A Toddler Boy's Wardrobe

Petticoat

This petticoat is based on the one in the collections of the Chester County PA Historical Society (CCHS 0074/CLM1, cf. Fitting & Proper pp. 82-83). The original was worn by John Wilson c. 1772, and was made of fine off-white creped wool. You may make this of thin white worsted fabric ("tropical suiting") or of white linen. The original had a band of embroidered flowers just above the hem, if you wish to duplicate this you will find it diagrammed in Fitting & Proper. On the original, the waistband is missing. I have diagrammed it here with a conjectural wide waistband, based on my own experience and that of other reenactor mothers, as to what kind of waistband is most likely to stay up on a toddler's torso. When worn, this waistband should sit high, close to the armpits and above the belly. If it doesn't stay, you may need to add suspender-ties that tie at the shoulders.

To make the petticoat, cut the fabric 18 ½" x 54". Seam the two short edges together to form a CB seam, leaving the top 6 ½" of the seam open for a placket. Hem the edges of the placket. Bind the hem with ferret (use worsted tape or silk ribbon if you are using worsted fabric, use linen or cotton tape if you are using linen fabric). Pleat the waist to equal 19". Cut a waistband 9" x 20". Fold over the waistband and, turning under all raw edges, slip stitch three sides of waistband, sewing it to the pleated edge of the petticoat so that the pleated edge of the petticoat top is enclosed and all raw edges of waistband are enclosed. Finished waistband should measure 4" x 19". For ties, cut 6 pieces of white cotton twill tape, ¼" or ½ wide, and 12" long. Sew them in pairs to the 4" edges of the waistband.

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