As we continue our journey through the history of corsetry, we arrive in one of the most recognisable and technically fascinating periods of fashion history—the 18th century. Often associated with the grandeur of the Georgian and Rococo eras, 18th-century corsets (commonly referred to as stays) were an essential part of a woman's wardrobe. They weren't simply undergarments; they were the foundation upon which every fashionable gown was built. By this time, corsetry had become a highly specialised craft. Makers had refined centuries of knowledge into garments that offered remarkable support while allowing women to carry the wide skirts, panniers and luxurious fabrics that defined the period. Unlike the dramatic hourglass silhouette that many people associate with Victorian corsets, the ideal shape of the 18th century was one of balance and elegance. The aim was to create: ✨ An upright posture ✨ A smooth, elongated torso ✨ Gentle bust support and lift ✨ A beautifully proportioned silhouette that complemented the elaborate gowns of the era One of the defining features of 18th-century stays was their incredible construction. They were often made using: 🪡 Linen or silk outer fabrics 🪡 Strong linen foundation layers 🪡 Baleen (commonly called whalebone) for flexible support 🪡 Carefully stitched boning channels 🪡 Hand-worked eyelets for lacing 🪡 Waist tabs that allowed movement while maintaining structure Every stitch served a purpose. Every panel contributed to the overall fit. These garments were masterpieces of engineering as much as they were works of dressmaking. What makes this period especially interesting is how influential it remains today. Many of the techniques we use in modern corsetry, boning channels, multiple fabric layers, precise pattern shaping and careful distribution of support, have their roots in the craftsmanship of the 18th century. For anyone interested in couture, bridal wear, historical costume or advanced dressmaking, studying these garments offers valuable lessons in structure, balance and precision.

Welcome welcome our latest sewers 🫶 @Victoria Arya @Glenna James Really happy you are here for our real building sewing group!! Busy day sewing my way, attaching lace onto a bodice, what's your latest sewing projects? Would love for a big welcome from all, and don't forget to introduce your sewing over on the welcome post 🪡🧵

In just five decades, silhouettes softened, corsets disappeared, waists dropped, shoulders sharpened, skirts widened again… and clothing began reflecting freedom, war, rebellion, glamour, practicality, and identity in completely different ways. And honestly? You can still feel traces of every one of these eras in modern sewing today. The bias cut of the 1930s. The structure of the 1940s. The femininity of the 1950s. This is why I love studying historical dress so much, fashion is never just clothing. It tells us what society valued, what people longed for, and how makers solved problems with nothing but fabric, structure, and skill with the changing times within our societies. So now I want to know… 🪡 Which decade pulls you in most, and why? 🪡 If you could sew ONE garment from these decades, what would it be? 🪡 And which period do you think had the most beautiful construction techniques? I've been a busy bee in the background, clearing my storage, designs, costumes and much more, ready to start uploading and sharing next right here in The Atelier Hub, very exciting! I'm building the group in real time, and grateful you're here, sharing this space of sewers 🪡 🥰 So, tell the hub what you think of the 50 years fashion journey 1900-1950's. Drop your thoughts below in comments 👇 Claire Amelia 🌞

Welcoming our newest members to the Atelier Hub @Michelle Gray @Kimmie Angel Please say a big hello to our latest sewers, woop woop !! I've been building in real time the group, and I'm very honoured and proud that we have reached 25 members!! What a milestone. Thank you all for being here. Please introduce yourselves on our dedicated welcome post, you never know who else you might meet on there.. https://www.skool.com/the-ateliers-hub-9961/welcome-to-the-atelier-hub?p=c3376e87 Sending magic on this Yorkshire sunny day Claire Amelia 🥰

I'm busy today sorting through my ex bridal shop, fabrics, haberdashery and designs are on the agenda today. Got me thinking, do you design, sketch or do a creative board before sewing? I have just found an old bridal collection of designs, hand drawn in black pen, from my bridal days and thinking how I want to save these memories, maybe I keep them in paper format or I take a picture and store online. hhmmm questions questions. Would love to hear how you build up to your sewing project 🪡👇