Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads | Past Patterns 0993
$7.50
The Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads recreate a practical Victorian work apron from Demorest Pattern 993, designed for durability and full dress protection.
Skill Level: 2/5
Simple construction with minimal seams, though historical sizing and period instructions may require fitting adjustments.
997 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads | Past Patterns 0993
$7.50
The Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads recreate a practical Victorian work apron from Demorest Pattern 993, designed for durability and full dress protection.
Skill Level: 2/5
Simple construction with minimal seams, though historical sizing and period instructions may require fitting adjustments.
997 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads
This Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads package is based on the original Demorest Publishing Company pattern.
The Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads recreate a highly practical late Victorian work apron designed for everyday use. This design reflects the utilitarian garments worn by women for household, workshop, and studio tasks in the 1890s. With broad coverage and a simple construction, this apron was intended to protect the dress while remaining easy to make and maintain.
The original Demorest pattern describes this apron as “a practical design” with only two seams, making it one of the more approachable garments of the period. The pocket is applied before assembly, and the edges are finished with a bias band or simple hem. The original pattern sheet also notes that the apron is cut lengthwise, with efficient use of narrow-width fabric typical of the late 19th century. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
This Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads set is ideal for historical interpreters, museum educators, reenactors, costume designers, and anyone interested in authentic Victorian workwear. Period references suggest fabrics such as gingham, denim, brown Holland, and checked lawns, all chosen for durability and ease of laundering.
Design Features of the Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads
- Late Victorian work apron with full protective coverage
- Only two primary seams for simplified construction
- Large applied pocket positioned before assembly
- Edges finished with bias binding or hemming
- Faithful recreation of Demorest Magazine Pattern 993
Digital Download Formats Included
- 36" wide format: 1 page (no split pieces)
- A0 format: 2 pages (no split pieces)
- 8.5"x11" tiled pattern: 25 pages
- A4 tiled pattern: 25 pages
- Instruction booklets: 6 pages (8.5"x11" and A4)
The 36" wide and A0 formats are ideal for large-format printing and are also compatible with projector sewing setups. For additional guidance, see our projector sewing help page.
Sizing
The original Demorest pattern is labeled Medium Size, with no modern measurement equivalents provided. As with many historical patterns, the Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Downloads are best suited for sewists comfortable with fitting adjustments, mock-ups, and working from period sizing conventions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Fabric Requirements
Fabric Required: 4 1/2 yards of 24-inch-wide fabric.
Recommended materials include gingham, denim, brown Holland, and other sturdy cotton fabrics appropriate for workwear garments of the 1890s.
What You Will Receive
This digital package includes a carefully prepared reproduction of the original pattern, along with instructions for cutting, measurement guidance, and historical notes on the Demorest Pattern Company. The layout preserves the structure of the original while providing modern usability across multiple print formats. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
If you prefer a physical version, you can also purchase the printed version of the Mid 1890s Dorcas Apron Sewing Pattern.
Skill Level
Skill Level: 2/5
This pattern is relatively straightforward in construction due to its minimal seams and simple finishing techniques. The primary challenge lies in interpreting historical sizing and working from period-based instructions rather than modern standardized sizing systems.
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2026. All rights reserved.
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.
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.
