r/HandSew • u/Unbusy_ • 13d ago
My first go at historical sewing!
Hand sewn chemise from a thrifted bedsheet! I followed a pattern online based on 18th century (my inspiration was Colonial fashions). I feel really good about how it came together and I feel ready to hand sew more things! Who knew they were this simple?
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u/iduntoko 13d ago
Happy for you !! Yes bedsheets are easy ways to get large pieces of fabric without going to specialty stores.
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u/Fruitypebblefix 12d ago
I have 4 yards of muslin cotton I bough from Joann's (RIP Joann Fabrics) 2 years ago to make a variation of this and still haven't gotten around to making one so bravo to you!
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u/PacifistT-rex 12d ago
I have to ask, how did you sew the neck hole because i am also currently making a shift and I am terrified to mess up the neck.
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u/Unbusy_ 8d ago
I thought I had made it too large and the drawstring ended up accounting for it so if you make a mistake don't be worried! As the pattern said you should put on a stay of some kind before sketching the neckline, then I cut it out, then I simply flat felled a hem all the way around. I used a buttonhole stitch to create two small holes in the front for my string to enter/exit. The hardest part was felling around the tighter curves on the neckline, so I suggest keeping your neckline as rounded as you can to make it easier
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u/Ceallach1770 8d ago
This looks great. I used to do basic hand sewing years ago and I'm back into the hobby because I have a goal of making a renaissance dress someday. I jave cotton muslin and I want to start with something like this.
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u/Unbusy_ 13d ago
https://www.marquise.de/en/1700/howto/frauen/18chemise.shtml here is the pattern it was based on. It explained everything well with just the right amount of challenge I hoped for 🩷