Dear Sis,

We did things a bit backwards. We finished William’s support garment after his gown🙂 Our first event was in the heat of summer, and I didn’t want to add anything unnecessarily hot! Now that autumn is in the air, I’m worrying about William being warm enough. 

1860s infant undergarments can be nearly as complex as those for a lady, minus a crinoline. Little people grow so quickly, I can’t justify the labor or the expense of chemise, drawers, corded stays, and petticoats that button to the stays. Luckily, the period presents another solution. 

Child’s 19th Century Petticoat ~ Metropolitan Museum of Art

I was even fortunate enough to stumble upon a pattern! 

Child’s 19th Century Petticoat Pattern ~ Romantic History Blog

The first page of the pattern details how to use measurements to draft a bodice pattern. The only thing it lacks, is directive on how to come up with a measurement to determine the width for the armscey. With arm up, I measured under William’s arm where an armscey ought to lie. Divide that number in half to get an approximate width to use in conjunction with side length to form an armscey curve.

Although the pattern uses a single layer bodice, with a rolled hem along the neckline and armscey, I decided to fully line the bodice. I was able to have a finished edge on the top of the bodice, which I topstitched. I’m pleased with the affect!

For the skirt, I used two – 30 inch panels just as I did for William’s gown. The petticoat is 1 inch shorter then the gown. The hem is 1 1/2 inches deep with 1/2 inch pressed under. 

I decided to use hook & eye tape for the closure instead of buttons. William’s gown has buttons. They are lovely, but add a bit more bulk, which I didn’t want in an undergarment.

Happy Sewing,

b

Image from Peterson’s 1861