1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0904
$47.00
This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt sewing pattern is a multi-sized Past Patterns Original. Includes extensive instructions, historical notes, and five large-format printed sheets to recreate a period-correct bustle silhouette. Sizes 10–20 (Bust 32″–42″).
998 in stock
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On all US Orders over $50!
1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0904
$47.00
This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt sewing pattern is a multi-sized Past Patterns Original. Includes extensive instructions, historical notes, and five large-format printed sheets to recreate a period-correct bustle silhouette. Sizes 10–20 (Bust 32″–42″).
998 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 Sewing Pattern is an original Past Patterns design
Step into the height of late Victorian fashion with this 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt sewing pattern, an elegant, multi-layered ensemble developed directly from an original period garment. This pattern is part of our Past Patterns Originals collection, drafted with modern sizing while staying true to historical detail.
The polonaise and gored walking skirt combination reflects the doll-like refinement and architectural draping that defined women’s fashion in the early bustle era. With options for both a square neckline (popular for afternoon or evening wear) and a modest high neckline, this versatile garment works beautifully for reenactments, museum interpretation, theater productions, and advanced historical costuming projects.
What’s Included with This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Sewing Pattern
- 5 computer-generated pattern sheets printed on durable 20 lb. white paper
- 10 pages of detailed illustrated and written construction instructions
- Historical notes on 1880s tunics and polonaises
- Fabric and sizing charts, layout guides, and construction tips
- Reusable plastic pattern envelope with original cover artwork
Pattern Sizing and Yardage
This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt sewing pattern includes sizes 10–20:
- Bust: 32"–42"
- Waist: 25"–35"
Fabric Requirements (45" wide fabric):
- Tunic: Sizes 10–12: 4¾ yds | Sizes 14–18: 5 yds | Size 20: 5⅛ yds
- Ruffle: All sizes: 4¾ yds
- Skirt Lining: Sizes 10–18: 5 yds | Size 20: 5⅛ yds
Recommended Fabrics
We suggest lightweight cottons or silks, including batiste, handkerchief linen, broadcloth, silk taffeta, or China silk. The original garment was made from fine white batiste and unbleached muslin, enhanced with Valenciennes lace and silk ribbon. If using reproduction printed cotton, consider matching with period-appropriate calico buttons for full authenticity.
Historical Context of the 1880s Polonaise and Walking Skirt
The polonaise was a fashionable overdress style that evolved from 18th-century silhouettes and re-emerged in the 1870s and 1880s with the return of the bustle. Its defining feature is the draping at the hips, often supported with pleats and hidden ties to emphasize the rear bustle effect. The walking skirt, meanwhile, offered women a practical yet stylish option for moving about freely while maintaining an elegant silhouette. Together, the two-piece ensemble allowed for dramatic structure with comfort and versatility. This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt sewing pattern replicates these authentic details using period-correct techniques and drafting.
You can see a beautifully completed version of this pattern here: Completed Garment Example.
Difficulty Rating: 4/5 – Advanced
This pattern is recommended for advanced sewists. The 4/5 rating is based on several key factors:
- Complex draping and hip construction for bustle shaping
- Multiple layers, including lining and overlays
- Precision required for lace insertion and shaping
- Multiple garment variations offered in one pattern
While an experienced intermediate may be able to complete this project with patience, historical construction knowledge and attention to detail are strongly recommended for success.
Why Choose a Past Patterns Original?
Our Originals are drafted directly from museum-quality garments and carefully digitized for historical accuracy. This 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt sewing pattern was developed from a surviving garment in private collection, giving you access to construction techniques used by real dressmakers of the era. With detailed notes and line art to support your process, this is not just a pattern—it’s a window into the past.
Also Available as a Download
Prefer to print at home or use a copy shop? This pattern is also available in digital formats: 1880s Polonaise with Walking Skirt Downloads.
Original Content by Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 17 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.
