Making a Victorian Corset || 1890s Pretty Housemaid Pattern

At long last I faced my fears and tackled an 1890s corset - specifically the Pretty Housemaid pattern originally made by the Symington Company.
I used the pattern by Michelle of Clockwork Faerie, and followed her tutorial each step of the way. Join me on this epic journey!
Michelle’s tutorial: • How to sew the late Vi...
Clockwork Faerie Etsy: etsy.com/ca/shop/clockworkfaerie
Costuming Drama’s video: • Sewing a Custom Pretty...
Images:
symingtoncorsets.tumblr.com/p...
historicalcorsets.tumblr.com/...
www.pinterest.ca/pin/10090884...
lucycorsetry.com/ania...
Materials used:
Synthetic baleen: burnleyandtrowbridge.com
Busk: farthingalescorsetmakingsupplies.com
Lace trim: East Coast Trimming - 142 W 38th St, New York
Trim ribbon: M&J Trimming - 1008 6th Ave, New York
Ribbon lacing: TrimArt - 232 W 37th St, New York
.5 yd cotton canvas - fabric-fabric.com
.5yd silk - thrifted
Brand new link to Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/halflingseamstress
Want to try Epidemic Sound? Get a 30 day free trial using my referral link: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
For behind the scenes, geekery and tea, find me on Instagram @the_halfling_seamstress
Business inquiries: [e-mail]
Chapters:
Intro: 00:00-2:55
Mockup notes: 02:56-05:36
Cutting & busk assembly: 05:37-08:37
Cording: 08:38-09:30
Side assembly: 09:31-12:15
Back pieces & final seams: 12:16-13:28
Binding: 13:29-14:20
Busk history: 14:21-15:05
Boning: 15:06-18:19
Top binding & lace trim: 18:20-19:45
Grommets: 19:46-21:04
Final touches: 21:05-23:23
Reveal: 23:24-24:22
Final thoughts: 24:23-26:32
Bloopers: 26:33-27:11

[@bunnywatchesstuff]

I've been using hankies for the last 6 months or so. My family was initially so grossed out by the idea, but I don't see why. Usually they're not that dirty at then end of the day, but even at their worst, I just toss them in the washing machine. It is more sustainable and a super easy swap. I will definitely be making these!

[@MommaSkelly]

I've heard before... All homemade sewing projects basically are required to have at least one error. Just with more experience, you learn to hide them easier than if you're newer at it. I have no doubt even period made clothing was much the similar way, errors but hidden well enough it's not super noticeable. It's helped me a bit with the confidence issues I have since I'm still starting out and learning with my machine. Imperfections make it unique. So long as Structurally, you're sound, it's okay! Your corset turned out Beautiful!! I hope to tackle this later on when my skills have leveled up a bit lol.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I definitely feel like a project isn't complete without an error somewhere lol 😂 Good luck on your sewing journey, I am sure you'll have a fantastic corset!

[@christenagervais7303]

That turned out beautifully! The flossing is the perfect touch! And the blue is gorgeous!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! I hadn't actually planned on the blue initially, but it came together so perfectly!

[@juniperjr2017]

I'm so glad you filmed the process, your corset came out beautiful! I'm short waisted and not particularly squishy, so I haven't endeavored to making a corset myself. Perhaps one day 😅

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! As a short waisted hobbit I can say you will definitely be able to make a corset!

[@BobbiJoGeho]

I loved this video. I'm watching it as I'm working on my first corset.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you! All the best on your first corset, hope it turns out awesome!

[@daxxydog5777]

Very nice job! You should look for a cording/piping foot for your antique machine. The reason it gives so much more control is because of the narrow foot and the fact it is straight stitch only. The tiny needle plate hole keeps it from eating fine fabrics. To do a backstitch on a machine with no reverse, just lift the presser foot and move the fabric back two stitches, then lower the foot and sew back over the last couple to lock it. Or swivel the work on the last stitch and sew a couple stitches. My mom also said you can use a pin to pull the top thread’s final stitch to the back and tie a knot with he bobbin thread.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Oh I’m definitely on the hunt for more stuff for the machine - I’d love to be able to do more cording and soutache details on projects! I usually do the pin & tie a knot trick for main seams and it does work quite well. I haven’t tried the first method you suggested but I will have to give that a go!

