SKU: 32727493179
empire waist dress patterns

empire waist dress patterns 215 Empire Dress

Sale price$24.32 Regular price$27.02
Save 10%
Size: 4

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 14 - Jul 19

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

empire waist dress patterns 215 Empire DressMisses sizes SM 3XL. This high waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike. Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799 1815); hence its name.

Misses sizes SM-3XL.

This high-waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike.  Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799-1815); hence its name.  It was worn floor length or as high as knee length in front; trains were also worn for day or evening until 1806.  The Empire Dress has remained a favorite fashion silhouette through today.

Folkwear presents a sewing pattern for this classic in three lengths, with two sleeve options.  A narrow bodice is gathered into a slim A-line skirt front and side panels, and full gathered skirt back that falls to just below knee length, full length, or full length with train for weddings or formal wear.

On the traditional version, drawstrings fit the bodice firmly to the bust and tie at center back. For contemporary wear, we suggest a closed back and elastic in place of the drawstrings. Short puffed sleeves may be cut very high or slightly longer - both are authentic. The longer sleeves feature button and cord detailing. 

Suggested fabrics: Soft, lightweight or medium-weight fabrics such as cotton gauze, batiste, dotted Swiss, rayon challis, silk, very lightweight silk velvet with drape.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Era: Regency, 1700s to early 1800s

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want at the top.  The PDF pattern has instructions, and layered files for copy shop (36” and A0), projector, and print at home (A4 or 8.5”x11”).

Sewing Tip

Linda of Pine City, Minnesota, says this dress is popular with the Fur Trade reenactment crowd and she has made it several times. She says, "Some of us have a devil of a time putting together the little pieces that go around the armhole. The pattern markings are critical, and you should use tailor's tacks and position them carefully. I also suggest that you clearly mark the wrong side of each of the little pieces if your fabric's right and wrong sides are similar."

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 32727493179

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell empire waist dress patterns

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 2251 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
R
Verified Purchase
Renata
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Very cute.
Color: Beige
Very cute either fully open or folded.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022
S
Verified Purchase
Sharon Scott
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Red clutch
Color: Red
The red clutch is of utter most quality. Looks like genuine leather and the magnets are very strong. You don't need to worry that the bag won't close. I absolutely love it!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025
R
Verified Purchase
redheadwahine
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 3
Lighter than pictured, but I still like it. Mine arrived with some minor damage.
Color: Beige, Color: Beige
Update: I ended up returning the item since I couldn't justify keeping something that cost close to $40 and came with rips and damage. I was on the hunt for an oversized clutch that could hold a small cropped sweater for an upcoming outdoor wedding. I wanted a taupe/pinky beige color bag and thought this looked like the perfect color in the photo. Now that I've received it I can see that it's definitely more yellow-toned beige color and lighter than the shade shown. Still a nice clutch though and I bay still be using it for the wedding. It has a nice magnetic closer that keeps it folded in place. The included gold chain shoulder strap is super cheap looking and I won't be using it, but nice to have for someone in a pinch who is sick of carrying the purse around. Material is a nice faux leather and looks very similar to a legit Italian leather purse I own. My purse did arrive with some rips on a top seam and an indent in the front of the material. Not sure if I'll go through the hassle of exchanging or not, but definitely look your bag over once it arrives. I included photos with a standard deodorant for scale. The inside is wider than most foldover or envelope style clutches which is exactly what I wanted. Easily holds my phone, small wallet, some makeup items, a small bottle of ibuprofen, and a thin/light material sweater without looking bulky.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2021
K
Verified Purchase
Kay
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
Value for money
Color: Mustard
It’s spacious , can be worn in two different styles very soft , has style
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2022
S
Verified Purchase
Smilez
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
My Red Bag
Color: Red
Love the 2n1 clutch to handbag design. The magnets are strong! Very spacious!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2025

recommand products