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1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern ? Pioneer Women | Past Patterns 0017
$29.00
Create an authentic 1830s working woman’s dress with this historically accurate sewing pattern from Past Patterns. Based on “The Workwoman’s Guide” (1838), this pattern features a drop-shoulder bodice, gathered skirt, and period-correct construction techniques. Perfect for historical reenactments, living history events, and theatrical productions. Available in multiple Sizes with B, C, and D cup options.
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On all US Orders over $50!
1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern ? Pioneer Women | Past Patterns 0017
$29.00
Create an authentic 1830s working woman’s dress with this historically accurate sewing pattern from Past Patterns. Based on “The Workwoman’s Guide” (1838), this pattern features a drop-shoulder bodice, gathered skirt, and period-correct construction techniques. Perfect for historical reenactments, living history events, and theatrical productions. Available in multiple Sizes with B, C, and D cup options.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern | Authentic Historical Women's Dress for Reenactments
Experience the Craftsmanship of Early 19th Century Clothing with This Authentic 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern
Transport yourself to the Jacksonian era with our meticulously researched 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern. Based on original patterns from "The Workwoman's Guide" published in London in 1838, this historically accurate pattern allows you to create a practical everyday dress worn by working-class women, pioneers, and domestic workers during the early 19th century.
The 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern features the classic silhouette of the period with its distinctive high neckline, drop-shoulder bodice, gathered skirt, and long, tapered sleeves. This design reflects the practical nature of workwear from the era while maintaining period authenticity that reenactors and historical enthusiasts demand.
Perfect for Historical Presentations and Everyday Comfort
Whether you're participating in living history events, pioneer demonstrations, or theatrical productions, this 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern provides you with a historically accurate garment that's also comfortable for extended wear. Create your dress using cotton calico, linen, or lightweight wool for a truly authentic look and feel.
What Makes This 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern Special
- Drafted directly from "The Workwoman's Guide" (1838) - a domestic encyclopedia used by women on both sides of the Atlantic
- Includes two period-accurate style options:
- 1836-1842 style with short or long sleeves and optional collar
- 1843-1855 style with long sleeves
- Features authentic construction techniques including piping, gauging, and period-appropriate closures
- Includes historical notes and sewing examples from the era
Complete Pattern Package Features
Our 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern includes everything you need to create an authentic period garment:
- 18 pages of detailed stitching and construction instructions
- Historical notes on 1830s workdresses with period examples
- Computer-generated pattern sheets
- Three cup Size options (B, C, and D) for a better fit
- Complete materials list and cutting layouts
Multiple Size Options Available
The 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern comes in three Size ranges to accommodate different figures:
- Sizes 8-14: For 32"-36" Bust, 24"-28" Waist, and 34"-38" Hips
- Sizes 16-20: For 38"-42" Bust, 30"-34" Waist, and 40"-44" Hips
- Sizes 22-26: For 44"-48" Bust, 36"-40" Waist, and 46"-50" Hips
Materials Required
For the 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern, you'll need:
- For the lining: 7/8 to 1 1/8 yards of 45" fabric
- For the 1836-1842 dress: 6 7/8 ? 8 ? yards of 45" fabric
- For the 1843-1855 dress: 6 ? - 7 7/8 yards of 45" fabric
- Recommended fabrics: Cotton calico, linen, lightweight wool, or period-appropriate blends
- Period closures: Hooks & eyes, buttons, or ribbon ties
Skill Level
This 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists or adventurous beginners who are ready to tackle historical sewing techniques. The detailed instructions guide you through each step of the construction process, including how to create authentic details like the gathered bodice pleats and period-correct seam treatments.
The Perfect Addition to Your Historical Wardrobe
Whether you're expanding your living history impression, creating costumes for theater, or simply passionate about historical sewing, our 1830s Workdress Sewing Pattern delivers authenticity and practicality. Based on actual garments and patterns from the era, this dress captures the essence of everyday women's clothing during this formative period in American and European history.
Looking for a digital version? Check out our 1830s Workdress Downloads for instant access to this pattern.
For more historical context about 1830s women's working clothes, visit the Fashion Institute of Technology's online fashion history archive.
Original Content by 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)
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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.
