Folkwear 261 Paris Promenade Dress

Buy the 261 Paris Promenade Dress sewing pattern from Folkwear. In the second decade of the 20th century, a revival of Directoire fashions produced loose, flowing gowns reminiscent of Classical Greek costumes. Simple, voluminous dresses like the Paris Promenade Dress were shaped by wrapping them to the body with decorative cords and sashes. The accessories of choice were long strands of pearls and cords with tassels or beaded pendants.

This simple but elegant dress, from the 1918-1920 period, is made from just three main pattern pieces. The full shape is defined at the waist by a self-fabric sash that passes underneath the bib-shaped overdress in front and ties in the back. A length of decorative cord can be used instead of the sash, to suggest the wrapped waist of ancient Grecian gowns.

The uncomplicated design creates perfect areas for creative embellishment - around the lower skirt, on the shaped overdress, or along the front and back of the bateau neckline. The different sections of the dress are also great for putting together interesting fabric combinations.

For the perfect period accessory, make the drawstring handbag included in the pattern. This charming tote features free-hanging tabs that complement the airy drape of the dress. The tabs can be embellished to match the dress or made of contrasting material for an interesting accent.

Add a vintage touch with decorative tassels or beaded pendants at the elbows of the dress and the bottom of the handbag. Instructions for making your own tassels 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?

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

Suggested fabrics: Light to medium-weight fabrics with drape, such as silk, silk velvet, rayon, feather-weight cotton, or jersey. For a more defined look, choose fabrics with more body, such as crisp cotton, lightweight linen, and silk taffeta.

Fabric requirements: 

Dress and Skirt: 45″ (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-M only): 4 1/8 yd (3.7 m) // 60″ (150 cm) wide fabric: 4 1/8 yd (3.7 m).

Dress: 45″ (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-M only): 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m) // 60″ (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m).

Note: Directional prints or nap fabrics should not be used for the Dress, unless a shoulder seam is added.

Skirt: 45″ (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-M only): 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m) // 60″ (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m).

Overdress: 45″ (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-M only): 2 3/4 yd (2.5 m) // 60″ (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 3/4 yd (2.5 m).

Overdress Lining: 45″ (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-M only): 2 yd (1.8 m) // 60″ (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 yd (1.8 m).

Optional Sash: 45″ (115 cm) wide fabric (sizes XS-M only): 3/4 yd (0.7 m) // 60″ (150 cm) wide fabric: 1/2 yd (0.5 m).

Note: The Sash may be cut with the Dress or Overdress on 60" (150 cm) wide fabric.

Handbag: 45″ (115 cm) wide fabric: 3/4 yd (0.7 m) // 60″ (150 cm) wide fabric: 1/2 yd (0.5 m).

Note: The Handbag may be cut with the Dress, Overdress, and Lining on 60" (150 cm) wide fabric.

Sizing: XS – XL (approx. UK 4/6 – 20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer's size chart.

Notions: 

Dress: Thread; two tassels // Optional: 3 yd (2.75 m) decorative cord for waist tie (if you are not making self-fabric sash); 3 yd (2.75 m) ball fringe, trim, or braid for trimming overdress edge; appliqué motifs for overdress embellishment.

Handbag: Thread; 2 yd (1.85 m) decorative cord for drawstring; one tassel.

Note: If you are adding appliqué or embroidered embellishment to overdress or handbag tabs, you may want to purchase stabiliser to apply to wrong side of embellished areas.

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

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