18th C. Petticoats- 2010

(Old post on Petticoats, 2010)

As I promised...a post on petticoats.

Now, in the 18th C. (I am into more towards the mid and later part of the Century) petticoats were worn as an outer and under garment. I say petticoats, plural. Rarely I wear just one, a good (practical) amount is 2-3 or 4. :-) I average about 2-3 of various weights and lengths.

Basically an 18th C. petticoat is really just two pieces of wide linen or wool sewn up the sides and two pocket slits are formed. At the waist, it is normally pleated or made into a drawstring waist. Both are tied around the waist. Hems are narrow rolled hems or bound with wool and are normally 6-8" off the ground (in this area anyway).

Growing up I have always had drawstring waist petticoats. But....since last year when I switched to pleated...I shall never go back! I fell completely in love with pleated petticoats! Here are two wonderful guides on how to make pleated petticoats - Dairy of a Mantua Maker's Perfectly Pleated Petticoats and 18thC. New England Life's Petticoat page.

Background- I do mid/late 18th C. living history. I portray a rural working class woman in the middle Colonies. I normally am cooking or doing outside work. My clothing is simple, practical, and made of linen and wool.

I had a great time making these and I thought I would share two of my favorite petticoats. Mae helped me with the first one, thank you for getting me off on the right pleat. ;-)

And now for the photos....
Please excuse the pictures...I was the lone photographer that day. :-) 

This first petticoat is made from brown stripped linen and the waist band is a brown and tan check linen, ties are just plain white twill tape. I am wearing a linen shift, stays, small bum roll, wool stockings, mules, and the linen petticoat.

Front

 

   Back

This next one is a yellow wool with a blue check wool waistband, worn on top of the brown petticoat.

Front

Back

Here are some pictures of the wool petticoat in action with my green linen gown. Sorry about the facial expression (not the greatest picture of me I must say)...I probably did feel like I needed to fall asleep on the spot. :)

Here is a sneak peak at the new wool jacket to match the yellow petticoat.