[@Bananadiva1]

You are very justified being incredibly proud of this wonderful corset. The flossing is absolutely stunning too. I'm just about to start work on my first historical project. It's an 1880s Bustle dress and appropriate undergarments. So far I've made the mock up of the drawers and plan to start the corset tomorrow. Watching your brilliant video has really inspired me and given me confidence! thanks! 😊

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! It's such an encouragement to hear how my little project is helping other people to get started! I'm sure your corset will turn out awesome!

[@wyb01]

You make it look easy! I am so encouraged. Yes I've seen Morgan Donner and the usual suspects but somehow it always stayed daunting. Your video brings about a certain 'just do it' attitude.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Aw, thank you so much! Sometimes we really do need to just take the plunge and do the scary thing :)

[@kardonay]

I am about to make this corset. Michelle is clearly a genius. I love how you have put your video together & it is going to be a useful tool for me. Thanks

[@WheezyCatLady]

‘I’m doing the thing! And the thing looks good!’ I LOVE this! It turned out so beautifully. I wanna make one…now! 😂 instant sub! Thank you for a wonderful video. I look forward to watching all of your content!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! You can totally do it!

[@marybull3715]

That corset looks great, love the flossing the finishing touches make all the difference. Love the look of your standard poodle too I have an apricot called Amber.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! He’s a totally sweetheart (& goof) - standard poodles are the best!

[@marybull3715]

@@HalflingSeamstress They are certainly the best, I had my 1st standard poodle in1966. would hate to be without one..

[@christenagervais7303]

This would be the one I would try! I changed my mind! This is a crazy amount of work! Far beyond my abilities!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

It is definitely a lot of work, but I was amazed how straightforward it came together. I did find working my way towards it with baby step projects grew my skills, so you will totally be able to make one!

[@katmusswoodwind]

I spy with my little eye, the same trim as used by Bernadette Banner in her 1890's corset 😂

[@HalflingSeamstress]

I know! I was so excited when I found it! 😁

[@anthonystark6379]

Ths silk you chose gives such a beautiful like....robustness to the depth. Jedze this is goegous

[@farangarris2598]

Wow! It is beautiful. Love the work. Thank you.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much!

[@gailursulak7150]

🇨🇦 time to dust off the sewing machine and try my hand on a corset too. Your efforts are amazing. Good job you!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! Corsets are definitely a project that feels super intimidating at first, but are actually not as scary as they seem. You can do it!

[@calliecordoba532]

Stunning🌟 oh my goodness this was fabulous. I love the blue contrast thread and the detailed flossing is beautiful. Thank you so much for a complete video showing the process. 👏

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@schu1707]

I loved your video, it has definitely given me more confidence in trying to make one for myself. I always wanted to make one, but I kept chickening out because I felt like I am just going to waste perfectly good fabric. No! I am going to learn! I too will make a structural garment and feel proud of my work darn it!

[@Ets638]

Be proud you did a most beautiful job! It’s simply gorgeous and fits you perfectly. You are a true delight. I no longer sew and in the past I made many Vogue patterns as I adored Chanel. I was lucky enough to get two suits from a women back in 1975. I made and re-made suits for myself with small changes each time so no two ever looked alike. I loved it. Those were my hockey years in NYC. Yes, I married one from up your way. Keep up the wonderful work. I’ll be watching😊🇺🇸

[@svetlana7579]

I can't thank you enough for showing me that this isn't as daunting of a project as I had percieved! I'm still quite the beginner sewist, and this definitely won't be my next project, but thanks to you now I have hope that I could make it in a year's time or so. And yours turned out beautifully!

[@theculteredvulture13]

Wonderful!!! It's so lovely!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you! 😀

[@valleriejoy]

It’s so beautiful. This video made me believe that I can make a corset. Thank you.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you! You can definitely do it!

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

That is stunningly gorgeous! I hope you are rightfully proud of your work!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you! I am so proud of how it turned out! And the more I wear it, the more I like it 😁

[@nancywhite2014]

Lovely work 🥰

[@ushere5791]

lydia, it's AMAZING!!!!! wow--great job you!!

[@thisrothtribe3780]

That was fantastic to watch!!! Great work!

