In Volume LV, August 1857, Godey's issued lengthy directions to the American woman entitled "Practical Instructions in Stay-Making". It is possible to compare this pattern with the corset pattern on the previous page and notice the change in shape and support. There is a greater degree of flair over the hips and stomach. The following materials are necessary:

• half a yard of material. The popular choices then and today are the same -- sateen or coutille. Both are cottons. The weave of the coutille is closer to a twill and much stronger.
• stay tape for casings.
• whalebone -- preferably prepared in strips to size.
• a steel busk. Again this item can still be obtained today though theatrical and/or notions suppliers. A steel busk makes closure easier with pre-formed hooks and loops connected to an inch wide steel strip.
• webbing and leather -- for covering the raw edges.
• 8 between needles and a "reel of 28 cotton" thread.
• a box of French holes and a punch for putting them in.

The directions and measurements are much more specific as they detail cutting, construction and finish. The article concludes: "If these simple directions be strictly adhered to in the making up, a pair of well-fitting stays, at a trifling cost, will reward the pains of the worker."