Pattern for boned hanging pockets which tie around the waist. Ideal to be worn under ball gowns. Hoops collapse for ease of movement and storage. One size fits all.
18th Century Pocket Hoops
During the 18th century, a lady of fashion could choose from a variety of methods to extend the shape of her petticoats and gown. For example, she might wear oval hoops, a false rump or pocket hoops. When wearing either oval hoops or a false rump, our lady would also wear one or more pockets, in which she would carry her fan, pocket handkerchief, scent bottle, patch box, or other vital necessities.
Pocket hoops, considered most fashionable at some times, but not at others, were by far and away the most practical and convenient type of hoops. Pocket hoops have several advantages over oval hoops and false rump in that: 1. It is not necessary to wear additional pockets; 2. they can be fastened (tied) in front, therefore not making it necessary to slip them down over the head or require other assistance while dressing; and 3. they collapse, so that one might slip through narrow passages (or into sportscars) when thus attired. Not to be overlooked, pocket hoops are quick and easy to construct.
This is an original pattern incoporating features and dimensions of extant 18th century oval hoops and ocket hoops, as may be seen at Sandy Spring Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, and in Corsets and Crinolines.
Fabric: 2 1/8 yd. at 45", 1 7/8 yd at 54"
Notions: A bundle of #7 or #8 found reed, a small amount of polyester fiber fill, one package of drapery weights, 1 1/2 yd. of twill tape for waist ties.