Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 6277B
$17.00
Recreate a time-honored 1905 blouse with this Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern. Sized for 36″ bust. Printed on archival-quality paper.
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On all US Orders over $50!
Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 6277B
$17.00
Recreate a time-honored 1905 blouse with this Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern. Sized for 36″ bust. Printed on archival-quality paper.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern by Past Patterns 6277B is a meticulously recreated physical pattern based on a documented design featured in the Argus-Leader, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, June 4, 1905. This period-correct sewing pattern offers a rare glimpse into everyday fashion worn by working and middle-class Edwardian women.
Historical Context of the Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist
During the early 1900s, shirt waists were wardrobe staples, valued for their functionality, simplicity, and compatibility with tailored suits. The Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern represents the response to economic practicality, as illustrated in the 1905 newspaper excerpt: laundresses often charged extra for decorative tucks and frills. As a result, many women favored plain waists that still provided elegant structure through careful shaping and construction.
This specific shirt waist design features a French back with an optional pointed yoke, a front box plait, and the latest shirt waist sleeve of the period—complete with mannish cuffs and a distinctive overlap.
Design Features and Garment Construction
- Era: Edwardian (early 1900s)
- Silhouette: Blouse-style waist with structured yet unadorned detailing
- Sleeves: Period-specific full sleeve with a mannish cuff and overlap
- Back: French back with optional deep pointed yoke
- Front: Box plait design allowing fullness at the bust
- Skill Level: Intermediate sewists will find this pattern rewarding; precision is required in cuff construction and box plait alignment
Pattern Specifications
- Size Included: Edwardian Size corresponding to a 36" bust (no other sizes included)
- Pattern Sheet: Printed on 36" wide sheet, hand-drawn to emulate the original drafting style
- Instructions: Includes material requirement chart, cutting and making notes, historical references, and Past Patterns' Guide to Editing and Modifying patterns for bust size
- Number of Pieces: Referenced in booklet; requires assembly knowledge common to early 20th-century drafting
Recommended Fabrics & Materials
The original Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern is ideal for reproduction in historically appropriate textiles. For tailored looks, consider rajah or Burlingham silk; for washable "tub waists," cottons such as corded madras, lawn, batiste, Japanese crepe, and embroidered cottons are excellent choices. Documented period colors include black, white, ecru, smoke gray, navy, catawaba, and brown.
Materials Required
2⅞ yards of 36" wide fabric are required. It is advisable to allow for shrinkage or directional cutting if using patterned or delicate vintage yardage.
What’s Included with This Pattern Package
- One printed 36" wide sheet with the full pattern, hand-rendered to reflect original period drafting
- Original cover artwork
- Reproduced historical construction notes and garment references
- Material requirements and written instructions
- Past Patterns’ exclusive fitting and modification guide for bust alterations
Craftsmanship and Presentation
This Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern is packaged in a reusable plastic sleeve and printed on durable 20 lb. white paper. The precision of the linework and attention to historical detail make it suitable for reenactors, museum interpreters, and costumers seeking heirloom-quality pattern reproductions. Shipping is combined automatically for multiple purchases, and we proudly offer affordable rates worldwide.
Prefer a Digital Download?
We now offer this pattern in downloadable format for those who prefer instant access. Get this pattern in our downloadable format here.
Summary: A detailed, historically-grounded pattern for the Edwardian working or middle-class wardrobe, this Edwardian Ladies Plain Shirt Waist Sewing Pattern brings period-correct style and rewarding craftsmanship together. Whether you’re building a wardrobe for reenactment, museum interpretation, or personal enrichment, this piece makes a distinguished addition.
Original Content by Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 5 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 2 in |
Sizing Information
(Metric size sheet opens as a PDF in a new browser tab)
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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.
