Folkwear 223 A Lady's Chemise

Buy the 223 A Lady's Chemise sewing pattern from Folkwear. Carefully 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 a dainty script. Today, A Lady's Chemise is the perfect nightgown or simple summer dress.

This chemise is based on one worn during the mid to late 1800s, and the pattern includes two appealing versions. Both views have short gathered and ruffled cap sleeves and can be cut at low knee-length or at the hip to be worn as a blouse. Delicate pleats accent the centre 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 the neckline and sleeve. The neckline of View B sits on the shoulder, as in earlier eras; it features a self-fabric ruffle and casing for the ribbon drawstring.

Instructions and alphabet designs for a Victorian monogram are included.

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?

Suggested fabrics: Lightweight 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.

Fabric requirements: Yardages given are for fabrics with or without nap.

Blouse View A: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-XL only): 2 1/8 yd (1.9 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 1 7/8 - 2 1/8 yd (1.7  - 1.9 m).

Blouse View B: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-XL only): 2 1/4 - 3 yd (2.1 - 2.8 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/4 - 2 3/8 yd (2.1 - 2.2 m).

Chemise View A: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-XL only): 2 7/8 yd (2.6 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 3/4 - 3 yd (2.5 - 2.8 m).

Chemise View B: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-XL only): 3 1/8 - 3 7/8 yd (2.9 - 3.5 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 3 - 3 1/8 yd (2.8 - 2.9 m).

Sizing: XS - 3XL (approx. UK 4/6 - 28/30, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer's size chart and finished garment measurements.

Notions: Both views: Thread; 2 yd (1.83 m) of 1/4" (6 mm) wide ribbon for neckline drawstring // View A: Also, 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m) of single-fold bias tape; 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m) each of 1/2" - 1" (13 mm - 2.5 cm) wide eyelet beading and 1" - 1 1/2" (2.5 - 4 cm) wide pre-gathered eyelet or lace ruffle // Optional: 1 1/2 yd (1.4 m) of 1/4" (6 mm) wide ribbon for sleeve drawstring.

PDF pattern includes: Instructions; US letter/A4 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.