Transitional Stays 18th Century Sewing Pattern

Product Description

This Federalist/Regency Eras Underbust Stays pattern from Fig Leaf Patterns is drafted from an original piece dating to 1790-1810 in the collections of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Foundation garments such as stays helped support the body and lightly molded a person's shape to adhere to the latest fashions. Unlike today's ready-made garments, stays were cut to the wearer's shape, creating a custom and more comfortable fit. With Fig Leaf Patterns' excellent fitting guidelines included in this pattern, you can adjust the fit to your body too.

These stays pair best with fashionable ladies garments of the last decade of the 18th century through the first 10 years of the 19th century when high waisted "empire" gowns became the silhouette of choice. These stays also provide a comfortable option for less formal attire and warmer climates.

Features

• 18th century stays pattern based on an original garment
• Printed in color on large format printer with 20 lb paper - no paper piecing required
• Historical notes, fitting tips, and full instruction booklet with pictures included
• Choose from size 8-18 or 18-28
• Made in the USA by Fig Leaf Patterns

Size Charts

Historical Notes

This set of stays is an important link between the 18th-century style of fully boned stays and the early 19th-century corset with cording and gussets. These stays have the back styling of the typical 18th-century with a long center back that reaches from the shoulder blade to below the waist. It curves to fit at the waist but with no tabs and extends beyond the waist at center front. At the top, from the high point at the shoulder blades, it gently dips under the armscye and then goes straight under the bust with front lacing closure. The bust is not covered by any fabric at all. The bosom is pushed up and supported by a boned center front and bones along the seams of the stay.

About Fig Leaf Patterns

The mission of Fig Leaf Patterns is to produce commercial patterns based faithfully on the style and construction of surviving garments in museum collections and private collections.