Description
A woman’s 18th century shift or (chemise in French) requires about 3 yards of modern linen but it is really a measurement from the shoulder to the calf x2 plus the length of the sleeve. Most shifts were made of off white linen or natural unbleached linen.
Notions required include a spool of 60/2 linen thread in white, off white or unbleached to match the shift, today’s research suggests sleeve buttons should be used in a narrow wristband just like a man’s shirt although this pattern has a fitted sleeve more common in the early 19th century.
For winter wear, shifts were frequently made of natural white wool flannel. Don’t be fooled, this flannel is soft next to the skin & really helps when it’s cold out!
