Georgian Pocket Hoops
For this costume, you will require intermediate to experienced expertise in sewing and boning

Difficulty factor 8 - 10
Please note, that we do not make costumes to order or to hire. These are one off costumes designed for Tracy.


Please use these instructions in conjunction with our videos, as they contain more information on items needed, their sources and technique
This is an example of the pocket hoops Tracy will be making.  She tried these on at Berrisford Hall which had a very good collection of Georgian costumes.
Picture
Tracy used the design from Jean Hunnisett to make her hoops. She did make an alteration and cut off the square piece to the right and re-cut it allowing for a seam allowance.


Materials:

1.1/2 metres gingham or material of your choice.
5-6 metres of 10mm wide tape
1cm wide steel ​Boning of your choice
2 metres of 2cm wide tape
Cut a slit 18cm long and turn the fabric back using a running stitch.
Cut out a square of material and halve it into a triangle and sew on at the end of the slit.  This helps to reinforce it.
Mark with pins where the boning channels will be
Use the curve of your thigh when pinning on the bias, this will help the fabric bend slightly ready for the boning.
Pin and sew on the curved piece.  Do not sew all the way to the ends, leave 1.5cm unsewn.
Sew on the tapes and sew on the square piece of fabric at the bottom of the curved piece.  Do not sew all the way to the ends leave 1.5cm unsewn
For the next bit, you will definitely have to watch the video, because it is difficult to explain in pictures.  But basically, the straight edges of the square piece (above) are sewn to the edges either side of the curved piece.  It will make sense - honestly! Only sew up one side for now.
Insert the boning and sew up the side you left open.  You may need help here.
At this stage your pocket should look like this.
Pleat across the top of the pockets, this will vary according to your waist size
With the tops of your pockets butting up against each other, take a measurement and cut a strip of fabric for the waist band allowing for a seam. Do not close the ends as you will be threading tape through.
Thread the tape through the waist band and try on.  The pockets need to be on either side of your hips and leave enough tape at the front for tying.  When you are happy with the position, pin the waistband to the tape and both ends and sew onto the tape.
Tie your tapes at the front and back.  You may need help with the back, but don't make them too tight and check your side view to make sure they are directly over your hips.