Embroidered Stomachers of the early 18th Century

Every once in awhile I do some handiwork that I’m then very proud of later, and always glad I took on. Last time, it was an embroidered 18th century pocket, and this time it shall be an embroidered 18th century stomacher, to go with my 1740s Highland jacket.

Here are some inspiration images:

1730s, English, from Vintage Textile, but via

MFA, 18th century

V and A, English, 18th century – this photo via

The above three stomachers are all rather similar. They have lovely floral motifs, with the grounds filled in with vermicular designs. The top two I’ve confirmed use metallic threads for a little shiny shiny. The tabs on the sides are for pinning to the stays.

V and A, 1730 – 50, English

The Met, first quarter of 18th c., English

MFA, 1730-40

V and A, c. 1740, English

These stomachers are also similar, with the criss-crossing metallic decoration, tabs at the waist, and much more complex embroidery. These are more formal, and higher class than my OL ensemble is meant to be, so while I *love* them, I will be going with the simpler design.

Here’s my design drawn out just roughly:

I’ve already started the embroidery, but I don’t have much to show yet! I’m using linen for the ground, and muted colors of green and purple for the thistle design. Here’s hoping it doesn’t take me a year to finish it!