1884-1885 Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads | Victorian Era | Instant PDF
$9.99
Transport yourself to the Victorian era with our exclusive Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads (1884-1885). This digital reproduction features hundreds of authentic period designs for women, men, and children, complete with original descriptions and illustrations. Available in multiple formats for seamless printing, these high-resolution files are perfect for costumers, historians, and vintage fashion enthusiasts seeking authentic Victorian fashion references.
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On all US Orders over $50!
1884-1885 Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads | Victorian Era | Instant PDF
$9.99
Transport yourself to the Victorian era with our exclusive Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads (1884-1885). This digital reproduction features hundreds of authentic period designs for women, men, and children, complete with original descriptions and illustrations. Available in multiple formats for seamless printing, these high-resolution files are perfect for costumers, historians, and vintage fashion enthusiasts seeking authentic Victorian fashion references.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
1884-1885 Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads ā Victorian Era Fashion Reference
Step back into the elegance of the Victorian era with the 1884-1885 Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads. This high-quality digital reproduction captures an extraordinary year in historical fashion, straight from the pages of the Butterick Publishing Company's iconic catalog. These Victorian Era Fashion Reference materials are a must-have for historical costumers, reenactors, educators, and vintage fashion lovers, offering a fascinating glimpse into late 19th-century clothing styles and garment construction techniques.
Explore the Peak of Victorian Elegance
The 1884-1885 Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog is more than just a reference; it's a comprehensive time capsule of women's, men's, and children's fashions during the height of the Gilded Age. The catalog includes hundreds of detailed illustrations showcasing Victorian-era dresses, jackets, undergarments, boys' sailor suits, accessories, and outerwear. Each design is accompanied by the original Butterick description, providing insight into both fashion trends and garment construction practices of the period.
Whether you're researching historical dress, recreating period garments, or simply admiring the artistry of Victorian Era Fashion illustration, this catalog is an indispensable tool for your collection.
Why the 1884ā1885 Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Is Significant
This was a pivotal time in American fashion history. As explained in A History of the Paper Pattern Industry by Joy Spanabel Emery, Butterick revolutionized home sewing by offering patterns in graded Sizesāa concept showcased throughout this catalog.
The 1880s marked the rise of the Bustle silhouette, elaborately draped skirts, and increasingly tailored bodices. The designs in this Victorian Era Fashion Reference reflect those high-fashion influences while also catering to the needs of home seamstresses across the country. For more context on this significant fashion period, visit the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute which houses many original garments from this era.
What You'll Receive in the Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads
Your purchase includes a complete, high-resolution PDF reproduction of the original 1884ā1885 Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog. This digital version ensures ease of access, portability, and zoomable detail for modern research and printing.
Included in your download:
- 12 PDFs Each just under 50mb in Size with scans of the document at it original Size, 19.5x14
Each page is scanned at high resolution to preserve even the finest details in the illustrations and typography, making this Victorian Era Fashion Reference perfect for detailed study.
How to Use the Butterick Metropolitan Fashion Catalog Downloads
Researchers and fashion historians will find this Butterick Fashion Catalog helpful for:
- Identifying authentic 1880s silhouettes and garment construction details
- Comparing Butterick garment descriptions with period terminology
- Analyzing the progression of fashion between early and late Bustle periods
Reenactors and costume designers will appreciate its usefulness for:
- Planning historically accurate wardrobe ensembles
- Referencing appropriate combinations of undergarments, bodices, skirts, and accessories
- Studying hairstyles and trimmings appropriate to the era
For practical applications of these historical patterns, check out the Historical Sewing Blog for techniques that complement these designs.
Looking for More Victorian Patterns?
Browse our curated selection of 19th Century Patterns and explore our Victorian Undergarment Collection that complement the styles seen in this catalog.
Want to learn more about the historical context of these fashions? Our Victorian Fashion History Blog provides fascinating insights into the cultural significance of these garments.
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.Ā
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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.
