In the 1860’s the construction of corsets (stays) was undergoing a transition between the gusseted style of the early 19th century and the individual fitted pieces characteristic of the later 19th century. As skirts were very wide and waistlines were at the natural waist, there is no reason in the 1860’s for stays to extend much below the waist. This particular pattern has a pointed front. This pair of stays is made from very high quality brocade coutil and it is bound with satin bias binding.
This corset was made using the old version of Past Patterns #703 1863 Corset.
Past Patterns #703 1863 Corset – Old Version
Years ago it was my favorite corset – it has become much too small (or should I say I have become too big). Looking at their website, the same pattern number was updated to this corset, which is different:
Past Patterns #703 1863 Corset – New Version
I plan to make a new one over the altered pattern and see how they compare!
