1:12th scale Ladies underwear c. 1880's

1:12th Scale Ladies Underwear c. 1880's by Frances Powell

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Buttercup Miniatures creates historically accurate miniature ladies' underwear suitable for 5½-inch (14 cm) tall dolls house dolls. The pattern includes two separate garments: open drawers and a knitted vest, both designed to replicate authentic 1880s undergarment styling at 1:12th scale.

Garments Included

Open Drawers

The open drawers are a period-appropriate undergarment featuring an open crotch design typical of 1880s ladies' wear. These miniature drawers measure approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide at the waist with leg length of 2½ inches (5.5 cm). The designer notes that fabric choice significantly impacts the finished appearance: 1-ply cotton is recommended over 1-ply wool when superior drape is desired, such as when displaying the garment laid over a screen or bed.

Knitted Vest

The knitted vest completes the 1880s undergarment ensemble, measuring approximately 1¼ inches (3 cm) wide before stretching and 2¼ inches (5.25 cm) in height. This fitted undergarment adds authentic layering to dolls house doll wardrobes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced-level knitting pattern employs traditional hand-knitting techniques appropriate for miniature garment construction. The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches adapted for ultra-fine gauge work. Stitch holders are incorporated into the vest construction to manage stitches during shaping. The open drawers feature leg and waist finishing with thin silk ribbon, adding both structural support and period-appropriate detail.

Materials and Tools Required

Open Drawers:

• One pair size 19 (1 mm/US size 5/0) knitting needles
• 28 yards (25 metres) of 1-ply wool or cotton yarn
• Thin silk ribbon for legs and waist finishing

Knitted Vest:

• One pair size 19 (1 mm/US size 5/0) knitting needles, plus optional size 21 (0.8 mm) needles for refined finishing
• 56 yards (50 metres) of 1-ply wool or cotton yarn
• 2 stitch holders
• 12 inches (30 cm) of narrow ribbon for neck finishing

Yarn Weight and Needle Specifications

Both garments utilize cobweb weight yarn—an exceptionally fine yarn category essential for achieving proper scale and authentic drape in 1:12th miniature garments. The pattern specifies 1-ply wool or cotton, recognizing that fiber content affects garment behavior. The primary needles are size 19 (1 mm/US size 5/0), with optional finer size 21 (0.8 mm) needles available for the vest to achieve more refined stitch definition if desired.

Skill Level and Gauge Considerations

Classified as an advanced knitting project, this pattern requires experienced miniature knitting skills. Notably, the designer indicates that gauge is not critical for this pattern, as dolls house dolls vary significantly in size and proportions, similar to human variation. This flexibility allows crafters to adapt the pattern to their specific doll's measurements.

Historical Context

Designed by Frances Powell and published through Buttercup Miniatures (pattern FP 108), this pattern provides historically accurate 1880s undergarment construction. The open drawers design reflects authentic period construction, while the accompanying vest completes a realistic undergarment layer appropriate to the era.