Corded Crinoline c. 1855

The corded crinoline that this pattern is based upon was purchased in England from a dealer who collected largely in France, so the provinance is very unclear. It belongs in the collection of J. Morgan Puett.

While there is no precise date for the corded crinoline to come into being, it is known that during the 1840s petticoats were being stiffened with horsehair. It makes sense that the corded crinoline could have been developed during that decade but certainly by the 1850s it existed and was a viable alternative to the cage crinoline which hit fashion in late 1855.

The original has a two-piece yoke onto which a three-panel skirt with two small gore insets is gathered. The skirt has 13 cords at various distances from the yoke. The entire garment is hand sewn.

This garment has been a continual inspiration for various collections which J Morgan Puett has designed. It was also featured in her collection “Cottage Industry” shown at Spoleto 2002 in Charleston, SC.