1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern | Historical Women’s Dress for Reenactment & Costuming
$29.00
Circa 1836-1855
Order the workdress pattern in one of Three Sizes: 8-14, 16-20 and 22-26.
All sizes contain a B, C and D cup.
Bust Sizes 32″-48″
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern | Historical Women’s Dress for Reenactment & Costuming
$29.00
Circa 1836-1855
Order the workdress pattern in one of Three Sizes: 8-14, 16-20 and 22-26.
All sizes contain a B, C and D cup.
Bust Sizes 32″-48″
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Sew an Authentic 1830s Workdress – Perfect for Historical Reenactments & Living History Events
Create your own historically accurate 1830s workdress with this detailed sewing pattern, based on period styles worn by working-class women, pioneers, and domestic laborers during the early 19th century. Featuring a high neckline, drop-shoulder bodice, gathered skirt, and long sleeves, this pattern reflects the practical design of everyday dresses from the Jacksonian era.
Perfect for historical reenactments, living history events, pioneer portrayals, and theatrical productions, this dress can be made with cotton, linen, or lightweight wool fabrics to suit both warm and cool climates.
✂️ Pattern Features:
✔ Authentic 1830s Design – Inspired by original garments and historical research
✔ Drop-Shoulder Bodice with High Neckline – Classic silhouette of the 1830s
✔ Gathered Skirt with Period-Accurate Construction – Full, practical, and easy to wear
✔ Long, Tapered Sleeves – Designed for both functionality and historical accuracy
✔ Perfect for Reenactments & Costuming – Ideal for pioneer women, domestic workers, and early settlers
✔ Multiple Sizes Available – Easy adjustments for a custom fit
✔ Step-by-Step Instructions – Suitable for intermediate sewists or adventurous beginners
🎭 Ideal for:
- 1830s Historical Reenactments & Living History
- Pioneer, Prairie, & Early Settler Costumes
- Museum Exhibits & Educational Demonstrations
- Theater & Film Productions
- Historical Sewing Projects & Enthusiasts
🧵 Recommended Fabrics:
- Main Fabric: Cotton calico, linen, lightweight wool, or period-appropriate blends
- Lining (if desired): Lightweight cotton or muslin
- Notions: Hooks & eyes, buttons, or period closures
📏 Skill Level: Intermediate
📜 Why Choose This Pattern?
This 1830s workdress sewing pattern is designed with both historical accuracy and practicality in mind. Whether you're portraying a pioneer woman crossing the American frontier, a domestic servant in an 1830s household, or participating in a living history program, this pattern helps you create a dress that’s true to the era while being comfortable to wear.
Materials & Skill Level Required:
- Recommended Fabrics: Wool broadcloth, wool flannel, heavy cotton twill, or period-appropriate blends
- Lining Suggestions: Cotton or linen for added comfort
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizing:
Order via size:
Our 08-14 is made for 32"-36" bust, 24"-28" waist and 34"-38" hips
Our 16-20 is made for 38"-42" bust, 30"-34" waist and 40"-44" hips
Our 22-26 is made for 44"-48" bust, 36"-40" waist and 46"-50" hips
Each of the 1830s Workdress sets comes with B, C and D size cup options
Materials required:
For the lining: 7/8 to 1 1/8 yards of 45”
For the 1836-1842 dress, 6 7/8 – 8 ¼ yards of 45”
For the 1843-1855 dress, 6 ½ - 7 7/8 yards of 45”
What's Included in the Pattern Package
Historical Notes on 1830s Workdresses
Sewing examples from the era to ensure a historically accurate garment
18 pages of extensive stitching and construction instructions
Computer-generated pattern sheets
Pattern Details
Printed on 20 lb. white paper
Packaged in a reusable plastic envelope
Competitive shipping rates for domestic and international orders
Multi-item purchases qualify for automatic combined shipping discounts
Order Now to Start Your 1830s Sewing Project!
Copyright Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 1.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Sizes |
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
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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.
