Folkwear 1800's Lady's Chemise #223

Extra Small to 3X Large

Hand-stitched from muslin or fine-spun lawn, a chemise was that intimate garment worn next to a lady's skin. During the Victorian era, it was often meticulously monogrammed in danny script. Today, A lady's Chemise is perfect the nightgown or simple summer dress.

This flattering chemise was worn during the mid to late 1800's and we offer two appealing versions. Both view have short gathered and ruffled cap sleeves and can be cut low knee-length or at the hip to be worn as a blouse. Pleats accent the center front and back of the neckline, which is adjustable with feminine ribbon drawstrings.

The neckline for View A drops just off the shoulder in the late 19th century style and uses purchased eyelet beading and lace or eyelet ruffles at neckline and sleeve. The neckline of View B sits on the shoulder, as in earlier eras; it featured a self-fabric ruffle casing for the ribbon drawstring.

Instructions and alphabet designs for a Victorian monogram are included. See Authentic Detailing for a Lady's Chemise inside the pattern.

Suggested Fabrics: Light-weight cottons and blends such as batiste, lawn, voile, gauze, or eyelet; handkerchief linen; silks such as crepe de chine; rayon challis. Originals were made of lightweight muslin or linen.

Sewing Tip

View B, Neckline step: In the middle of the 4th column on page 2, it says "Make two small buttonholes on remaining Casing as marked on pattern piece." Unfortunately, these buttonholes are NOT marked on the Casing pattern piece K.

Therefore, mark your own buttonholes at center front of the Casing piece as shown in the illustration. Mark them horizontally along the mid-line of the piece and space them about 1/2 to 5/8 inch from each other, to leave room for the ribbon drawstring bow.