Last year while working on my gown and accessories for Fetes Galantes (yes, the one the pandemic canceled), I made four sets of 18th century ribbon garters. I made two pair for myself, and two sets for friends who were also going to attend the event. They were quick, easy, and so pretty! Here’s how I made them…
[Related: Sewing 18th Century Pocket Hoops]
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I turned to my surplus/scraps for a suitable fabric for us ladies and decided on an old table runner that I purchased for my Miranda Barlow from Black Sails costume. This vintage monstrosity had enough fun colors for each of us to have matching but not matching garters. I also had lace from an assortment found on Amazon, and picked out 3 long pieces for us.
The length of the decortative front depended on the length of each lace variety, divided by 4 (two pieces each garter). My fronts were about 9-10″ long (and 1.5″ wide), which is plenty to go across the front of one’s leg. My garters were loosely inspired by some lovely listings by Queen and Cavendish on Etsy.
Very quickly, I stitched the lace to each long edge of the fabric, and stitched the decorative front to 1 yard long satin ribbon for each leg. Not shown but also stitched to hold the garters in place over stockings is ~8″ velvet ribbon.
Velvet ribbon: Chenkou Craft 20 Yards 5/8″ 15mm Velvet Ribbon Lots Bulk (Multicolored, 5/8″(15mm))
By this point I was finishing my robe a la francaise mock-up and fully intending to wear it, so I made an additional pair of garters to go with that ensemble. I used scraps from my beloved upcycled linen duvet cover and black satin ribbon. This time I gathered one strip of wider lace and stitched it to the center of pinked 2″ x 10″ linen. They look silly with jeans above, but I plan on wearing them with ivory stockings, cheap or silk, depending on the event. Up next is how I made and fully finished my red and ivory robe a la francaise mock-up.
My cheap stockings (from Amazon): MK MEIKAN Thigh High Socks, Tube Dresses Over the Knee Stockings Cosplay Socks for Women School Uniform Socks 1 Pair
My silk stockings (from American Duchess): Plain Ivory Silk Stockings
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