Printable Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads | Past Patterns 7394
$11.50
Digital Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads with high Waist and pleated/gathered skirt options. Multiple file formats (A0, A4, Letter, 36″). Fits 36″ Bust.
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On all US Orders over $50!
Printable Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads | Past Patterns 7394
$11.50
Digital Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads with high Waist and pleated/gathered skirt options. Multiple file formats (A0, A4, Letter, 36″). Fits 36″ Bust.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads - Instant Digital Pattern
Experience the convenience of immediate access to our historic Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads - a digital reproduction of the original McCall Pattern #7394 (circa 1908-1916). This downloadable pattern preserves every detail of a historically significant garment described on its original packaging as a "Misses' Empire Dress, suitable for small women; straight skirt pleated or gathered; in two lengths."
Historical Context and Significance
The Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads represent a fascinating transitional period in fashion history. During the early 1910s, women's fashion was evolving from the structured formality of the Edwardian era toward the more relaxed silhouettes that would define the 1920s. This high-Waisted design exemplifies the elegant simplicity that characterized women's clothing during this pivotal time.
Fashion historians from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute note that empire Waistlines gained popularity during this period as they offered both aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, allowing greater freedom of movement than the more restrictive corseted styles of previous decades.
Digital Pattern Features and Files
- Complete Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads with all 8 pattern pieces
- Two distinct variations: shorter length with contrasting collar and belt, or longer length with contrasting collar and pocket inlay
- Multiple file formats for convenience (A0, A4, 8.5"x11", and 36" wide formats)
- 3/8" seam allowances throughout all pattern pieces
- Detailed instructions for both pleated and gathered skirt options
- Historical notes on paper pattern industry of this era
Digital File Specifications
Your Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads package includes the following PDF files:
- A0 Format: 1 large-format sheet (33.1" x 46.8"), perfect for printing at copy shops or with large-format home printers
- A4 Format: 18 standard European-Size sheets (8.27" x 11.69") with assembly guides and registration marks
- Letter Format: 18 standard US-Size sheets (8.5" x 11") with assembly guides and registration marks
- 36" Wide Format: 2 sheets (36"x67" and 36"x46") for specialty fabric shops or professional pattern services
- Instruction Booklet: Available in both A4 and 8.5"x11" formats
- Past Patterns Guide: Comprehensive guidance on editing garments for Bust Size adjustment
Printing Instructions
The Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads are designed for easy home printing and assembly:
- A0 Printing: Take the A0 PDF to a local print shop and request unscaled printing on large-format paper
- A4/Letter Printing: Print at home with "Actual Size" setting (not "Fit to Page"). Use the 1-inch test square to verify correct scaling
- 36" Wide Format: For professional reproduction on wide-format printers at specialty pattern or fabric shops
- Assembly: Each sheet includes registration marks and trim guides. Trim, align, and tape adjacent sheets for complete pattern assembly
Historical Design Specifications
This Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads pattern was designed to fit the proportions of an 18-year-old girl with a 36" Bust and 39" Hips. The distinctive high Waistline and flowing skirt create the quintessential silhouette of the early 1910s.
In the October 1916 issue of McCall's magazine, the publication suggested that "A delicate, pretty finish is made by the use of colored wools" for this style of dress, highlighting the attention to detail characteristic of Edwardian fashion sensibilities.
Fabric and Materials Recommendations
To create a historically accurate garment using these Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads, we recommend:
- 5⅜ yards of 36" wide fabric
- Period-appropriate fabrics: silk georgette crepe, silk charmeuse, or cotton voile
- Historical color options: pearl gray, flesh, navy blue, black, taupe, orchid, Copenhagen blue, or reseda green
Benefits of Digital Pattern Downloads
- Immediate Access: Start your project today without waiting for shipping
- Multiple Printing Options: Choose the format that works best for your needs
- Unlimited Reprints: Print additional copies if needed for pattern alterations or future projects
- Space-Saving Storage: Keep your pattern library on your computer without physical storage concerns
- No Shipping Costs: Eliminate delivery fees and international shipping delays
Creating Your Historical Empire Dress
These Edwardian Empire Dress Downloads allow you to recreate a beautiful and historically accurate garment that embodies the grace and charm of mid-1910s fashion. By following the included instructions and selecting appropriate fabrics, you can craft an elegant dress that captures the essence of this transformative period in fashion history.
The empire Waistline provides a flattering and sophisticated silhouette, while the softly flowing skirt and simple bodice reflect the period's shift toward more comfortable and practical women's clothing. Whether you choose the pleated or gathered skirt option, your finished garment will be a stunning representation of early 20th-century design.
For serious costumers and fashion historians, this digital pattern offers convenient access to authentic construction techniques from the Edwardian era, including period-specific seaming methods and fabric manipulation.
Prefer a physical printed pattern? Get this pattern in our traditional format here.
Original Content by Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved.
Sizing Information
(Metric size sheet opens as a PDF in a new browser tab)
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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.
