1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads | Past Patterns 0904
$23.50
This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads pattern includes all files in 36-inch, A0, A4, and 8.5″x11″ formats. Multi-sized 10–20 (Bust 32″–42″). For advanced sewists.
999 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads | Past Patterns 0904
$23.50
This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads pattern includes all files in 36-inch, A0, A4, and 8.5″x11″ formats. Multi-sized 10–20 (Bust 32″–42″). For advanced sewists.
999 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads pattern is an original Past Patterns design
This digital pattern set allows you to recreate one of the most delicate and striking silhouettes of the late Victorian period. The 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads pattern combines graceful drapery at the hips with a gored walking skirt for a complete ensemble. This design was carefully developed from an original garment and digitized to include multiple printable formats for your convenience.
Included in this digital download are all the elements needed to construct the garment, including extensive instructions and historical context. Whether you’re preparing for a living history event, museum interpretation, or an advanced costuming project, this pattern offers authenticity and flexibility in one package.
What’s Included in the 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads
- Pattern formatted for:
- 36-inch wide paper (copyshop)
- A0 paper size (copyshop)
- A4 (print-at-home)
- 8.5"x11" US Letter (print-at-home)
- Five full-scale pattern sheets
- Ten pages of illustrated and written construction instructions
- Historical notes on the polonaise and bustle-era construction techniques
- Fabric and sizing charts, layout guides, and sewing tips
Sizes Included
This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads pattern includes multi-sized options:
- Bust: 32" to 42"
- Waist: 25" to 35"
Fabric Suggestions
Recommended fabrics include cotton broadcloth, batiste, handkerchief linen, lightweight silk taffeta, or China silk. The original historical garment used white batiste with lace and ribbon details. Lining should be chosen with the transparency of the fashion fabric in mind—unbleached muslin was historically used and remains a solid choice.
Historical Context
The polonaise style reappeared in the 1880s as part of the bustle revival. This particular design creates fullness at the hips through structured draping, tied underneath to emphasize the silhouette popular during this decade. Combined with the practical walking skirt, the look is at once stylish and functional. You can see a finished garment made using this pattern here.
By choosing the 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads, you're accessing a pattern derived from real historical garments and crafted for modern print-at-home or copyshop use.
Difficulty Rating: 4/5 – Advanced
This pattern is ideal for advanced sewists familiar with Victorian construction. The rating reflects the complexity of bustle draping, multi-layer assembly, and the need for precise finishing. Confident intermediate sewists may also enjoy the challenge with adequate time and patience.
Why Choose Past Patterns Downloads?
Every Past Patterns digital release includes layered files for multiple paper formats, giving you freedom to work in the way that suits your sewing setup best. This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads pattern is digitally restored from our original paper pattern and includes all the same detailed information as the printed version.
Also Available in Print
If you prefer a professionally printed version mailed to you, visit our printed edition here: 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Sewing Pattern.
Original Content by 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.
