Laughing Moon- Ladies Victorian Underwear 1840 - 1900. Two Corset Styles, Chemise and Drawers

The Laughing Moon Ladies Victorian Underwear - Two Corset Styles, Chemise and Drawers is one of the most comprehensive Victorian-era undergarment patterns available, and we are proud to offer it as a printed paper pattern - increasingly difficult to find as more publishers move to digital-only formats. Covering the full Victorian period from 1837 to 1899, this single envelope contains everything needed to build a complete period-accurate undergarment wardrobe: two distinct corset styles, a chemise, and drawers - all in an uncommonly wide size range. Whether you are building an historically accurate costume, preparing for a reenactment, or want a thoroughly documented Victorian foundation garment, this pattern delivers detailed instructions and extensive illustrations for misses sizes 6 to 40, all in one package.

What's Included

• View A - Dore Corset: straight seam construction with five pieces on each side, available in B, C, and D cup - well suited to fuller figures and first-time corset makers
• View B - Silverado Corset: bust gore construction with six main pattern pieces plus two bust gores on each side, available in A through 4D cup - well suited to smaller busts and more experienced makers
• Chemise with yoke, front opening, three sleeve options, and 6 tucks with lace trim at the hem
• Open drawers with pointed front waistband, drawstring closure, 6 tucks, and lace trim at the hems
• Both corset styles can be made plain or fancy
• Misses sizes 6 to 40 - all sizes included in one envelope
• Complete instructions and historical illustrations throughout
• Printed paper pattern - printed paper version ready for you to cut to your size

Maker Notes

• The Dore Corset uses straight seam construction - fewer pieces and a more straightforward build, making it a recommended starting point for first-time corset makers
• The Silverado Corset uses bust gores to shape the cup - more pieces and more precision required, but a better silhouette choice for A through C cup figures
• Both corsets are historically appropriate for the full Victorian period (1837 - 1899) and suitable for formal, theatrical, and reenactment use
• Use 1/4" spiral steel boning throughout - spring steel is required on either side of the grommet column at center back; spiral steel handles all curved seams including the Silverado bust gores
• Size 00 grommets are recommended for the lacing column - the smaller diameter allows fabric threads to spread rather than cut, creating a stronger grommet seat
• Cup sizes in this pattern run large - refer to the body measurement chart on the pattern envelope before cutting and consider sizing down one cup if you are between sizes
• Making a muslin mock-up before cutting fashion fabric is strongly recommended, particularly for the Silverado - this pattern rewards a mock-up

Pro Tip: When cutting pattern pieces, label each one immediately with both its number and its position name (center front, front side panel, etc.) - the pattern uses numbers only, and pieces can become difficult to sort once cut. A quick pencil note on each piece before leaving the cutting table will save significant time during assembly.

Pro Tip #2: The chemise neckline is intentionally wide and low, designed to sit beneath off-the-shoulder and low-neckline Victorian gowns. If you have narrow shoulders, be aware of this before cutting and consider adjusting the neckline width. The armholes also run slightly small and may benefit from a seam allowance adjustment before cutting fashion fabric.

Recommended Uses

• Great For: Historical reenactors and living history participants building period-accurate Victorian undergarments
• Great For: Costumers and cosplayers needing a complete Victorian foundation layer in one pattern
• Great For: First-time corset makers who want detailed instructions and a well-documented build process
• Great For: Experienced makers building the Silverado for a fitted, bust-forward Victorian silhouette
• Great For: Steampunk and Victorian-inspired fashion builds requiring historically grounded foundation garments
• Great For: Makers who prefer working from a physical printed pattern rather than printing and assembling a digital download

A complete Victorian foundation in one envelope: Two corset styles, a chemise, and drawers with thorough instructions and an exceptional size range - and as one of the few remaining sources for this pattern in printed form, we are glad to keep it available for makers who prefer to work from paper.

Build your kit: Laughing Moon Corset Kits are available with supplies selected to work alongside this pattern.