Historical Federalist Short Jacket Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0033
$20.00
Our 1800-1820 Federalist Short Jacket sewing pattern with Empire Waist is perfect for reenactors! Includes Sizes 8-26 with multiple cup Sizes and historical sewing guidance.
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On all US Orders over $50!
Historical Federalist Short Jacket Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0033
$20.00
Our 1800-1820 Federalist Short Jacket sewing pattern with Empire Waist is perfect for reenactors! Includes Sizes 8-26 with multiple cup Sizes and historical sewing guidance.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Authentic Federalist Short Jacket Sewing Pattern (1800-1820)
This authentic Federalist Short Jacket sewing pattern reproduces a practical and elegant garment worn during the early 19th century. Based on an original found at the Minnesota Historical Society, it has been meticulously researched and adapted for modern sewists while maintaining historical accuracy. This pattern features the distinctive Empire Waist silhouette characteristic of the Federal period (1800-1820), perfect for historical reenactments, theatrical productions, or history enthusiasts.
Historical Background of the Federalist Short Jacket
The Federalist Short Jacket, sometimes called a "short gown" or "wrapper," was a practical working garment worn by women of all social classes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. According to research by Marla R. Miller in "The Needle's Eye: Women and Work in the Age of Revolution," these short jackets were the everyday working garments for women regardless of social status during this period.
This Federalist Short Jacket pattern was copied with permission by our founder, Saundra Altman, from an original garment housed in the Minnesota Historical Society collections. Saundra began this research in the early 2000s. Thomas Shaw of the Clothing Bureau dated the original between 1811 and 1820. Additional historical examples were studied at the DAR Museum in Washington DC and the Stratford Historical Society in Connecticut, providing valuable comparison data for design variations and construction techniques. Learn more about historical American clothing at the Smithsonian.
Federalist Short Jacket Pattern Features
The Federalist Short Jacket sewing pattern captures the elegant simplicity of early 19th-century garments with these historical features:
- Simple shape with minimal seams, maximizing precious fabric as was customary in the period
- Empire Waist drawstring under the bosom, reflecting the fashionable high-Waisted silhouette of the era
- Distinctive collar with variations based on historical examples
- Off-shoulder sleeve placement is authentic to the period
- Rectangular sleeve pattern that can be tapered to the wrist according to historical evidence
- Detailed instructions for authentic hand stitches used during this pre-sewing machine era
Historical Sewing Techniques
The pattern includes detailed instructions for period-correct hand stitches such as backstitch, half-backstitch, even running stitch, basting, felling, and overcasting. While historically this Federalist Short Jacket would have been entirely hand-sewn (the sewing machine wasn't invented until the 1850s), modern construction methods may also be used if historical accuracy isn't your primary concern.
Materials and Fabric Suggestions
Historical research shows that Federalist Short Jackets were typically made from:
- Cotton in striped or printed patterns (most common)
- Linen, especially for summer wear
- Wool for cooler weather versions, sometimes decorated with ribbon or braid trim
The original garments studied at the Minnesota Historical Society and Stratford Historical Society were made of striped fabric, while the DAR Museum example featured printed fabric with a different print for the lining.
Sizing and Fitting Details
This Federalist Short Jacket sewing pattern includes:
- Sizes 8-26 with B, C & D cup options
- 14 inches of ease around the Bust for an authentic period silhouette
- Detailed instructions for measuring and fitting over-period undergarments
- Guidance for sleeve adjustment and tapering options based on historical examples
Package Contents
Your Federalist Short Jacket sewing pattern package includes:
- Printed pattern pieces for Sizes 8-26 with multiple cup Sizes
- 12-page instruction booklet with step-by-step illustrated directions
- Historical notes about the original garments
- Detailed guides for authentic hand stitching techniques
- Reference bibliography for further historical research
Complete Your Historical Ensemble
For historical accuracy, the Federalist Short Jacket should be worn over a shift/chemise, petticoat (skirt), and corset of the era. See our complementary patterns to complete your authentic early 19th-century ensemble:
- Past Patterns 0002 - Gored Shift
- Kannick's 6103 - Shift
- Past Patterns 0037 - Upper Petticoat
- Past Patterns 0001 - Corded Stay
- Past Patterns 0030 - Transition Stay
Original Content by Past Patterns 1979-2025. 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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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."
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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
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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.
