Petticoat #1 (under-petticoat)
Patterns used:
– Koshka the Cat’s Instructions.
Fabrics used:
– Unknown, gift from friend. White fabric, with white and red stripes.
Other materials used:
– White store-bought bias binding.
– White store-bought twill tape.
Hand (seam and binding finishes) and machine sewing (connecting seams, bottom hem).
This was my first petticoat to make. Koshka’s instructions are very clear and easy. It was fun to make, and the stripes were handy with getting everything straight.
I wish I’d done a slightly better job with the pleating, but I’m still pleased. I wasn’t as careful with the hemming as I should have been — I might have to shorten it slightly.
The fabric is fun, although it doesn’t photograph well. I’ll wear this one as the bottom-most petticoat over my pocket hoops.
Photos Below.
Petticoat #2 (under-petticoat)
Patterns used:
– Koshka the Cat’s Instructions.
Fabrics used:
– White cotton fabric (the last of my never-ending bolt of cotton used for other garments).
Other materials used:
– White store-bought bias binding.
– White store-bought twill tape.
Hand (binding finishes), machine sewing (connecting seams, bottom hem), and serger (seam finishes and cut edges prior to sewing to keep from unraveling).
I wanted to save my striped fabric for one or two other projects, so I decided to use the rest of my cotton fabric for a second petticoat.
I was more careful with the length on this one, but not as pleased yet with the pleating (especially on the back side). At this point, I was more interested in just working faster to have a completed outfit so I could start attending events with my private 18th century costuming group. I decided not to worry about authenticity at all and used my serger to help finish up the seams.
I’ll wear this petticoat next, over the red and white striped petticoat.
Photos Below.
Petticoat #3 (outer-petticoat)
Patterns used:
– Koshka the Cat’s Instructions.
Fabrics used:
– Unknown, gift from friend. Green/sage-ish color.
Other materials used:
– White store-bought bias binding.
– White store-bought twill tape.
Hand (binding finishes), machine sewing (connecting seams, bottom hem), and serger (seam finishes, and all four edges to keep from unraveling).
I’m very pleased with this petticoat. I took more time with the pleats, since this petticoat would be seen (except for any skirts from jackets or bodices worn over it might cover).
I had a strange length issue and it turned out half an inch to an inch shorter than I’d planned. Depending on how things work out, I might shorten the other two petticoats slightly.
I’m hoping to wear this with two different jackets and help give myself two quick outfits for variety.
Photos Below.
My first 18th century petticoat. There are a few mistakes, but it's a fun material.
The 2nd 18th century petticoat. I used the rest of my white cotton -- I also need to replace the ribbons on these with better twill tape.
I still wasn't completely happy with my work, but I wanted plenty of layers.
Much happier with the pleats, and even the accidental shorter-than-intended mistake is probably more to my liking. The under petticoats will be shortened.
I'm hoping to have a couple jackets go with this petticoat.
That's a lot of petticoats -- I think I'll need a bigger closet soon!
Here are my blog entries that mention 18th century petticoats:
– Main entry.
