Simplicity 18th Century Stays – Adding Boning

I’ve been MIA on the Simplicity 18th Century Pattern Hacks lately, due to moving, but I’m back! Time for more helpful hacks and hints for constructing Simplicity 8161 and 8162 in a more historically accurate way.

Today I’ve got a short video on inserting the boning into your stays.

To recap, I’ve cut and sewn the pieces of my Simplicity 8162 stays, have drawn a new boning pattern and stitched all the channels, and now I am inserting the boning.

I am using zip ties for my boning, but you can also use reed or steel. Please note that the method I’m showing in the video is for zip ties only.

At this point the only construction variation from the Simplicity pattern instructions is when I re-drew the boning pattern. We won’t diverge from the pattern instructions until we get to the binding next.

In the video I demonstrate cutting the boning, sanding the ends, and inserting into the channel. It’s straightforward. Two tips – use canine nail clippers to cut your boning, and cut your boning about 1/4 – 3/8″ shorter than the channel on each end, to leave a bit to stitch the binding to.

Note – the strap is sewn on after the boning is all inserted.
Another Note – The seam allowances are tacked down after the boning is inserted.

If you have questions, please leave them in the comment below!