SKU: 32727493179
empire waist dress patterns

empire waist dress patterns 215 Empire Dress

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Description

empire waist dress patterns 215 Empire DressMisses sizes SM 3XL. This high waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike. Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799 1815); hence its name.

Misses sizes SM-3XL.

This high-waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike.  Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799-1815); hence its name.  It was worn floor length or as high as knee length in front; trains were also worn for day or evening until 1806.  The Empire Dress has remained a favorite fashion silhouette through today.

Folkwear presents a sewing pattern for this classic in three lengths, with two sleeve options.  A narrow bodice is gathered into a slim A-line skirt front and side panels, and full gathered skirt back that falls to just below knee length, full length, or full length with train for weddings or formal wear.

On the traditional version, drawstrings fit the bodice firmly to the bust and tie at center back. For contemporary wear, we suggest a closed back and elastic in place of the drawstrings. Short puffed sleeves may be cut very high or slightly longer - both are authentic. The longer sleeves feature button and cord detailing. 

Suggested fabrics: Soft, lightweight or medium-weight fabrics such as cotton gauze, batiste, dotted Swiss, rayon challis, silk, very lightweight silk velvet with drape.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Era: Regency, 1700s to early 1800s

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want at the top.  The PDF pattern has instructions, and layered files for copy shop (36” and A0), projector, and print at home (A4 or 8.5”x11”).

Sewing Tip

Linda of Pine City, Minnesota, says this dress is popular with the Fur Trade reenactment crowd and she has made it several times. She says, "Some of us have a devil of a time putting together the little pieces that go around the armhole. The pattern markings are critical, and you should use tailor's tacks and position them carefully. I also suggest that you clearly mark the wrong side of each of the little pieces if your fabric's right and wrong sides are similar."

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SKU: 32727493179

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superbrain
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Size seems spot on shoe is beautiful
Size: 12, Color: White
These are beautiful shoes. A great cross between the ubiquitous flat as a board shoes like vans and tennis shoes. More comfortable than the super flat shoes and more formal than sneakers. Very soft leather. Not much arch support and I don't know if an insert would fit well. I am between an 11.5 and 12 in most brands (actual foot length from heel to tip of big toe is 11 and 1/8 inches). These fit perfectly in a 12 with room for comfort. An 11.5 probably would fit but snugly. I do not agree that they should be sized down at least based on my experience. If you can get these for under eighty dollars like I did they are well worth it. I'll be wearing them all summer.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2021
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It's cool.
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Weightless, well made. But there are problems with size
Size: 8.5, Color: White
I bought it for a teenager, for size 81/2. This, according to the dimensions on the page, is 25.9 centimeters. They came, the size was indicated correctly, but they are large for the child. Very large. They fit me, size 10. The child is disappointed. Well made, look neat on the foot. Almost weightless But I can't give the maximum rating. I wish the seller to deal with the size grid.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2026
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Matthew Gonzales
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazing Shoe!
Size: 9 Wide, Color: Blazer Blue Hand Stain
Amazing shoe!! Comfortable to wear for long periods of time! Highly recommend!! 👍🏾
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Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2025
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William Mantilla
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Calzado elegante para oficina de excelente calidad
Producto de excelente calidad. La entrega fue rápida y el empaque llegó en perfectas condiciones. Cumple completamente con lo descrito en la publicación.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026
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MH
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 3
Not A Walking Shoe
Size: 9.5, Color: Black/British Tan
In the photo online this shoe looks like it will be very comfortable. Kind of a classy Coach's Shoe. Also in the photo the heel portion of the sole looks thick and supportive. I bought them thinking they would be my go-to travel shoe. Wrong. This is not a comfortable shoe for extended wear. Short durations, OK. The main problem is that the sole is very thin and flexible in all directions. There is no, as in zero arch support, plus that thin heel means that you tend to rock back on your heels and it feels like you're pounding the pavement. I've worn once and I'm very disappointed. They look great, definitely high quality materials, but using them for the intended purpose of travel.... fah get about it. If you're looking for a good looking shoe to wear around the gym and you don't intend to use the treadmill, or elliptical, then this is the shoe you want. They would definitely be returned if I hadn't already worn them outside.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2023

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