1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern with Undersleeves | Past Patterns 0803
$20.00
This 1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern is a historically accurate design based on a hand-sewn mid-century work dress. Includes detailed instructions for undersleeves, piping, and period construction techniques. Sized 10–26. A Past Patterns original.c
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern with Undersleeves | Past Patterns 0803
$20.00
This 1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern is a historically accurate design based on a hand-sewn mid-century work dress. Includes detailed instructions for undersleeves, piping, and period construction techniques. Sized 10–26. A Past Patterns original.c
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern – Authentic Mid-19th Century Work Dress
This 1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern is an original Past Patterns design, inspired by an entirely hand-sewn extant garment from the mid-nineteenth century. This historically accurate design captures the practical elegance of a work dress from the 1850s, perfect for reenactors, theatrical costumers, museum interpreters, or skilled historical sewists.
Based on an Original Mid-19th Century Dress
The original round dress used as the basis for this sewing pattern was machine-free. Its bodice laps left over right—a configuration now considered masculine but was of no particular note in the 1850s. The skirt on the original was constructed from five 24-inch wide panels cut selvage to selvage. Most work dresses of this era had hem circumferences ranging from 96 to 130 inches, emphasizing fullness and practicality.
Pattern Features and Period Details
This 1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern includes:
- A fully gathered bodice drawn into a yoke and waistband
- Detailed guidance on gauging (structured gathering) for historical accuracy
- Instructions for optional undersleeves with fitted wristbands, based on extant garments
- Period-correct piping techniques at the neckline, sleeves, and armholes
- Self-lining with included boning placements for a structured silhouette
- Support for skirt closures and fastenings using hooks, eyes, and blind loops
Historical evidence such as daguerreotypes from 1849 and material findings from subsequent research (white wool with a red rose print, wide ribbon detailing the yoke) informed the construction guidance. Optional undersleeve instructions appear at the end of the pattern guide.
Recommended Undergarments and Styling
To achieve an accurate nineteenth-century silhouette, we recommend pairing this pattern with any of the following:
- Pattern #0703 – 1863 Lightly Boned Stay
- Pattern #0708 – 1845–1870 Light Boned Stay
- Pattern #0705 – 1830–1860 Serviceable Unboned Stays
Fabric & Construction Details
This 1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern accommodates sizes 10–26 (Bust 33"–40.5", Waist 25.5"–33", Hips 25.5"–43").
Recommended fashion fabrics include cotton calico, cotton flannel, or wool flannel. For linings, use cotton broadcloth, drill, or medium-weight linen.
Fabric requirements using 45" wide fabric:
- 5 ⅝ yards for sizes 10–14
- 5 ¾ yards for sizes 16–20
Additional supplies include:
- 40/2 wet spun linen thread or quilting thread
- No. 2 and No. 3 hooks and eyes
- ¼” wide boning (1 piece at 6", 2 pieces at 5")
- 2.5 yards of 1/16" cord for piping
What’s Included in the Pattern Package
This physical pattern set includes:
- Past Patterns cover art with research highlights
- Complete historical notes and documentation
- Detailed illustrated sewing instructions, including piping, gauging, and fitting tips
- Two large format 36"x58" and 36"x60" pattern sheets printed on durable 20 lb. white paper
Also included are fabric layout diagrams, fit and measuring instructions, era-specific construction techniques, and undersleeve construction guidance.
Difficulty Rating: 4/5 – For Experienced Sewists
This pattern is best suited for experienced historical sewists due to the advanced techniques involved, including structured gauging, hand-finishing, piping, and optional hand embroidery for sleeve bands. Some modern machine-sewing alternatives are suggested where appropriate.
Customer Tip & External Example
To view a completed version of this 1850s Round Dress Sewing Pattern, see:
http://howtodresslikeapioneer.blogspot.com/2009/11/past-patterns-round-dress-803.html
Also Available as a PDF Download
Looking for the digital version? Explore the downloadable format here:
1850s Round Dress Downloads
Wrap Up Your Mid-Century Wardrobe
Pair this elegant and functional round dress with our wide range of corset and chemise patterns from the 1830s to 1860s. Whether you're building a full historic ensemble or adding to your existing wardrobe, this pattern offers an authentic foundation garment to anchor your 1850s look.
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 12 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 3 in |
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.
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.
