SKU: 91977427167
empire waist dress patterns

empire waist dress patterns 215 Empire Dress

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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."

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SKU: 91977427167

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JAMES HAYES
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★★★★★ 4
Instructions are useless
Size: 1 Panel
The instructions are poorly written and not very helpful. The divider itself is easy to assemble, and honestly, it would’ve been quicker if I had skipped the directions altogether. Once put together, though, it works as intended.
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This divider is great for creating a little privacy or separating a small area without taking up much space. The fabric is thick enough to block visual clutter, and the frame is lightweight but stable once it’s opened. It folds flat for storage, which is convenient if you only need it occasionally. Assembly was straightforward, and it was the perfect size. It’s a practical piece for apartments, studios, or home offices where you want a quick, temporary partition.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
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John M.
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★★★★★ 5
Good privacy screen
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This is a good privacy screen that's easy to assemble and looks nice. Be a little careful moving it, as the corners can twist. It's sturdy once in place, and the thick material is completely opaque. If the folds bother you, you might want to iron it, but I'm happy with it as is.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2026
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Dan & Stacey
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 3
Lightweight divider that works well for video call backgrounds
Size: 1 Panel
This divider works fine for what it is, but it’s definitely on the lightweight side. Setup was very easy and only took a few minutes. The frame is fairly light, so it’s easy to move around or reposition if needed. That said, the tradeoff is that it’s not especially sturdy. It stands fine on its own but I wouldn’t expect it to handle much bumping or movement. I mainly bought it to use as a background for Zoom calls when I’m working from my den, and for that purpose it works great. The fabric panel blocks the room behind me and gives a cleaner background on camera. It’s not huge though. To keep the camera from seeing around it, I have to position it directly behind my chair. If you’re expecting it to divide a large room or create a big privacy barrier, it may feel a bit small. Overall, it does the job and works well for temporary setups or video call backgrounds, but the lightweight frame keeps it from feeling like a premium divider. The product description and photos are accurate.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2026
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Customer Review
New York, US
★★★★★ 2
Sent Wrong Pieces
Size: 1 Panel, Size: 1 Panel
I really, really wanted to like this - and, in theory, I really, really should have! The instructions were easy to follow and assembly took about five minutes. The assembled screen is lightweight and easy to move. It was a great size and exactly what I was looking for except....I wasn't sent the correct pieces. Instead of receiving 4 elbow pieces and 4 feet, I received 2 elbow pieces and 8 feet - meaning that the bottom part of the fabric just hangs there and, overall, the divider is extremely unstable because there is no horizontal support on the bottom. Thankfully, there are Velcro tabs on the side of the fabric so I can use it if I don't plan to move it even 1 cm, but otherwise, what I received is not usable for what I needed it for. Additionally, the fabric is made of polyester and catches animal hair very easily. Had I received the correct pieces, this would be a good buy for the money. Unfortunately, overall, I'm disappointed.
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