Depew #355 is a digital draft-at-home pattern for a stunning French corselette and garter belt from 1947. The pattern is composed of bra cups set into the front, with a side tab in contrast or same fabric like the center front diamond inset. It can be dressed up by adding top-stitched satin details. The garters are optional.
This pattern is perfect if you have trouble finding lingerie that fits right. You will be able to draft a perfectly fitting corselette with this pattern!
FAQ:
Q.What does the back view look like?
A. The original source material for our draft at home patterns often failed to include back illustrations. We are happy to create a quick sketch for you on request if you wish to know more about the back design before purchase.
On #355, the back is quite a bit more simple than the front. The center back can be cut on a fold all as one piece as the pattern suggests, or you can create a seam to add your closure. Originally, the closures are intended for the side seam as they are easier to reach and close on one's own. The side piece is a long, straight tab with a stitching detail in a V-shape.
Q. What fabrics should I use?
A. The best fabrics for this design would be powernet/ powermesh. However, stretch fabrics were still a bit uncommon in 1940's lingerie. For historical accuracy, we would suggest making the main body of the corselette in satin or satin coutil, with the side tabs cut from wide elastic.
Q. If I don't attach garters to it, will the corselet ride up?
A. This really depends on several factors including your choice of fabric, how well the corselette fits, and where it stops on your thighs. It is really impossible to predict until you've sewn it and tested it out. To prevent some ride up, you could always add some feather-bone or light-weight boning to the seams as far as the fullest point of your derrière.
Q. Do the cups need to be underwired?
A. No, the pattern is not intended to have underwires added. To do so, you will need to add more seam allowance to the cup seams to sew a channel to insert an underwire.
Q. Is the seam allowance included? If so, what is it?
A. A 3/8" seam allowance is included on all of our draft-at-home lingerie sewing patterns. We suggest increasing this to up to 3/4" to help during fittings, for adding French seams, or sewing boning channels if desired.
For a complete tutorial on drafting your pattern including photos, check out this blog post.
For general drafting questions, Check out our draft-at-home patterns FAQ page.
Please leave a comment below if you have any additional questions - we're happy to answer them!
Hi! I just bought this pattern and I have a few questions - first, do you know of anyone who made it? I'd love to see their finished product.
ReplyDeleteSecond, do you know if it requires facings? And lastly, if you were to make this, what closures would you chose?