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.
1898 Glove Fitting Corset, or is it? Pt 3
Last month we drafted the pattern for this unusual design. This month, the step by step construction process, including how to sew some very tricky seams! Suitable for beginners.
3 comments1907 Self-Lacing Front Closure
Nikki takes us through this alternative Edwardian front-closing corset, aimed at making the process of self-lacing easier for a lady.
1902 Kops Corset Patent, Part 2
In this second article in the series, Cecile will focus on the construction of the final corset based from the previously modified pattern.
1898 Glove Fitting Corset, or is it? Pt 2
Here's more about Thomson's Patent 611,116 Glove Fitting Corset pattern and its maker, along with my method of patterning this corset from scratch.
CB A La Sprite Reproduction, Part 1
Luthien studies a transitional corset which, aesthetically, follows the ultra curvy corsets of the late Victorian/ early Edwardian eras.
The Sanakor Plunge Corset, Part 2
In part 2, Nikki recreates the design of this unusual Edwardian corset from the Symington collection using the pattern from part 1.
1898 Glove Fitting Corset, or is it? Pt 1
Thomson's Glove fitting corset: we look at an 1898 Thomson patent, advertisements, a few extant corsets and work on putting the pieces together to recreate it.
The Sanakor Plunge Corset, Part 3
Wearability for the modern day comes from giving full bust coverage, enabling the Sanakor to be worn as both under- and outerwear!
The Sanakor Plunge Corset, Part 1
Nikki introduces us to this beautiful and unique corset, and begins the task of bringing it to life by taking a pattern from an original.
Recreating an 1890s Corset, part 1
The pattern and a step-by-step guide to make this elegant corset from 1899-1900, including a new seam technique just for corsetry that negotiates curves perfectly and encases all the raw edges neatly.
1902 Kops Corset Patent, Part 3
Cecile's series continues with a summary and analysis of the information in the original patent regarding boning and finishing.
Adapting a 1902 Kops Corset Patent
Cecile delves into how to adapt a 1902 Kops Corset Patent 712,312 classic Edwardian S-bend corset to fit her body shape.