[@JUANORQUIO]

W❤W! That’s Perfectly Awesome! Cheers!🥂❤️✨

[@brutusabundia2734]

So nicely done! Thanks for your time

[@desireebarnes1887]

Winning thread chicken is SUCH a dopamine hit! 😁

[@katmusswoodwind]

Beautiful flossing ❤❤❤

[@Tealeafsong]

thank you!

[@Rotten_Ralph]

Pepper is very helpful for filming

[@ummm8511]

Beautiful!!!❤

[@makeda6530]

I love seeing people tackle the housemaid, it’s SO beautiful! One day I will have one too but yours came out so amazing! So pretty~ 💞

[@HalflingSeamstress]

It's definitely one of my favourite historical patterns, for sure! Thank you so much!

[@90littlebeagle]

Wohooo! Congrats from one corset novice to another! 🎉🎉🎉 It turned out amazing! I'm currently trying to sew a 1890s corset from "stays and corsets 2" by Mandy Barrington where she instructs you step by step to draft the pattern exactly to your own measurements and so far, it's going well. I need to sew on all the external boning channels next, though, and am a bit terrified by it. But your declaration of imperfect seams encouraged me to embrace my own wonkyness 😅 You could do it and so can I! 💪 Greetings from Germany

[@HalflingSeamstress]

That sounds so exciting! I looked at drafting from historical directions and it felt rather scary, so you've got one up on me - good luck on your sewing journey, I'm sure it will turn out fantastic!!!

[@jennglow4647]

Very cool 😀

[@juliana76310]

OMG this is amazing!! I recently bought a sewing machine but the only patterns that interest me are these amazingly beautiful and intricate historical patterns.... I bought a pattern for some Edwardian Lingerie because my fatal flaw is thinking I can make something like that on my first go 😂😂 Thanks for sharing this video, truly fascinating to see your thought process laid out and the end product is literally a work of art!!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much, glad to hear it was encouraging! I definitely have the 'I can do it perfect on the first go' flaw too - but that's the beauty of mockups, we can mess up as much as we need to before cutting into the nice fabric :)

[@juliana76310]

@@HalflingSeamstress very true! and thank you for sharing this once again! 🤗

[@Rotten_Ralph]

Beautiful beautiful work 😮😊

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much!

[@asiabryant207]

So gorgeous. I'm getting excited to make mine

[@karinbaird2499]

Lovely 💐

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you!

[@JanealJohnson]

Beautiful 🎉

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you! 😁

[@juliehuntley4263]

Great video!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@DorisS75]

Beautiful job!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you!

[@cayjadoobirsingh2519]

Well done!!!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thanks! 😁

[@CrystalPegasusCostumes]

Congratulations on making your first corset! It's beautiful! (And welcome to getting drawn in to corsetry..... many fabulous projects await, I'm sure!)

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much, I'm delighted how well my first attempt turned out! And I've definitely had a few new funky corset plans jump onto my future project list :)

[@MeadowsOfSound]

You are my kinda riff-raff! ;) :);)

[@janeelizabethbrakhage1007]

Hi. I love this video! What type of silk did you use? Did it fray? The corset looks fantastic!

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Thank you so much! The silk feels like a light weight taffeta, but I found it at a thrift store, so I couldn't be 100% sure.

[@avivagodfrey]

Ko-Fi also supports recurring donations now, btw.

[@HalflingSeamstress]

Ooh I’ll have to check that out!

[@maceycarter7516]

would you say this pattern is beginner friendly? i need try make a corset for my project in college but i dont have much experience in sewing

[@HalflingSeamstress]

I would say it's more of an intermediate level. The pattern doesn't come with instructions, but there is a step-by-step video tutorial. Theoretically, as long as you follow the steps, take your time and make sure you're being precise, anyone could do it, though.

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Raise your hand if you've cannibalized all your old fast fashion corsets for parts! 👋

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

16:55 I think I need to go back and binge all of the videos that I haven't seen because your explanation of the wubwub of steel boning, and the bendy bendy of steel and whalebone are so completely the way my brain works that I don't think I will ever forget these descriptions. In 20 years, when I'm explaining them to someone I will still be saying wubwub & bendy bendy!