Digital 1830s Workdress Downloads | Past Patterns 0017 | Instant Historical Pioneer Women’s Dress Pattern
$14.50
Download our authentic 1830s Workdress pattern based on “The Workwoman’s Guide” (1838) for immediate access to this historical sewing project. This digital pattern includes two style options (1836-1842 and 1843-1855), multiple sizes with B, C, and D cup options, and 18 pages of detailed instructions. Perfect for reenactors, living history participants, and historical costume enthusiasts who need immediate access to this pattern.
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On all US Orders over $50!
Digital 1830s Workdress Downloads | Past Patterns 0017 | Instant Historical Pioneer Women’s Dress Pattern
$14.50
Download our authentic 1830s Workdress pattern based on “The Workwoman’s Guide” (1838) for immediate access to this historical sewing project. This digital pattern includes two style options (1836-1842 and 1843-1855), multiple sizes with B, C, and D cup options, and 18 pages of detailed instructions. Perfect for reenactors, living history participants, and historical costume enthusiasts who need immediate access to this pattern.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
1830s Workdress Downloads: Authentic Digital Historical Pattern
Get Instant Access to Your 1830s Workdress Downloads
The 1830s Workdress Downloads give you immediate digital access to create historically accurate pioneer women's clothing from the comfort of your home. Based on "The Workwoman's Guide" published in London in 1838, this downloadable pattern lets you start sewing your historical garment today without waiting for shipping.
With these 1830s Workdress Downloads, you'll receive the complete digital pattern for creating an authentic everyday dress worn by working-class women, pioneers, and domestic laborers during the early 19th century. The pattern features the distinctive silhouette of the period with its characteristic high neckline, drop-shoulder bodice, and gathered skirt.
Benefits of 1830s Workdress Downloads vs. Printed Patterns
Our digital 1830s Workdress Downloads offer several advantages over traditional printed patterns:
- Instant delivery - start your project immediately
- Print at home convenience - no shipping costs or delays
- Print only the size you need, or all sizes for multiple projects
- Economical pricing compared to our physical pattern
- Easy storage on your computer - no pattern storage challenges
- Unlimited reprints if pattern pieces become damaged
What's Included in Your 1830s Workdress Downloads
Your 1830s Workdress Downloads package includes:
- PDF pattern pieces for all size ranges with printing instructions
- 18 pages of detailed digital stitching and construction guidelines
- Historical background on 1830s workdresses with period references
- Complete materials list and digital cutting layouts
- Step-by-step instructions for creating authentic period details
Two Historical Styles in One Digital Download
Unlike many digital patterns, our 1830s Workdress Downloads provide you with two historically accurate style options:
- Early style (circa 1836-1842) with either short or long sleeves and optional collar
- Later style (circa 1843-1855) with the more streamlined long sleeves
Both versions include detailed instructions for creating authentic period construction techniques like piping, gauging, and appropriate closures.
Digital Pattern Sizing Information
Our digital 1830s Workdress Downloads include all three size ranges in one convenient package:
- Small range (sizes 8-14): For 32"-36" bust, 24"-28" waist, and 34"-38" hips
- Medium range (sizes 16-20): For 38"-42" bust, 30"-34" waist, and 40"-44" hips
- Large range (sizes 22-26): For 44"-48" bust, 36"-40" waist, and 46"-50" hips
Each digital size range includes B, C, and D cup options for a customized fit - a feature rarely found in other historical costume patterns.
Materials and Printing Requirements
To use your 1830s Workdress Downloads, you'll need:
- Access to a printer that can print standard 8.5" x 11" or A4 paper
- Tape or glue for assembling the printed pattern pieces
- For the lining: 7/8 to 1 1/8 yards of 45" fabric
- For the early style dress (1836-1842): 6 7/8 – 8 ¼ yards of 45" fabric
- For the later style dress (1843-1855): 6 ½ - 7 7/8 yards of 45" fabric
- Suggested fabrics: Cotton calico, linen, lightweight wool, or historical blends
- Period closures: Hooks & eyes, buttons, or ribbon ties
Historical Accuracy and Research
For historical context about 1830s workwear and women's fashion during this period, explore the excellent resources at The Museum at FIT's Fashion History Timeline, which provides scholarly information about the distinctive features of 1830s clothing.
Digital Delivery Information
Upon purchase completion, you'll receive an email with secure download link(s) for your 1830s Workdress Downloads. The pattern files are delivered as optimized PDFs compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. Download links remain active for 30 days after purchase.
Prefer a Physical Pattern?
If digital patterns aren't your preference, our printed 1830s Workdress pattern is available with pre-printed pattern sheets shipped directly to your door.
Original Content by Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved
Additional information
| 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
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.
