pinning jackets closed

[robinsnest]

Has anyone ever made an 18th century jacket that they just pinned closed? I'm never happy with how hooks and eyes seem to gap for me. And I want the pattern to match perfectly so I'm considering going and buying some steel straight pins.  PLUS It'd save me hella time sewing. 

So any experience to share?

Comments

[mre-awiwench.livejournal.com]

Yes, I always pin my jackets, short gown, gowns, shut. It was done in the period and allows for the changing of shape. Also I always have issues with hooks and eyes.

[sewloud.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to know it's not just me! It took me seconds to pin-in for a fitting so I think I'm just going to do that.

[christylee.livejournal.com]

Mine is pinned closed to my stays. Now that it's big on me I'll overlap and pin the overlap.

http://christylee.livejournal.com/tag/18th%20c

[sewloud.livejournal.com]

My stays are a smidge smaller than they should be, so I'm gonna overlap and pin. New stays are on the list. For now that 2" gap isn't gonna kill anyone..don't tell.

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

In Victorian, you're supposed to have a 2" gap or it's "wrong". What the rule with 18th c corsets?

[sewloud.livejournal.com]

I believe, and I'll fully admit I cannot cite a source here, that front lacing corsets don't have a gap. Lots of stays have front and back lacing and I'd say back lacing could have more of a gap. But again I'm not sure where I picked that up.

[tayloropolis.livejournal.com]

I only ever pin closed or sew myself in (mostly for silk gowns). That's what they did in the period. Hooks and eyes never really look right, and if you don't lace your stays exactly the same way as you did during your fitting, they will be off!

[sewloud.livejournal.com]

Yes yes yes! They never line up perfectly!!! I'm soooo glad I'm not the only one to find this method useless. I'm sold I'm going with pins! Too bad I don't have fancy period ones, I'm going to just so flat head steel sewing pins.

[tayloropolis.livejournal.com]

There are people who make the fancy period ones, but they generally bend under any pressure. I usually stick with the plain steel, even though I have the expensive hand made ones!

[sewloud.livejournal.com]

you're just making me feel better and better about myself today :-D Thanks!

[blackcat452.livejournal.com]

my dress will be closed with pins, its so much easier and looks better then the hook and eyes

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

Hooks and BARS are the way to go, bars don't gap like hooks.

[sewloud.livejournal.com]

ahhh I usually put thread eyes in. Cause I'm lazy and they're easier. Good to know.

[mandie-rw.livejournal.com]

Pinning 18thc garments closed FTW! I've completely given up on hooks and eyes for that; I'm just too dumb to get them to look good! :D