1800s dresses 201 Prairie Dress

1800s dresses 201 Prairie DressSizes XS 3XL The stalwart women who braved the 19th century American prairie wore full yet practical housedresses of washable cotton. This flowing dress was traditionally worn with a practical apron. Ours falls to the ankles in voluminous gathers from a gracefully rounded yoke. It has long sleeves gathered at the shoulders and into buttoned cuffs. The ruffled collar is set into a collar band, and the dress has pockets set into both side seams. The

Sizes XS-3XL 

The stalwart women who braved the 19th century American prairie wore full yet practical housedresses of washable cotton.  This flowing dress was traditionally worn with a practical apron.  Ours falls to the ankles in voluminous gathers from a gracefully rounded yoke.  It has long sleeves gathered at the shoulders and into buttoned cuffs.  The ruffled collar is set into a collar band, and the dress has pockets set into both side seams.  The deep front opening typical of this era closes with buttons in the yoke; hooks and eyes can be used to fasten the long opening.

The flounced apron has two keyhole pockets and a waistband that buttons in the back.  Instructions for decorative feather stitch are included inside pattern.  For contemporary wear, this dress is charming in the authentic version worn with or without the apron, mid-calf (cut to street length) or ankle length, the dress is feminine and comfortable. also, if you prefer, the front opening can be shortened, and the neck can be finished with the collar band only.  Instructions for vintage embroidered finishing touches are included.

Era: Victorian, mid to late 1800s

For children we have the 213 Child's Prairie Dress and Pinafore pattern.  

Suggested fabrics: For the Dress, choose soft fabrics such as calico, gingham, muslin, lightweight cotton, rayon, or wool challis. For the Apron, choose light or medium-weight cotton such as gingham, broadcloth, or muslin. 

Yardage chart (.pdf)

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want in the drop down menu.  The PDF pattern has files for copy shop (36” and A0), print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”), as well as sewing and detailing instructions.

LEARN MORE: 

• See how we made a modern dress from this pattern.