1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads | Past Patterns 0208
$9.00
These 1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads offer a digital sewing pattern based on original Past Patterns research. Includes multi-size files in 36″ wide, A0, A4, and 8.5″x11″ formats with historic pleats and shaping accurate to 1894ā1897 styles.
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On all US Orders over $50!
1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads | Past Patterns 0208
$9.00
These 1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads offer a digital sewing pattern based on original Past Patterns research. Includes multi-size files in 36″ wide, A0, A4, and 8.5″x11″ formats with historic pleats and shaping accurate to 1894ā1897 styles.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads ā Digital Pattern for Authentic Victorian Sewing
These 1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads are an exact digitalĀ reproduction of the original Past Patterns sewing pattern, based on in-depth historical research and original garment analysis from the 1890sĀ era. Designed to replicate the silhouette of 1894 to 1897, this five-panel, circular skirt features historically correct back pleats and is shaped to drape elegantly over the hips before flaring out at the hem in sweeping godets.
Faithfully Drafted from Period Sources
The 1890s Circular Bell Skirt reflects the peak of late Victorian fashion, when womenās skirts grew wider at the hem and sat smoothly over the hips without a pronounced bustle. According to research conducted by Past Patternsā founder, Saundra Altman, this style became standard by 1893 and persisted until around 1897. Referencing publications like The Ladiesā Home Journal, The Delineator, and Godeyās Ladyās Book, this pattern represents a silhouette typical of fashionable walking skirts and modest demi-train garments. The original was cut from five circular panels and shaped to allow fullness to fall in the back via four center pleats.
The construction notes include tips from 1890s sources on appropriate skirt lengths: walking skirts cleared the ground by one inch, while formal daywear had a small train. These downloads preserve that period-correct flexibility, letting you choose your hem length based on whether you're wearing a small bustle or a boned petticoat.
What's Included in the 1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads
Your digital download includes four printing formats, each laid out for modern convenience while retaining all of the patternās original historic features:
- 36-inch wide copy shop format for large-format printing
- A0 PDF format for professional printers or projector conversion
- A4 format with tiled pages and a printable instruction booklet
- 8.5"x 11" format for US home printers with full pattern and instructions
Pattern Features & Sizing
- Five-piece circular-cut skirt with center back pleats
- Multi-size format: Sizes 08ā20 included
- Waist Sizes 24 Ā¾ā to 33 Ā¼ā, Hip Sizes 33 Ā¾ā to 43 Ā¼ā
- Easy to shorten or lengthen based on hem preference or understructure
- Pattern includes pleating diagrams, dart shaping, hem stiffening methods, and detailed instructions for lining and finishing
Historical Undergarments and Compatibility
This skirt was traditionally worn over either a narrow petticoat or a lightly boned support skirt. The instructions recommend using Past Patterns 1097 Hugenot Skirt as a foundation, slightly narrowed and reinforced with Rigilene to emulate the feather-boned structures used in the 1890s. The 0208 skirt also works well with small bustles. The Ladiesā Home Journal from 1893 confirms that many women wore modest padding or bustles to smooth out the silhouette where the torso curved inward below the corset.
Fabric Suggestions & Yardage for the 1890s Circular Bell Skirt Downloads
For an authentic look, we suggest silk taffeta, cotton damask, printed muslins, or lightweight woolens for the outer fabric. For lining, consider changeable silk, printed cotton sateen, or broadcloth. Skirts were often lined and stiffened with horsehair cloth or boning to maintain shape. Yardage varies by size:
- Sizes 08ā12: Approximately 4 Ā¾ yards of 45ā wide fabric
- Sizes 14ā20: Approximately 5 Ā¾ yards of 45ā wide fabric
Difficulty Rating: 3/5 ā Intermediate
This project is best suited for sewists with moderate experience. Skills needed include managing pleats, fitting darts, sewing curved panels, and optionally inserting boning or interfacing. Detailed diagrams and historical context help guide your construction, including how to alter for length or skirt support preferences.
Part of a Complete 1890s Ensemble
For a full late 1890s silhouette, pair this skirt with the Past Patterns 0207, our Side-Closing Bodice, and underpinnings like the Past Patterns 213, our 1890s Ladiesā Corset, or a historical camisole. This skirt is suitable for reenactments, theatrical costuming, museum interpretation, and living history demonstrations where visual authenticity is crucial.
Note: This is a digital download. No physical item will be shipped. All formats are included upon purchase.
Need the printed version instead? Click here to purchase the physical sewing pattern.
Copyright Past Patterns 1979ā2025. 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)
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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.Ā
FAQ's
(Frequently asked questions)
Why are both Trowsers and Trousers listed on site?
Over the last 200 years, muchĀ like the human body, ourĀ style of language has changed.Ā 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.Ā 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.Ā We are interested ifĀ youĀ haveĀ 1 pattern or 1000 patterns.Ā 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 ifĀ theĀ pattern is still in production or not.Ā 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.Ā 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 wereĀ designed in house and based upon the research, disassembly and time of Saundra Ros Altman.Ā These designs come from finds all over the United States reaching from San Diego, California to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.Ā She created the initial patterns, the sizing charts and the instruction content.Ā Many of the these patterns are multi-sized or are available in various sizes.Ā 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 anĀ old, mass produced pattern; the first mass produced patterns came out in the 1850s.Ā For the most part, you get exactly what came in the original package; in some cases, Saundra has appended historical notes to the instructions.Ā 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 utilizeĀ PW StudioĀ for our designs.Ā 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.Ā 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.Ā 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.Ā We have spent over 40 years creating and tracing these patterns along with researching them.Ā We print and ship all of our patterns ourselves.Ā 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.Ā Second, some of our patterns are constantly being updated.Ā We want our clients to get the BEST POSSIBLE version of our products.
