This design is taken from an original pattern given in an 1869 La Mode Illustre. It was stated as for girls ages 2-4 years old. It has the front of the dress in princess lines, with the back and sides having an attached skirt. The waist line is slightly above the natural waist. The skirt is very full in the center back, fitting smoothly on the sides. It has a square neckline, and a center back button closure. The sleeve is a full length 2-piece sleeve. The dress back has a belt that can be adjusted with a button to make the garment fit more closely if desired.

This is a basic dress for a child, and is suitable for the years 1865-1875. It can be left plain, or worn with an apron, for a play dress. The original dress was heavily decorated with braid, as a fancier dress.

This pattern is drafted using modern sizing and ease for today’s comfort. Yet it retains all the historical lines and style of the period.

he E-Pattern contains the following formats:
Letter/A4 – Prints on 30 sheets, needs assembly.
A0 – Prints on 2 sheets.
Shop Copy – 36×57″ one page.