Making a Linen Shift - 18th Century Undergarments

In this video I show the process of making an 18th century linen shift.
Music by Epidemic Sound.
Follow me on Instagram @mrsjrochester

[@uniquebellax]

I can’t thank you enough ❤. This was the best explained video I’ve found. You did a great job. Thank you thank you thank you ☺️

[@mrsjrochester]

Thank you for watching this video :)

[@kathy2539]

Seems from why linen was used, we should still be wearing these. I wish I had the skills that you have for making clothes like this. I would certainly make one if I could...

[@mrsjrochester]

I am absolutely certain you can make one as well! Just don't be hard on yourself when your first try is not perfect. It took me some time before I got the hang of it as well :)

[@gracemcateer3871]

Come back! We need you to make more videos!

[@mrsjrochester]

Thank you for your comment! I do hope to make new videos soon, comments like these do help to get back on track!

[@elisevV13]

Wow this video was beautifully made, thanks so much, can’t wait to see what else you will post in the future 😊!

[@mrsjrochester]

Thank you for your kind comment! I do hope to post new content soon! :)

[@misstweetypie1]

This was great! I do wish you had modelled the shift with the stays you had on earlier, but maybe you will in a future video! :)

[@misstweetypie1]

Editing to say that I now see that you do indeed already have a video like what I requested :) But I'm leaving up the comment because comments are good for the Algorithm, or something, right? :)

[@mrsjrochester]

@@misstweetypie1 Thank you for your sweet comment!

[@CatariaNigra]

Thank you so much for this video! I will soon try to make the same Chemise as yours.

[@mrsjrochester]

Good luck with your own chemise! :)

[@keirabyrom7168]

Thank you! This is so helpful!! And it looks great!!

[@mrsjrochester]

Thank you!!

[@tenaoconnor7510]

Beautifully made. ❤ Now I want to make one like that. I made one a couple years ago from a pattern and it never really fit me 😢 I guess it’s all in the measurements

[@mrsjrochester]

Thank you! Yeah it takes some figuring out with the measurements, but making it custom made like this is really worth the effort!

[@trishdeimer9799]

Hello! My stay points are even wider than yours. It will really leave only an inch of material till the seam of the sleeve. Is that ok? Also it looks like you went more like 3 or so inches above your stays in the back. Is that what you would suggest? My stays are roughly the same height on both front an back. Thank you in advance! Your video is so darn helpful since the pattern itself doesn't really have written instructions.

[@mrsjrochester]

Thank you for your comment, and I am so happy to read my video is helpful in figuring out how to work with the pattern! As to your first question, I think this comes down to preference. I would suggest that your stays do not touch your skin, since the shift is there to protect the stays from getting dirty. I think you did just fine on your shift, even if it is just one inch of material left, many historical pieces do not leave big seam allowances. I made the back higher knowing that the dress I will make will be high in the back as well, but I think its totally fine if it is a little lower. Comfort is also a big part in wearing historical dress, so whatever feels best in your project is good! Everyone's shift will be entirely unique anyway! :)

[@decnijfkris3706]

half Flemish or what? that accent is very familiar The garment is made very well

[@mrsjrochester]

I'm Dutch actually! :)

[@rebeccaguyton8687]

How do I determine the size of the gussett for the sleeve?

[@mrsjrochester]

Hi Rebecca! There is not a definitive size for the gusset, although there is something as too small or too big of a gusset when it comes to the fit. I believe my gusset here was 5 by 5 inches, purely by guessing what would work best. I had tried a mockup with a larger gusset, but I didn't like the look of it. So if you want to be sure, make a mockup with different sizes gussets to see what works best for you!

[@tinegrnn5170]

How did you get the drawstring through? :O

[@mrsjrochester]

Hi! I made two holes in the neckline seam on the front, being careful not too cut through the back of the seam (it was quite difficult). Then I bound the holes with a blanket stitch and pulled the drawstring through by using a small safety pin.