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.
1882 Strauss patent 271377
When I first looked at the patent for this 1882 Strauss corset I was incredibly intimidated. It has 26 pieces, 13 each side, and only six are just fabric...
6 commentsRecreating an 1880s corded corset
This corset uses machine corded fabric instead of bones to stiffen the panels into an impressively curvaceous shape. It also has a sturdy spoon shaped busk. Here's how to make it.
Symington Pattern REF #32730
April describes her experience with image No.104 of the Symington Collection, right through the mockup phase of her project.
Y&N Diagonal Seamed Corset 2
Constructing a diagonally seamed corset: Katarina includes some useful tips for easier corset sewing and for making strong tightlacing corsets.
Plus Size Antique Corset Pattern
We look in detail at a rare antique shop find - a real, plus size Victorian corset - and then we give you the pattern.
1897 Abbie King Corset Follow Up
Jennifer brings her late Victorian corsetry project to completion, creating a corset she is very happy with and in the color of the year, to boot!
Y&N Diagonal Seamed Corset 1
The 1885 ad raised questions. What is a diagonal cut for? Function, decoration, or gimmick? Katarina has a go at making one to find out.
Symington Pattern REF #32730, Part 2
April finishes this beautiful corset, sharing lessons she learned about alterations, welt seams, flossing & choosing the right model.
1897 Abbie King Corset
Jennifer constructs this beautiful Victorian corset in which adding, removing, or resizing panels propose to make it uniquely adjustable for fit and comfort.
Recreating an 1880s corded corset, 2
Yes, this corset is a labour of love. Yes, doing all that cording takes ages. Was it worth it? YES! This is a lovely corset, comfortable and fun and easy to wear and it looks so unusual and smart.
Symington Corset Pattern No.2370
This interesting pattern has alternate straight sided and curvy panels: was this done to help make sizing easy? Jennifer investigates.
Recreating an 1890s Corset, part 2
Jema takes the pattern she made from an antique here and recreates it step by step, including a lapped seam technique for one layer corsets that neatly encases all raw edges on both sides.
