This is the new Civil War undergarments pattern. I made the corset. I measured, but I did not take the squish factor into consideration properly, and so I think it made up a bit large. I have to still pick it apart and take in a bit on the bust-line. I also shortened it, as I am short-waisted. That is probably why the waist is larger. I shortened out the narrowest part of the corset as my waist is large anyway. I think the finished item is very comfortable, and looks good. I just need to take in the bust to eliminate the extra room (and very visible ridge under clothing) across the bust. I also made it out of two layers of coutil instead of making it a single layer as described in the pattern instructions.
Rated 4 out of 5
Lisa VandenBerghe –
I made the chemise and drawers from this pattern. I altered the chemise pattern quite a bit, taking up the length, making smaller sleeves and arm bands, narrowing the neck band and adding a drawstring to make it slightly adjustable. The underarm gussets were a little tricky. The drawers made up quick and easy and provided a great opportunity to try some new hand sewing techniques along the leg openings. I also added some arrow pin tucks below the knees. They are both comfortable and I am happy with the results.
Rated 4 out of 5
Alexis –
This pattern was my first corset. I found the pattern to be very clear and relatively painless for an inexperienced corset maker; despite the fact that my pieces weren’t cut perfectly, the finished corset still looks wonderful. Bear in mind the age old Simplicity rule and make this pattern at least 2 sizes smaller than it says you should. (It’s extremely easy to take in, just alter the center back panels.) The bust is very generous, which is great for busty women. The corset was easy to bone and bind. Be sure that your bones are at least .6mm thick otherwise, they will kink in the front. Overall it’s a good pattern to get started on; however, there are a few things about this pattern that really throw us beginners. First, the lack lengthen/shorten lines make it rather difficult to alter the pattern. Second, they could have specified a little more clearly on the exact placement of the eyelets. I spent hours agonizing on how to perfect their spacing. Third, they need to mark the waistline on each of the pattern pieces. This would make reinforcement much easier. In retrospect, I have found that the Laughing Moon Victorian Underwear pattern shines through where this simplicity version falls short. However, for most of us who don’t live in big cities, the Laughing Moon pattern is rather pricey and not readily available, whereas the Simplicity pattern is a great thing to pick up during a Joann’s 50% off pattern sale. For those who are uncertain about ordering corset making materials online, the Simplicity pattern can be inexpensively constructed from things at the local fabric store, such as cotton twill and featherweight boning.
Rated 5 out of 5
Angie –
I was a first-time corset maker, and I thought this corset went together relatively smoothly. I did make a muslin mock-up first, which helped me decide which size to make. The measurements said I was one size larger than the size I ended up making, and it fits me perfectly, so the pattern seems a bit big. I wrote the names of each piece on my tissue paper pattern pieces, which was very helpful when I was putting pieces together. I did want a lined corset, so I doubled over the pattern pieces. I used q fairly stiff cream duckcloth. Be aware that you have to figure out which is the top side and bottom side of the corset. I figure I spent about 15 hours total- planning, cutting, mock-up, final version. I am pleased with the finished product- it fits me very well and seems durable. I’d recommend this pattern to anyone wanting to make an 1860s corset. It looks quite nice under historic clothes.
Megan –
This is the new Civil War undergarments pattern. I made the corset. I measured, but I did not take the squish factor into consideration properly, and so I think it made up a bit large. I have to still pick it apart and take in a bit on the bust-line. I also shortened it, as I am short-waisted. That is probably why the waist is larger. I shortened out the narrowest part of the corset as my waist is large anyway. I think the finished item is very comfortable, and looks good. I just need to take in the bust to eliminate the extra room (and very visible ridge under clothing) across the bust. I also made it out of two layers of coutil instead of making it a single layer as described in the pattern instructions.
Lisa VandenBerghe –
I made the chemise and drawers from this pattern. I altered the chemise pattern quite a bit, taking up the length, making smaller sleeves and arm bands, narrowing the neck band and adding a drawstring to make it slightly adjustable. The underarm gussets were a little tricky. The drawers made up quick and easy and provided a great opportunity to try some new hand sewing techniques along the leg openings. I also added some arrow pin tucks below the knees. They are both comfortable and I am happy with the results.
Alexis –
This pattern was my first corset. I found the pattern to be very clear and relatively painless for an inexperienced corset maker; despite the fact that my pieces weren’t cut perfectly, the finished corset still looks wonderful. Bear in mind the age old Simplicity rule and make this pattern at least 2 sizes smaller than it says you should. (It’s extremely easy to take in, just alter the center back panels.) The bust is very generous, which is great for busty women. The corset was easy to bone and bind. Be sure that your bones are at least .6mm thick otherwise, they will kink in the front. Overall it’s a good pattern to get started on; however, there are a few things about this pattern that really throw us beginners. First, the lack lengthen/shorten lines make it rather difficult to alter the pattern. Second, they could have specified a little more clearly on the exact placement of the eyelets. I spent hours agonizing on how to perfect their spacing. Third, they need to mark the waistline on each of the pattern pieces. This would make reinforcement much easier. In retrospect, I have found that the Laughing Moon Victorian Underwear pattern shines through where this simplicity version falls short. However, for most of us who don’t live in big cities, the Laughing Moon pattern is rather pricey and not readily available, whereas the Simplicity pattern is a great thing to pick up during a Joann’s 50% off pattern sale. For those who are uncertain about ordering corset making materials online, the Simplicity pattern can be inexpensively constructed from things at the local fabric store, such as cotton twill and featherweight boning.
Angie –
I was a first-time corset maker, and I thought this corset went together relatively smoothly. I did make a muslin mock-up first, which helped me decide which size to make. The measurements said I was one size larger than the size I ended up making, and it fits me perfectly, so the pattern seems a bit big. I wrote the names of each piece on my tissue paper pattern pieces, which was very helpful when I was putting pieces together. I did want a lined corset, so I doubled over the pattern pieces. I used q fairly stiff cream duckcloth. Be aware that you have to figure out which is the top side and bottom side of the corset. I figure I spent about 15 hours total- planning, cutting, mock-up, final version. I am pleased with the finished product- it fits me very well and seems durable. I’d recommend this pattern to anyone wanting to make an 1860s corset. It looks quite nice under historic clothes.