1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern | Historical Civil War Era Design | Sizes 8-26 (Bust 32″-48″) | Past Patterns 0704
$18.00
Our authentic 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern features princess seam construction for easy fitting and historical accuracy. Perfect for Civil War reenactments, this pattern includes sizes 8-26 (bust 32″-48″) with options for B, C & D cups, plus two sleeve variations. Create elegant Victorian formal wear with period-correct details.
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1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern | Historical Civil War Era Design | Sizes 8-26 (Bust 32″-48″) | Past Patterns 0704
$18.00
Our authentic 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern features princess seam construction for easy fitting and historical accuracy. Perfect for Civil War reenactments, this pattern includes sizes 8-26 (bust 32″-48″) with options for B, C & D cups, plus two sleeve variations. Create elegant Victorian formal wear with period-correct details.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern
This 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern is an original Past Patterns design created for historical accuracy and authentic Victorian elegance. Our pattern features the classic silhouette and construction techniques true to the Civil War era.
Authentic Historical Design of Our 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern
A princess seam construction makes this 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern easy to fit and sew. During the Victorian era, many women were married in their best dress. If their best dress was a ball gown, they would likely have worn it to their wedding. The 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern includes two sleeve options—puff sleeves with decorative bows or bell sleeves—allowing you to change the bodice from fancy to tailored for different occasions.
Construction Details for the 1860s Ball Gown Bodice
The bodice from this 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern closes and fastens in the back with lace drawn through hand-worked eyelets. The bodice is boned for proper period structuring. The pointed waistline may be shortened without changing the overall historical look of this Victorian formal wear.
Looking for a complete Civil War era ensemble? Pair this 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern with our item #0700 - Fashionable Skirt or our item #0712 - 1863 Hoop Skirt for a stunning historical outfit.
A detailed review on using this 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern to construct an authentic Victorian ball gown bodice can be found via Pattern Review.
Size Range and Measurements
Our inclusive 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern is sized for a wide range of measurements:
- Bust: 32½" - 48"
- Waist: 24½" - 40"
- Hips: 34½" - 50"
- Designs are included for B, C & D cups for a perfect historical fit
Fabric Requirements for Your 1860s Ball Gown Bodice
For Puff Sleeve Version (45" wide fabric):
- Sizes 8-14: 2⅛ yards
- Sizes 16-20: 2¼ yards
- Sizes 22-26: 2½ yards
For Bell Sleeve Version (45" wide fabric):
- Sizes 8-14: 1⅝ yards
- Sizes 16-20: 1¾ yards
- Sizes 22-26: 1⅞ yards
Recommended Fabrics for Historical Accuracy
For an authentic 1860s Ball Gown Bodice, we recommend:
- Bordered batiste or thin cotton
- Silk fabrics
- Lace beading or lace inserts for trim
The original historical garment that inspired this 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern featured black silk faille trimmed with heavy black lace and small black jet beads. For period-accurate alternatives, consider watered taffeta, changeable silk taffeta, or plaid weave taffeta to create your perfect Victorian formal bodice.
What's Included in Your 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern Package
Your complete 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern includes:
- Copy of the original artwork on the cover
- Sizing chart and alternate views on the back cover
- Background information on the historical garment used as reference
- 13 pages of extensive notes on fabric cutting and garment construction
- Copy of the original Ladies Home Journal layout guide for the pattern
- Two hand-drawn computer-generated sheets of patterns (1 sheet 36"x47" and 1 sheet 36"x41")
Love this pattern but prefer digital format? Check out our downloadable PDF version of this 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern for immediate access.
Our physical patterns are printed on high-quality 20 lb. white paper and packaged in a reusable plastic sleeve. We always offer the most reasonable shipping rates for domestic and international orders. Multi-item purchases are automatically adjusted for combined shipping.
Start creating your authentic Victorian ball gown today with this historical 1860s Ball Gown Bodice Sewing Pattern from Past Patterns, your trusted source for historically accurate designs since 1979.
© Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 2 in |
| Cup Size |
This item is for single, non-commerical usage. If you want to mass produce items, please contact us.
Sizing Information
(Metric size sheet opens as a PDF in a new browser tab)
Preferred Vendors
Past Patterns works with vendors from all over the world to help us replicate the amazing articles of clothing. Now you can too!
Visit our preferred vendors page to order directly from some of our top recommended suppliers.
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FAQ's
(Frequently asked questions)
Why are both Trowsers and Trousers listed on site?
