Folkwear 215 Empire Dress

Buy the 215 Empire Dress sewing pattern from Folkwear. This high-waisted dress was worn in the period following the French Revolution. 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, and trains were worn for day or evening until 1806.

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

On the traditional version, drawstrings fit the bodice firmly to the bust and tie at the centre 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 features button and cord detailing.

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following formats:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

– PDF pattern + Printed A0 copy shop (We print out the A0 pattern sheets, but you’ll need to download the digital instructions, as we don’t print these. The PDF files will be emailed immediately after purchase, and the A0 pattern sheets will be dispatched next working day). What is Copy Shop?

Note if purchasing copy shop printing: Some of the pattern pieces are divided across two A0 sheets. The two sheets will need to be joined with no overlap.

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

Fabric requirements:

Street Length: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric with nap: 3 5/8 - 4 1/8 yd (3.3 - 3.8 m) // 45" (115 cm) wide fabric without nap: 3 1/2 - 3 7/8 yd (3.2 - 3.5 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric with nap: 3 3/8 yd (3.1 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric without nap: 2 3/4 - 2 7/8 yd (2.5 - 2.6 m).

Full Length: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric with nap: 4 5/8 - 5 1/4 yd (4.2 - 4.8 m) // 45" (115 cm) wide fabric without nap: 4 1/4 - 4 7/8 yd (3.9 - 4.5 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric with nap: 4 1/2 - 4 5/8 yd (4.1 - 4.2 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric without nap: 3 1/2 yd (3.2 m).

For dress with train, add 3/4 yd (0.69 m) of fabric to Full Length dress yardage for your size (all fabric widths).

Sizing: S – 3XL (approx. UK 6/8 – 28/30, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements.

Notions: Thread; 1 - 2 yd (0.95 - 1.83 m) of 1/2" (13 mm) bias or other tape for drawstring or elastic casing // Simple sew version: 4 yd (3.75 m) of elastic for bodice and sleeves // Authentic version: 5 - 6 yd (4.58 - 5.5 m) of 1/4" (6 mm) ribbon for drawstrings; one package of seam binding or hem tape // Longer sleeve button and cord detailing: Six 3/8" (9 mm) buttons; 2 yd (1.83 m) of 1/8" (3 mm) wide cord, tape, braid, or ribbon.

PDF pattern includes: Instructions; print-at-home pattern (45 pages); 36″ wide copy shop pattern (1 sheet); A0 copy shop pattern (3 sheets).

If you’re looking for more maker inspiration, check out the latest sewing pattern reviews from the sewing community. We also have a sewing blog to keep you up to date with all the news from the world of sewing.