
Katie-Louise guides us through the interpretation of this style, through fitting all the way to making a toile of this beautiful Victorian corset.
Fanning's 1878 Corset Patent, 2
Sandra begins constructing her intricate 1878 corset by tea-dying the fabric, then carefully cording and embroidering the pieces to match a favourite teacup.
add Read more...1878 Marsh Corset, part 1
Christina takes us through a mockup of this patent, in which Marsh claims two “improvements” to corsets, discussing her observations.
1873 T.S. Gilbert 6 Panel Corset, Part 2
Rachel talks us through the completion of this beautiful C19th corset in the final fabrics, creating an elegant yet supportive base for ladies of a curvaceous nature.
Fanning's 1878 Corset Patent, 1
Sandra Stuart tackles re-creating a gusseted and gored corset using an 1878 patent diagram, from pattern enlargement to construction and fitting.