Over the last 200 years, much like the human body, our style of language has changed. For vintage patterns, we attempt to use the language of the day where possible.
Can you grade (edit) a Vintage Revival pattern for my size?
please contact us with the specific pattern number and the specifications you require. We have staff available for this for an additional fee.
What sizes do Past Patterns patterns come in?
Our patterns, with some exceptions, are manufactured in sizes 8 through 26 for women and sizes 34 through 54 for men. Most patterns are multi-sized. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
Do you have vintage patterns (manufactured prior to 1950) that you want to sell?
we are always on the lookout for original, American designed, vintage patterns especially for categories outside of current items. We are interested if you have 1 pattern or 1000 patterns. Give us a call to discuss.
Why is my pattern size different from my off the rack dress size?
We use the U. S. Board of Standard Measurements to size our patterns. The ready made clothing manufacturers have their own set of sizes developed from their own statistics. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
How are the patterns packaged?
We package our patterns in two forms: Bond Paper and Tissue. Except for the Tissue patterns, each is slipped into a reusable plastic sleeve. Many contain documentation in the form of Historical Notes or the printer ie., Butterick. Because the patterns are printed in house to order, they can take from three to seven days. Tissue patterns, which are printed out of house, are available to ship immediately.
What does a Corset Kit contain in addition to the Corset pattern?
In addition to the pattern, the kits contain everything you need to make the corset except the thread. The kits contain, according to their type, fabric and lining, stays, clasp or busk board, back lacing, tape for finishing the edges, trim lace, ribbon, leather, tin stock, waist tape, punch and setter, eyelets, marking pencils, cording, reed and a loop turner.
Need a pattern in your language?
we can translate our instructions into just about any language
Have an old and incomplete Past Patterns item. What can I do?
The answer depends on if the pattern is still in production or not. If it is, please mail us the old pattern and we will ship you a copy of the latest pattern for a minimal fee along with normal shipping charges. If the item is no longer in production, we would need to know exactly what you have to determine the best course of action to help you.
What is the difference between a Past Patterns original pattern and a Vintage Revival pattern?
The Past Patterns originals were designed in house and based upon the research, disassembly and time of Saundra Ros Altman. These designs come from finds all over the United States reaching from San Diego, California to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. She created the initial patterns, the sizing charts and the instruction content. Many of the these patterns are multi-sized or are available in various sizes. For the most part, these designs are done taking into account the modern human body's shape, height and weight. The Vintage Revival patterns are traces or copies of an old, mass produced pattern; the first mass produced patterns came out in the 1850s. For the most part, you get exactly what came in the original package; in some cases, Saundra has appended historical notes to the instructions. The Vintage Revivals patterns, being copies of the originals, generally only come in one size and are based upon the size and shape of the human body from the era the pattern came from.
What software do you use to create patterns?
We utilize PW Studio for our designs. Isabelle Lott, a contributor over the years to Past Patterns, is the owner of the company and will be happy to answer an software related questions you have. Her software is available for licensing.
What measurements do I need to know to order a Corset Kit?
The bust and back length. The back length is measured from the prominent bone at the base of the neck to the natural waistline.
Where can I see the appropriate clothing fabrics for the 18th and 19th centuries?
You can see 1740 through 1940 fabrics in a book titled "Textile Designs" by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers. The subtitle states, "Two Hundred Years of European and American Patterns for Printed Fabric by Motif, Style, Color, Layout and Period and 1,823 Illustration in Color." What they don't say is that 90% of the swatches pictured are life size. The ISBN is 0-8109-3853-7. A second book is Wearable Prints, 1740-1860, History, Materials, and Mechanics by Susan W. Greene. The ISBN is 978-1-60635-124-6. Great books! Order it from your local library that has interlibrary loan capability if you cannot afford the price. There are now many sources for appropriate fabric through the Internet.
Where can I find antique patterns to purchase?
On the Internet try: "Patterns from the Past."
Need a pattern tomorrow?
we do offer expedited domestic shipping for extra fees. We can also expeditie international shipments but delivery dates overseas cannot be promised.
Becoming a Wholesalers of our patterns
We offer Wholesalers significant discounts that will allow both your and our businesses to flourish.
Why don't we sell PDFs of our patterns - First due to piracy. We have spent over 40 years creating and tracing these patterns along with researching them. We print and ship all of our patterns ourselves. If we started sending out PDFs, in no time, copies of our Intellectual Property would be all over the internet and we would be out of business. Second, some of our patterns are constantly being updated. We want our clients to get the BEST POSSIBLE version of our products.
