1840s Skirt Downloads | Past Patterns 0800
$9.00
This 1840s Skirt Downloads set includes two skirt variations—Single and Flounced—based on an original mid-19th century design. Sizes 08–26, with full digital formats for copyshop and home printing.
999 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
1840s Skirt Downloads | Past Patterns 0800
$9.00
This 1840s Skirt Downloads set includes two skirt variations—Single and Flounced—based on an original mid-19th century design. Sizes 08–26, with full digital formats for copyshop and home printing.
999 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
This 1840s Skirt Downloads package is a digital sewing pattern by Past Patterns
Create a historically accurate 1840s silhouette with our 1840s Skirt Downloads. This digital pattern set features two variations—a single skirt and a flounced skirt—based on documented mid-19th century construction methods. Designed to coordinate with our matching fan-front bodice (Pattern 0801), this skirt pattern can be worn as-is for 1841–1847 or adapted into an early 1850s ensemble.
What’s Included in the 1840s Skirt Downloads
- Two skirt options: Single and Flounced, with historic structure and construction
- Multi-size pattern: Sizes 08–26 (Waist 24½"–40", Hips 34½"–50")
- Extensive historical notes and references to period-appropriate garments
- Complete hand-stitching guidance: backstitching, stroke gathers, overcasting, etc.
- Fabric layout charts, construction illustrations, and detailed instructions
- Original cover art and back cover included
Digital Format Page Counts
- 8.5"x11" pattern pages: 55 pages
- A4 pattern pages: 50 pages
- A0 pattern pages: 3 pages. 1 pattern piece was over 49 inches long and had to be split; no other patterns pieces were split.
- 36-inch wide version: 2 pages
- 8.5"x11" and A4 instruction booklets: Each 14 pages
Historical Context for the 1840s Skirt
The 1840s Skirt Downloads represent the shaping and layering common to the Romantic Era. The single skirt version provides a graceful line, while the flounced skirt adds volume and visual richness. This silhouette emphasized narrow shoulders and wide skirts, achieved here through precise pleating, gauging, and traditional handwork. Daguerreotypes from the 1850s confirm this skirt style remained fashionable well into the next decade.
See examples of mid-19th century fabric and dress construction in Textile Designs or surviving gowns in museum collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Recommended Fabrics
The original skirt and bodice were made from black silk taffeta. Suitable fabrics for reproduction include:
- Woven silk stripes cut on the bias
- Printed cottons or solid/printed lightweight wools
- Cotton for underskirts and lining
Difficulty Level: 4/5 – Advanced
This pattern is best for sewists familiar with historical techniques. Skills required include backstitching, gauging, constructing multiple panels and flounces, and finishing with hooks, eyes, and historical seam treatments. The included instructions feature extensive visuals and tips for accuracy.
Pair It with the 1840s Fan-Front Bodice
For a complete Romantic-era day dress, use our 1840s Fan-Front Bodice Downloads (Past Patterns 0801).
Download Format Details
When you purchase the 1840s Skirt Downloads, you’ll receive the pattern in all of the following formats:
- 36-inch wide copyshop version
- A0 copyshop version
- A4 tiled version
- 8.5"x11" tiled version
All pattern and instruction files are delivered as PDFs.
Also available in printed format here.
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
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.
