SKU: 49213968239
empire waist dress patterns

empire waist dress patterns 215 Empire Dress

Sale price$18.58 Regular price$20.64
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.16 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 18 - Aug 23

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

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."

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 49213968239

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell empire waist dress patterns

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 29 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
E
Verified Purchase
enid
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Quality product
Fits really nice feels good. Very good product.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2025
J
Verified Purchase
Jhaleo T
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 3
Thin and low Quality, it's ok for the price
I bought it because it looks good in the photos, but the fabric is very thin—you can almost see right through to your back. While that wouldn't be a problem if you have an athletic build, if you're like me—that is, average—I wouldn't recommend it. The fabric is very thin and not of particularly high quality. It might be worth it for the price, but again, the material is thin.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
Z
Verified Purchase
zohairmalik
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Awsome
Good fabric, non itchy, decent fitting and perfect size overall very good for formal or party wear
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Alex
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Ribbed sleeves and bottom
Way nicer than a t-shirt for the same money.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
brugan
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable, Light Weight, Good Looking
Delivered quickly, exactly as pictured. The shirt fits well. I like the sweater bottom as opposed to a normal t-shirt bottom. The shirt looks dressier. A good value. I'd buy again.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2025

recommand products