Duchesse Standard Sizes - 1780 Stays Pattern- 18th century historical corset

Print-at-home sewing pattern for the realization of a fully boned 18th century stays (1760-70). The pattern includes sizes from 0 up to 22 (US Sizes) / from 4 up to 26 (UK Sizes)


Instant download:
Files will be sent to you as soon as the payment is confirmed, therefore exchange or refund cannot be accepted. If you require any further information or if there are any problems, please contact me.

Content of your purchase:
With your order, you will receive the following:
- A calibration test for your A4 prints
- The 1/1 scale sewing pattern of either 6 or 8 A4 sheets depending on the size chosen
- A step-by-step illustrated guide to making this pair of stays in a modern way (in French and in English).

Note: this pattern is historically accurate. This means that it can also be used for historical re-enactment (with the appropriate fabrics and assembly technique). Feel free to express your creativity and adapt it to your own knowledge!

The sewing pattern is composed of 4 different pieces, available in several standard sizes. If you wish to receive a custom size pattern, please purchase from my other ad entitled "made-to-measure".
The pattern is elaborated with a small size reduction (around 10%)

Tips to find your right size:
Please use the measurements table to help determine the size you need.
If you hesitate between two sizes, choose the smallest one: you can always adjust with the lacing by loosening it (the other way around would be more complicated)
- If you have different proportions (12 for Bust and 10 for Waist), favor the measurement of the waist (10 Size pattern).
- If you want a pattern perfectly tailored to you, I strongly recommend you opt for the purchase of a “made-to-measure” sewing pattern (See the "made-to-measure" ad available in my shop). Indeed, changing the proportions of a fully boned stay is very complicated if you do not master the method of 18th century stays.

The pattern includes the following indications:
Seam lines, 1/2" seam allowances, Bust and Waistlines, notches, complete drawing of boning channels and tabs, location of the eyelets for a spiral lacing, grainline and measurements of the material.

Pattern fabric requirement (quantities are indicated in the pattern):
- Outer and lining fabric, cotton fusible interfacing, drill (or thick cotton serge), thin bias or twill tape, lacing tape, grommets, reed boning.

Required Skills:

Worked on the guide so that it could be understood by an intermediate-skilled tailor. Don't need to be a confirmed corset maker to make this pair of stays, just need to know how to sew straight (useful when sewing boning channels that are close to one another).
The only skill you will need is patience, some steps are time-consuming (inserting reed boning and sewing the bias all along the tabs), but nothing technically complicated.

Note: stays pictured is for illustration purpose only, it is not for sale.