PDF SEWING PATTERN | 215 Empire Dress | Folkwear

PDF SEWING PATTERN | 215 Empire Dress | Folkwear

Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: Women S–3XL
Gender: Women
Language: English Only
Era: Regency | Late 1700s–Early 1800s

The 215 Empire Dress by Folkwear recreates the elegant high-waisted silhouette that became fashionable following the French Revolution and reached the height of its popularity during the First Empire period from 1799–1815.

This classic design features a narrow bodice gathered into a slim A-line skirt front and side panels with fullness concentrated at the back. Choose from a just-below-knee street length, full length or dramatic full length with train for historical costuming, weddings and formal wear.

The Authentic Version uses drawstrings to fit the bodice firmly around the bust and ties at the centre back. The Simple-Sew Version features a closed back and elastic in place of the traditional drawstrings for easier contemporary wear.

Two short puffed sleeve options are included. Choose a very short sleeve or a slightly longer authentic version, with optional button and cord detailing for an additional historical touch.

Pattern Features

• Empire-waist historical dress
• Simple-Sew & Authentic versions
• Three length options
• Street length
• Full length
• Full length with train
• Narrow gathered bodice
• Slim A-line skirt front & side panels
• Full gathered skirt back
• Two short puffed sleeve options
• Traditional drawstring fitting option
• Contemporary elastic fitting option
• Optional button & cord sleeve detailing
• Average & full-bust cutting lines

Recommended Fabrics

• Cotton Gauze
  
• Challis
• Silk
  

Notions

• Thread
• 1–2 yds / 0.95–1.83 m of 1/2" / 13 mm Bias or Other Tape – for drawstring or elastic casing

Simple-Sew Version Only:

• 4 yds / 3.75 m Elastic – for bodice & sleeves

Authentic Version Only:

• 5–6 yds / 4.58–5.50 m of 1/4" / 6 mm Ribbon – for drawstrings
• 1 Package Seam Binding or Hem Tape

Optional Longer Sleeve Button & Cord Detailing:

• 6 × 3/8" / 9 mm Buttons
• 2 yds / 1.83 m of 1/8" / 3 mm Wide Cord, Tape, Braid or Ribbon

Size Chart

• Small: Bust 32 1/2–34" / 83–87 cm | Waist 25–26 1/2" / 64–67 cm | Hip 34 1/2–36" / 89–94 cm
• Medium: Bust 36–38" / 92–97 cm | Waist 28–30" / 72–77 cm | Hip 38–40" / 97–102 cm
• Large: Bust 40–42" / 102–107 cm | Waist 32–34" / 82–87 cm | Hip 42–44" / 107–112 cm
• XL: Bust 44–46" / 112–117 cm | Waist 37–39" / 92–97 cm | Hip 46–48" / 117–122 cm
• 2XL: Bust 48–50" / 122–127 cm | Waist 42–44" / 102–107 cm | Hip 50–52" / 127–132 cm
• 3XL: Bust 52–54" / 132–135 cm | Waist 46 1/2–49" / 118–124.5 cm | Hip 54–56" / 135–142 cm

Sizing Note: Folkwear recommends using your bust measurement as the primary measurement for selecting your size. The bodice front also includes separate cutting lines for an average or full bust; use the full-bust cutting line for cup size C or larger.

Fabric Requirements

Street Length:

• 45" / 115 cm with nap: S–L: 3 5/8 yds / 3.3 m | XL–3XL: 4 1/8 yds / 3.8 m
• 45" / 115 cm without nap: S–L: 3 1/2 yds / 3.2 m | XL–3XL: 3 7/8 yds / 3.5 m
• 60" / 150 cm with nap: All Sizes: 3 3/8 yds / 3.1 m
• 60" / 150 cm without nap: S–L: 2 3/4 yds / 2.5 m | XL–3XL: 2 7/8 yds / 2.6 m

Full Length:

• 45" / 115 cm with nap: S–L: 4 5/8 yds / 4.2 m | XL–2XL: 5 1/8 yds / 4.7 m | 3XL: 5 1/4 yds / 4.8 m
• 45" / 115 cm without nap: S–L: 4 1/4 yds / 3.9 m | XL–3XL: 4 7/8 yds / 4.5 m
• 60" / 150 cm with nap: S–2XL: 4 1/2 yds / 4.1 m | 3XL: 4 5/8 yds / 4.2 m
• 60" / 150 cm without nap: All Sizes: 3 1/2 yds / 3.2 m

Dress with Train: Add 3/4 yd / 0.69 m to the Full Length yardage for your size and fabric width.

Finished Back Length

• Street Length: 41" / 1.04 m
• Full Length: 56" / 1.32 m

PDF Pattern Includes

• Complete cutting & sewing instructions
• Simple-Sew & Authentic versions
• Street, Full Length & Train options
• Two sleeve options
• Layered PDF files
• A0 : 3 pages
• 36" Copyshop file
• A4 print-at-home file : 45 pages
• Lettre US print-at-home file – 45 pages
• Layered Projector file