Purses have been a standard accessory for men and women alike since the dawn of time, but between the 16th and 17th century, purses all but disappeared. The pocket was introduced in menswear – a much safer way to carry ones valuables as purses were an easy target for highwaymen. About the same time, women started wearing very wide heavy dresses that made it difficult to carry a purse. To accommodate these wider dress styles, their purses were exchanged for of pocket that was worn underneath their clothing. This pocket was a separate accessory that was not sewn into the dress, but tied on at the waist over the stays. At the end of the 18th century, however, there was a sudden and dramatic change in women’s dress styles. The wide stiff dresses that had dominated women’s fashions for nearly 300 years were replaced by trim high waisted dresses made with light flowing fabrics. Pockets were far too bulky to hide underneath this new style of dress, so brought purses back in the form of a reticule.
Reticule's were made in all shapes and sizes. This pattern is called a petal reticule because the header above the drawstring is made in the shape of petals which give the reticule the appearance of a blooming flower. It is fully lined and made with four panels. Each panel can be individually lined and then sewn together using the Palestrina stitch. This method creates a lovely effect along the seamlines. For a simpler reticule, the outer shell and lining can be sewn together and lined at the end. To complete the reticule in true Regency fashion, follow the instructions for making draw cords and knotted top tassels!
For a complete Regency Era outfit, pair this Reticule with The Grecian Renaissance Dress and the Regency Foundation Garments available separately.
This PDF sewing pattern by Thimbles and Acorns is designed to fit 18-inch dolls such as American Girl®. As an added bonus, a pattern for a Full-Size Palestrina Petal Reticule is included!
TA Pattern #1800-03
Suggested Fabrics: Reticule and Reticule Lining in light to medium weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, or velveteen. Not suitable for knits.
Supplies Needed:
Fabric: Both Sizes are Fat Quarter Friendly!
- Doll-Size Reticule - 6” x 12” piece of fabric
- Doll-Size Reticule Lining - 6” x 12” piece of fabric
- Full-Size Reticule - 12” x 30” piece of fabric
- Full-Size Reticule Lining - 12” x 30” piece of fabric
Notions:
Doll-Size Reticule:
- Embroidery floss for edging and drawstring cord
- One yard of 1/8” wide ribbon or other cord for drawstring (unless using cord made from embroidery floss)
- Embroidery floss for one to five mini tassels (purchased tassels may be used if preferred)
- Assorted beads (optional)
Full-Size Reticule
- Embroidery floss for edging and drawstring cord
- Two yards of 1/4 - 3/8”” wide ribbon or other cord for drawstring (unless using cord made from embroidery floss)
- Embroidery floss for one to five tassels (purchased tassels may be used if preferred)
- Assorted beads (optional)
Tools:
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Embroidery needle
- Plastic tapestry needle for threading cord
- Pins
- Hand sewing needle
- Iron and pressing tools
- Blunt needle or point turner
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 23 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.
Download, Print, Sew!
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