Victorian Sacque and Petticoat Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0808
$21.00
Circa 1850s-1870s
Bust Sizes 31 1/2 through 47 1/2 and in a B, C and D cup
999 in stock
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Victorian Sacque and Petticoat Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 0808
$21.00
Circa 1850s-1870s
Bust Sizes 31 1/2 through 47 1/2 and in a B, C and D cup
999 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
This Victorian Sacque and Petticoat Sewing Pattern is an original Past Patterns design
Recreate an essential mid-19th century domestic silhouette with our Victorian Sacque and Petticoat Sewing Pattern, based on a surviving garment set constructed from madder-dyed printed cotton. The sacque, a loose-fitting, yoke-free top, traces its roots to the 18th-century short gown and remained a favored informal garment throughout the Victorian era.
Pattern Features
This multi-size pattern includes both the sacque (also spelled "sac" or "sack") and coordinating five-panel petticoat. Designed in a "common" style, the original garments showed a blend of hand and machine stitching typical of household wear. This pattern is ideal for living history interpreters, domestic reenactments, and those studying informal Victorian clothing.
Features include:
- Loose, comfortable sacque construction with no yoke
- Petticoat based on a five-panel selvage-to-selvage skirt
- Construction details based on original hand-finished examples
- Graded cup sizes (B, C, D) for a more personalized fit
Historical Context
Victorian sacques came in both “undress” and fashionable forms. Undress sacques were worn in private settings—during morning routines, housework, or in the presence of close friends. In wealthier households, some sacques were made from silk or featured decorative embroidery. The version reproduced in this pattern reflects a common, working-class style likely worn by middle- to lower-income women during the mid-19th century.
For fabric inspiration, consult Textile Designs by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers, especially pages 88–89, 178–179, 206, and 229, or explore madder-style reproduction prints from companies such as P&B Textiles.
Sizing Information
This multi-size pattern includes sizes Small through XXL with cup size options:
- Small: Bust 31½"–33½", Waist 24½"–25½", Hips 34½"–35½"
- Medium: Bust 35"–36½", Waist 27"–28½", Hips 37"–38½"
- Large: Bust 38"–39¼", Waist 30"–31¾", Hips 40"–41¾"
- XL: Bust 41½"–43½", Waist 33½"–35½", Hips 43½"–45½"
- XXL: Bust 45½"–47½", Waist 37½"–39½", Hips 47½"–49½"
Fabric Requirements (All 44" wide)
- Sizes SM–LG: 7 yds
- Sizes XL–XXL: 7½ yds
Note: For every 1" above 5'4" in height, add 6" to your yardage.
Recommended Fabrics
Madder-dyed printed cotton or reproduction cotton prints. A swatch of the original fabric is included in the pattern packaging.
What’s Included
- Original cover art and back-cover sizing/fabric charts
- Historical notes on sacques and their social uses
- Guidance on period-correct stitching and construction
- Two garment variations: sacque and five-panel petticoat
- CAD-generated tissue paper pattern sheets (printed by McCall's)
Difficulty Level
2.5 / 5 – Advanced Beginner
Requires comfort with simple garment shapes, some hand finishing, and pattern alignment techniques. Ideal for domestic-era reenactors and costumers.
Copyright Notice
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 4 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 1 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)
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.
