Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern | Civil War Era Formal Vest | Past Patterns 0019
$21.00
Historical Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat pattern (1845-1858) with documented history, comprehensive instructions and removable chest pad pattern.
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On all US Orders over $50!
Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern | Civil War Era Formal Vest | Past Patterns 0019
$21.00
Historical Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat pattern (1845-1858) with documented history, comprehensive instructions and removable chest pad pattern.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern
This museum-quality Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern is a Past Patterns original design with documented historical accuracy. Meticulously researched and based on a full-sized pattern sheet dated "Fall & Winter 1849," this historically accurate waistcoat represents the definitive men's formal wear of the Civil War era.
Historical Documentation of this Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern
This Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern has been faithfully reproduced from an original pattern bearing handwritten words "Fall & Winter 1849." The design features distinctive wide lapels and shawl collar typical of the period from 1845-1858, before styles changed dramatically when collars and lapels became considerably narrower.
Our extensive historical research reveals that the similarities between the 1849 waistcoat pattern and those from the 1850s and 1860s ended dramatically in 1858, marking a significant shift in men's fashion. This pattern captures the elegance of the pre-1858 era when gentlemen's waistcoats featured broader styling that created a more commanding presence.
According to period publications like Scott's Report of Fashions (1848-1851), waistcoats featured elegant roll collars and were crafted from luxurious materials including silk, satin, marseilles, or fine linen for formal occasions. Our Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern maintains every historical detail of these period garments, providing you with the opportunity to recreate this distinguished garment with historical precision.
Features and Specifications
- Complete Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern with removable chest pad pattern
- Available in two size ranges: Chest sizes 34"-46" and 46"-54"
- Detailed historical notes documenting the pattern's origins
- Step-by-step illustrated instructions for period construction techniques
- Comprehensive materials list and fabric suggestions
- Historically accurate construction methods including proper hand-stitching techniques
- Each pattern includes fabric layout diagrams for efficient cutting
Materials and Construction
This historical waistcoat can be constructed using various period-appropriate fabrics:
- Morning or Work Vest: Medium weight cotton in prints, satin weave, seersucker, or woven checks; natural or white linen with 1/4" to 1" woven checks (green/white, brown/white, blue/white)
- Half-Dress Vest: Buff cashmere, marseilles, linen, nankeen or brown linen for more formal daytime occasions
- Full Dress Vest: White silk, satin, marseilles or fine linen for evening formal events
- Ball Vest: Rich white, watered and fancy silk for the most prestigious social gatherings
This versatile Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern includes comprehensive yardage requirements for all size ranges and complete fashion fabric, lining, and glazed cotton backing specifications. Our design was created for a man who stands 5'6" tall, with instructions to add 2" of yardage for every 1" of height above 5'6".
Historical Context and Documentation
The historical waistcoat completes an ensemble when worn with a starched shirt, washable summer trousers, and a lightly starched summer paletot. Period fashion publications like The Elegant reported in June 1858 that "it is more than ever the fashion to make the waistcoat and pantaloons of the same tissue" for a coordinated appearance.
This Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern is supported by extensive primary source documentation, including merchant tailor advertisements from the 1840s and 1850s, sartorial journals of the period, and extant garments. The historical notes included provide fascinating insights into men's fashion evolution during this pivotal era in American history.
Perfect for Historical Ensembles
Complete your historical ensemble by pairing this waistcoat with a starched shirt, summer trousers, and a summer paletot from our collection of documented patterns. The Mid-19th Century Double Breasted Waistcoat Sewing Pattern is ideal for reenactors, theatrical costumers, museums, and historical fashion enthusiasts seeking meticulous period accuracy.
For an extensive look at the historical documentation behind this pattern, see James McDaniel's 1841 advertising in the Dayton Transcript, where as an agent for Scott & Wilson, he offered similar vestings to the public.
Prefer a digital download? Get this pattern in our downloadable format here.
Original Content by Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved
Additional information
| Weight | 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Size |
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)
Preferred Vendors
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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.
