Description
A woman’s early 19th 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 & narrow cotton tape.
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!
