1790s Front Closing Gown Downloads | Past Patterns 0031
$16.00
Instant download 1790s Front Closing Gown pattern with multiple print formats. Museum-documented historical design for Sizes 8-26 with comprehensive instructions.
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On all US Orders over $50!
1790s Front Closing Gown Downloads | Past Patterns 0031
$16.00
Instant download 1790s Front Closing Gown pattern with multiple print formats. Museum-documented historical design for Sizes 8-26 with comprehensive instructions.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Museum-Documented 1790s Front Closing Gown Downloads
Begin your historical sewing project today with our comprehensive 1790s Front Closing Gown downloads. Meticulously researched and documented from an original garment in the Wayne County Historical Museum in Richmond, Indiana, this PDF pattern allows you to recreate an elegant day dress from the 1796-1806 period with exceptional historical accuracy.
Unlike conventional patterns, this digital 1790s Front Closing Gown pattern offers immediate access to all files upon purchase—no waiting for shipping or dealing with bulky pattern sheets. Print at home or take to a print shop for large-format options, giving you complete flexibility for your sewing project.
Advantages of the 1790s Front Closing Gown Downloads
- Instant download access—start your project immediately
- Multiple printing format options: standard 8.5"x11", A4, and large-format A0 or 36" wide
- Unlimited reprints—never worry about torn or damaged pattern pieces
- Convenient digital storage—access your 1790s Front Closing Gown pattern anywhere
- No shipping costs or delays
- Option to print only the Size you need, reducing paper waste
Historical Background of the 1790s Front Closing Gown
This distinctive 1790s Front Closing Gown represents a fascinating transitional period in women's fashion. As styles evolved from the formal 18th-century silhouettes toward the lighter, high-Waisted Empire styles of the early 19th century, this gown showcases key elements from this pivotal fashion moment. The original museum garment features hand-spun threads and hand-woven fabric with linen warp and cotton weft—a white background with alternating stripes of madder red and indigo blue at right angles to the selvage.
Historical documentation from Linda Baumgarten's "What Clothes Reveal" confirms that striped patterns constituted approximately 40% of fabrics used for gowns between 1750-1800, making this 1790s Front Closing Gown pattern especially representative of period fashion.
Features of the 1790s Front Closing Gown Downloads
- Conservatively cut bodice with the fashionable small back of the period
- Sleeves that form the shoulders, creating period aesthetics with modern comfort
- Drawstring closures at the center front neck and Waist
- Lined bodice with overlapping front lining that fastens with straight pins
- Pleated skirt with fullness concentrated at the back
- Special 1-1/2 inch crescent-shaped tuck at center front that elegantly raises the skirt over the toes
- Workshop-tested design with comprehensive construction notes
Digital Pattern Files and Printing Instructions
Your 1790s Front Closing Gown downloads include multiple PDF files:
- Comprehensive instruction booklet (15 pages) with historical context, fabric suggestions, and detailed construction steps
- Pattern sheets in tiled format for home printing (8.5"x11" or A4)
- Large-format pattern sheets for copy shop printing (36" or A0)
- Size chart and measurement guide
- Reference guide for weft-striped fabric and neck kerchief construction
- Total file Size: approximately 25MB
Printing Instructions:
- For home printing (8.5"x 11" or A4): Set your printer to "Actual Size" or "100% Scale" (not "Fit to Page"). Print the test square first and measure to ensure accuracy. Assemble pages using the alignment marks and numbering system.
- For large-format printing (36" or A0): Take the large-format PDF to a local print shop or copy center that offers engineering prints or architectural plotting services. Request printing at 100% scale on lightweight paper.
Specifications and Sizing
The 1790s Front Closing Gown pattern includes designs for B, C, and D cups, accommodating a wide range of modern body types while maintaining historical proportions:
- Bust: 32 ½" - 48"
- Waist: 24 ½" - 40"
- Hips: 34 ½" - 50"
- Size ranges: 08-14, 16-20, 22-26
- Recommended fabric width: 45 inches
- Fabric requirements:
- Sizes 08-14: 4-1/2 yards
- Sizes 16-20: 5 yards
- Sizes 22-26: 5-1/2 yards
- Suggested fabrics: Bordered batiste, thin cotton, silk, and lace beading or lace insert
Perfect for Historical Costumers of All Levels
This 1790s Front Closing Gown downloads include illustrated instructions for hand sewing, though the garment can also be constructed by machine for a more time-efficient project. The pattern was developed in 1996 and underwent final testing at a Fall 2002 workshop sponsored by the Midwest Open Air Museums Council, ensuring accuracy and wearability.
This historical sewing blog has a customer review of this 1790s Front-Closing Gown, which shows the finished garment and construction process.
Complementary Patterns and Resources
Complete your 1790s ensemble with these additional items (not included):
- Mob cap, bonnet, and mittens patterns available from Kannik's Korner
- Historical chemise, stockings, and pockets are also available from Kannik's Korner
- Period-appropriate fabrics are available from Reproduction Fabrics
- Authentic late 18th and early 19th century buttons, tapes, and laces available from Wm. Booth, Draper
Prefer a physical printed pattern? Get this pattern in our traditional format here.
Original Content by Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved
Additional information
| Weight | 9 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 3 in |
| Options |
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.
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."
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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.
