Folkwear 215 Empire Dress (original) (raw)
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. It's 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 until 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 bellow 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 of slightly longer - both are authentic. The longer sleeves features 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.
Size: Misses sizes SM-3XL.
Format: Available as a Paper Pattern and as a PDF Pattern
Copyshop File Included
Size:
Buy Folkwear Empire Dress for $13.95
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Folkwear 219
by: Crabtree
No design change, no pattern alteration. I cut a full bust front bodice as indicated and I used the slim back pattern piece as suggested for heavier .....more
Pattern Description: The bodice pattern is based on Folkwear Patterns' Empire Gown (with major pattern alterations for style); the skirt is based on t.....more
So, the pattern offers both "authentic" and "modern" construction methods. In the authentic version, the bodice is left open at the center back and t.....more
Misses 6 - 16 (S, M, L), with options for busts from A to D cup. I graded the dress I sewed to an XL and made a significant FBA. Did it look like the.....more
Misses 6-16. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. The neckline on my finished garment i.....more
Dislikes: I made the drawstring version of this pattern (the underbust seam and neck casing can be secured with elastic or a drawstring), and I don't.....more
Dislikes: I made the drawstring version of this pattern (the underbust seam and neck casing can be secured with elastic or a drawstring), and I don't.....more
Buy Folkwear Empire Dress for $13.95