Sewing 18th Century Pocket Hoops

As a huge fan of Outlander (books and show), I coveted Claire’s red dress from season 2. Having many other unfinished projects in bags just begging for attention, I purchased the red dress from Jessica’s Dress and spent almost a year making the undergarments (stays, pocket hoops, petticoat, etc.) and shoes before I could even wear it (Comicpalooza 2018 in Houston). The quickest and most satisfying of undergarments that I made were the pocket hoops, also known as panniers, from an old shower curtain. These babies are perfect for widening the hips and storing an assortment of snacks. Here’s how I made mine…

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I used JP Ryan’s 18th Century Pocket Hoops Pattern, and followed the pattern instructions without any modifications. I won’t bore you with the step-by-steps, because even thought these were my first set, the instructions were very easy to follow along. I did use natural reed boning (Commonwealth Basket Flat Oval Reed 3/16-Inch 1-Pound Coil, Approximately 275-Feet), doubled, in the channels, and an extra long shoelace for the tie at the waist.

Making these pocket hoops felt like making complicated pillows, which still wasn’t that complicated. On the day I made the hoops, I realized I didn’t have any stuffing in the house for the channels at the pocket openings, so I used the thin lining from an old dust ruffle I had set aside for scraps. I’m all about re-purposing curtains and bed clothing!

I strategically added black braided trim at the top of the pocket hoops where my stitches looked sloppy. I am still learning, after all. And somewhere online (Pinterest, maybe?) I saw beach balls being used to keep pockets hoops firm, so I purchased a multi-pack on Amazon (Bottles N Bags Beach Balls Mixed Sizes) and used the 20″ diameter balls in mine. Still plenty of room for snacks, a flask, my iPhone, and flats…which helped weigh them down since I decided to not add weights/magnets.

For Claire’s red dress, I also wore a false rump (from Simplicity Creative Patterns 8162 Misses’ 18th Century Undergarments) with my pocket hoops. The pictures above show the under-petticoat over the pocket hoops and false rump. I love my shower curtain turned 18th century pocket hoops secret snack pockets! Up next: THE shoes…

Outlander inspired costumes also on the blog:

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 2 (& the Red Shoes)

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 1 (Additions)

Outlander Inspired Druid Lanterns (DIY)

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 3

Costuming Outlander Inspired “Cross Creek” Claire

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 1 (c. 1945)

Costuming Captain Black Jack Randall from Outlander

General 18th century pieces also on the blog:

Sewing 18th Century Pockets

Sewing 18th Stomachers

Sewing 18th Century Jackets