1830s Trampunto Stays

As the 1820’s progressed the waistlines dropped again to the natural waist, and out of necessity the corset descended along with it. These early 19th century stays were shaped with gussets in the bust and hips. Stiffness was achieved through less extreme techniques – cording and trapunto or “stuffed” embroidery being two of the most popular. The embroidery pattern is outlined on the garment and then the inside is stuffed with wool batting using an awl. The awl can make a hole in the fabric without breaking any threads, so that you can work the hole closed once the design is stuffed. Naturally this is done from the inside of the garment to be safe about the holes!

This pair, having been made many years ago, is very small and does not fit the dummy (or me!) very well. The gap in the back would not normally be this large. It would be between 2 -4 inches in most cases. The sides of the channel where the eyelets are worked in the back are corded.  They were made using Past Patterns #001 1820s-1840s Corded Stay.