Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0207
$18.00
This Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice sewing pattern features two historically accurate views with small gigot sleeves and a flattering side closure. Includes sizes 08–20, printed on full-size pattern sheets with illustrated instructions. A must-have for late Victorian reenactment or costume projects.
999 in stock
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On all US Orders over $50!
Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0207
$18.00
This Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice sewing pattern features two historically accurate views with small gigot sleeves and a flattering side closure. Includes sizes 08–20, printed on full-size pattern sheets with illustrated instructions. A must-have for late Victorian reenactment or costume projects.
999 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0207
This Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice sewing pattern is an original Past Patterns design that faithfully captures two elegant bodice styles from the closing years of the 19th century. These tailored silhouettes, typical of the “Gay Nineties” era, showcase the refined femininity and structured fashion that defined late Victorian womenswear.
Historical Context
Side-closing bodices became increasingly fashionable in the late 1890s as part of a broader move toward practical, ready-to-wear styles. While back openings were still common in formal garments, side closings offered greater flexibility and allowed for ease of dressing without assistance. The featured View A and View B designs reflect this transitional moment, blending tailored construction with romantic details like the smaller gigot sleeve, which helped balance the hourglass silhouette that dominated the period. Period sources such as The Delineator Magazine, 1897 regularly featured similar designs for the fashionable home dressmaker.
About the Pattern
The Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Sewing Pattern includes two variations—one more tailored, the other more decorative—each drafted for historical accuracy and modern usability. Both views feature the smaller gigot sleeve, giving the illusion of broader shoulders and a narrower waist. The bodices are shaped through princess seaming and careful dart placement, resulting in an elegant fit true to the late Victorian silhouette.
Multi-Sized for a Better Fit
This is a multi-sized pattern including:
- Size 08 – Bust 32 ½”, Waist 24 ½”, Hips 34 ½”
- Size 10 – Bust 33 ½”, Waist 25 ½”, Hips 35 ½”
- Size 12 – Bust 35”, Waist 27”, Hips 37”
- Size 14 – Bust 36 ½”, Waist 28 ½”, Hips 38 ½”
- Size 16 – Bust 38”, Waist 30”, Hips 40”
- Size 18 – Bust 39 ¾”, Waist 31 ½”, Hips 41 ¾”
- Size 20 – Bust 41 ½”, Waist 33 ¼”, Hips 43 ½”
Fabric Suggestions & Yardage
Suggested fabrics: Silk taffeta, damask, printed cotton, and lightweight wool are ideal choices to reflect period-correct style and drape. This Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Sewing Pattern works especially well with crisp silks and structured cottons.
Fashion Fabric Yardage:
- View A – Sizes 08-14: 2 3/8 yds | Sizes 16-20: 3 yds (45" wide)
- View B – Sizes 08-14: 2 5/8 yds | Sizes 16-20: 3 1/8 yds (45" wide)
Lining Yardage:
- View A & B – Sizes 08-14: 1 3/8 yds | Sizes 16-20: 1 1/2 yds (45" wide)
What You Receive
Each physical pattern includes:
- Original cover artwork and sizing chart
- Historical and construction notes for educational and sewing context
- Well-tested written and illustrated sewing instructions
- Three full-size pattern sheets (36”x54”, 36”x48”, 36”x45”), printed on 20 lb. white paper
- Packed in a reusable plastic sleeve
Skill Level: 4/5 – Advanced Intermediate
This Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Sewing Pattern is best suited for advanced intermediate sewists. The difficulty rating reflects the need to accurately ease and shape curved seams, fit a historical silhouette, and install linings and closures with precision. Prior experience with princess seams and historical garment assembly is highly recommended.
Why Choose Past Patterns?
Each Past Patterns design—like this Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Sewing Pattern—is drafted using historically accurate construction methods and original garments or publications. We bridge the gap between the past and the present to bring your costume, theater, or reenactment projects to life with museum-quality fidelity.
Prefer to Download?
This pattern is also available as a digital download for immediate access: Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice Downloads.
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 14 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)
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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.
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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.
