Ninon Bodice 1655-1680

This a digital PDF download.  See 'About Your PDF' below for more details.

US$22

Sizes 32-52 in 3 size packs:

Difficulty: Expert+  

This pattern is recommended for sewists with previous staymaking experience who are confident fitting and adjusting boned garments.

The Ninon Bodice is a fully-boned bodice of the style worn as formal dress in most of Europe in the second half of the 17th century.  

The pattern features the very long front point, wide off-the-shoulder neckline, full pleated sleeve, and armscye which extends well into the back characteristic of the period.  Depending on the fabrics and trims used, the bodice is appropriate for styles fashionable between 1655 and 1680.  

Fully boned bodices like the Ninon were worn instead of boned undergarments (i.e. bodies, stays, corset), so no additional support garment is needed.  

View A has a narrow U shaped front point seen in many portraits from 1655-1670. View B has a wider, shallower V front point which resembles ones seen in slightly later 1660-1680 portraits.

Both views can be made with or without shoulder wings, and can be worn plain, or trimmed with passementerie, lace, ribbons etc.  Five panel pieces on each side make it as easy to adjust the pattern to the perfect fit. The fully boned bodice is covered with a smooth fabric outer, so no boning channels are visible, and fastens with hidden back spiral lacing.

The Ninon Bodice includes detailed instructions for making the bodice using historically accurate techniques.  

The Ninon Bodice is designed to be worn over a 17th century shift with full sleeves such as the Catarina Shift, and with a bum roll such as the Barbara Bum Roll. Pair the Ninon with the Anne Skirt & Trained Overskirt pattern. 

Sleeves: The sleeves shown on Dani (pink), Nina (yellow) and Hayley (black) will be available in add-on pattern.

Recommended Fabrics:

Tightly woven midweight silks or worsted wools supported by layers of midweight linen, lightweight wool, and linen buckram, and lined in lighter weight linen or silk.

Rebekah is wearing View A in Size 42 in pale gold silk satin with supplementary lamé weft brocading.  She wears her Ninon Bodice with an Anne Skirt over a Catarina Shift and Barbara Bum Roll & Petticoat.  Rebekah is 5'9''.  Her dress was made as an exact standard size, and her bodice was not lengthened: if the pattern had personally fitted to her it could have been lengthened up to 1 1/2''/4cm.

Nina is wearing View B in Size 46 Straight Fit in sunshine yellow silk-linen satin.  She wears her Ninon Bodice with an Anne Skirt & Trained Overskirt over a Catarina Shift and Barbara Bum Roll & Petticoat.  Nina is 5'1'' and her bodice has been shortened 1/2''/1.2cm.  Her sleeves will be available in a sleeve add-on pattern.

Dani is wearing View B in Size 42.  Her Anne Skirt & Ninon Bodice are made from a cotton duvet cover dyed rose pink.  She trimmed her Ninon with an antique lace collar and wears it over a pieced Catarina Shift and a Frances Rump.  All the fabrics in her outfit were thrifted or gifted: Dani wanted her Ninon ensemble to illustrate that it was possible to make beautiful historical costumes on a budget.  Dani is 5'1'' and her bodice has been shortened 1/2''/1.2cm.  Her sleeves will be available in a sleeve add-on pattern.

Hayley is wearing View A in Size 38.  Her entire ensemble is made from two identical sari, and also demonstrates that costumes can be made with spectacular fabrics on a budget.  She is 5'4'' and did not adjust the bodice length.  Her sleeves will be available in a sleeve add-on pattern.

About your PDF:

This pattern is a digital download. Once you complete your purchase you’ll be sent an email with a link to download a zip file containing your printable files. You’ll need to open it on a computer: the zip file will not open on phones and tablets.

The Ninon Bodice is designed to print using the 'Layers' function of Adobe Reader.

The Ninon Bodice zip contains the following files:

• Instructions: 42 pages
  
• Print-At-Home Pattern: 32 pages
• Copyshop Pattern: 2 A0 pages
• Printing Instructions: 4 pages 
• Further Historical Information: 6 pages

Sizing Chart:

Paper Patterns:

A paper version of the Ninon Bodice pattern will be available through Virgil's Fine Goods in the USA.

Additional Historical Information:

• Coming soon!

Social Media: