1890s Day Dress Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 903
$25.00
This 1890s Day Dress sewing pattern includes two collar styles and modified sleeve options for a flattering, wearable late Victorian look. Sizes 08–20 included. Printed format.
996 in stock
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1890s Day Dress Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 903
$25.00
This 1890s Day Dress sewing pattern includes two collar styles and modified sleeve options for a flattering, wearable late Victorian look. Sizes 08–20 included. Printed format.
996 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
1890s Day Dress Sewing Pattern – A Practical Victorian Gown for Reenactors and Historians
This 1890s Day Dress sewing pattern is an original Past Patterns design, adapted from a garment worn during the peak of the Victorian era. With thoughtful construction and multiple style options, it offers a flattering silhouette and functional details for the historically inclined sewist.
Features of the 1890s Day Dress Sewing Pattern
- Front-buttoned gown with full gathered skirt, pointed waistband front and back
- Two practical pockets—one at the front for a watch, one large in the back
- Includes options for shirt collar or standing collar styles
- Modified sleeve style—original puffed sleeve version and slimmer option included
- Pattern printed on three sheets: 36"x50", 36"x56", and 36"x36"
- Well-tested instructions including illustrated hand stitches and 14 pages of construction guidance
Sizes Included
Sizes 08–20 (Bust 32½"–48", Waist 24½"–40", Hips 34½"–50", Back Length 15½"–17½").
Fabric Requirements (45" Width)
- View A: 6 yds (Sizes 08–14), 6⅝ yds (16–20), 7 yds (22–26)
- View B: 5½ yds (08–14), 5⅝ yds (16–20), 6⅛ yds (22–26)
- Underlining: 1½ yds (08–20), 1⅞ yds (22–26)
Recommended Fabrics
The original garment was made from cotton plaid in light blue, white, and yellow. Suitable fabrics include period-appropriate cottons, calico, lightweight wool, or reproductions of historical prints. Try using Pattern 0711 – Homestead Dress with reproduction calico buttons for a cohesive look.
Historical Context of the 1890s Day Dress
In the 1890s, women’s clothing became increasingly practical for daily life, with shirtwaist-inspired bodices and tailored lines. While some gowns still featured large leg-o'-mutton sleeves, more utilitarian versions adopted simpler sleeves and collars for work and home. The standing collar included in this pattern was especially common among working women of the 1880s and 1890s. This pattern’s dual collar and sleeve variations give the modern sewist flexibility in recreating garments appropriate for various social roles of the late Victorian era.
For additional insight, read this pattern construction review on PatternReview.com.
What You Receive
- Pattern printed on durable 20 lb. white paper (not tissue)
- Reusable plastic storage envelope
- Instruction booklet with 14 illustrated pages
- Period-specific garment construction tips and hand stitch techniques
Pattern Difficulty: 3/5 – Intermediate
This 1890s Day Dress sewing pattern is best suited for intermediate sewists. The rating is based on:
- Set-in sleeves and fitted waistband construction
- Two collar and sleeve variations
- Multiple pattern sheets and fabric pieces
- Detailed historical accuracy in sewing techniques
Intermediate sewists will enjoy the historical detail while gaining experience in 19th-century construction techniques.
Why Choose Past Patterns?
Past Patterns has been faithfully reproducing historical garments since 1979. Every 1890s Day Dress sewing pattern is drafted from original garments and period sources, then translated to modern sizing for today’s sewist. Whether you're creating costumes for reenactments, theatrical performances, or museum displays, this pattern offers both authenticity and wearability.
Printed Format Information
This listing is for the printed version of the 1890s Day Dress Sewing Pattern. Looking for the downloadable PDF version instead? Click here for the 1890s Day Dress Downloads.
Shipping & Packaging
- Ships worldwide with low combined shipping rates
- Pattern folded neatly and packed in reusable plastic
- Multiple item orders automatically adjusted for best shipping price
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 11 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.
