Regency Underthings ePattern
Here are the underpinnings you need to give you the proper Regency foundation! This package includes patterns for a chemise, short stays, and two chemisettes. The chemise was modeled from original garments in several museum collections and features an adjustable drawstring neckline and gussets under the arms for a comfortable fit. The short stays lace in the front and were based upon extant stays in museum collections as well as period drawings of these transitional undergarments. The chemisettes were drawn from portraits of the time as well as Janet Arnold’s excellent research in Patterns of Fashion I. Begin with the chemise next to the skin, then add your stays for the correct silhouette. Please read the important fitting notes below!
Sizes 6-26D all included in one ePattern.
Illustrated instructions make construction easy!
Notes on original undergarments of the time as well as tips for wearing the undergarments.
Click to download the Regency Underthings yardage chart.
Photo Instructions available as a downloadable PDF — Click HERE!
Available for instant download!
This pattern is rated intermediate to advanced–the chemise could be tackled by an experienced beginner, but the stays are more complicated and require more careful fitting and stitching.
The stays are rated “intermediate,” but the chemise and chemisettes are simple enough for a beginner. I am always available through the Contact Form if you have questions! Do note that the short stays will not offer ample enough support for sizes above “DD” without serious modifications. I would instead recommend the excellent longline Regency Stays pattern or kit by RedThreaded.
To create a smooth line beneath your gowns, add a long petticoat over your stays, which you can easily make from the Regency Gown pattern above (omitting the sleeves). For daytime, put a chemisette over your undergarments, then don your gown. Voila’! A full Regency wardrobe!
FITTING HELPS: Do not miss this excellent tutorial for help in fitting stays perfectly! Please also note that I began revising this pattern in 2019 but haven’t completed the grading yet. The original runs a size too large. Cut a size down from what you measure for, then use a gusset a cup size below your normal bra cup size. Once the revised pattern is ready, anyone who has already purchased this will be eligible for a free upgrade.
Note: If you purchased a copy of this pattern prior to April 2007, click HERE for corrections/revisions.
Simplicity licensed this pattern in 2006. For a list of differences between their version and my original, click HERE.
(Looking for the paper version rather than the ePattern? Purchase from one of our many retailers worldwide! Please note that Patterns of Time carries my entire line and is well stocked.)
