1890s Ladies Blouse With Separate Chemisette - Victorian Era - Reproduction (ca. 1898) Sewing Pattern #E5113 - 36 Inch Bust

1898–1899 May Manton Waist – Reproduction Sewing Pattern

This replicated pattern is sized to fit a 36-inch bust and comes from the period of 1898–1899. It showcases many of the elegant design lines that remained popular through the Edwardian era until about 1909.

Key design features include:

• Deep tucks running from the front shoulders to the lower back waistline

• A softly gathered lower front to achieve the fashionable “pigeon breast” silhouette

• Optional high collar, long cuffs, and a chemise-style inset (chemise or dickey) for added modesty

SUGGESTED MATERIALS

• Linen

• Cotton

• Crepe

• Silk

• Broadcloth

• Pique

MATERIALS FOR SIZE SHOWN

• 44" wide material (without nap): 2½ yards

• Optional Chemisette & Cuff: 18" wide all-over lace – ¾ yard

• Trim banding (as shown): 1¾ yards

This May Manton pattern has been faithfully re-digitized into its current format.

⚠️ Copyright Notice:
All content is protected under the copyright of www.BeespokeVintagePatterns.com (2001). No portion may be photocopied or reproduced without written consent.

IMPORTANT NOTE

These early patterns offer far less instruction than what you might expect from modern sewing guides. At the time, publications assumed home seamstresses already possessed the skills to draft, fit, and complete garments without step-by-step directions.

As a result, you may find:

• No facings or linings included

• Sparse or missing instructions on construction and trim placement

• Tighter armholes and smaller proportions than modern patterns

• Assumptions of corsetry and proper undergarments built into the fit

If you're newer to vintage sewing, we strongly recommend:

• Making a fitting mock-up (toile) in muslin or other test fabric

• Adjusting the pattern to your specific measurements before using fashion fabric

• Having prior sewing experience with vintage or historical patterns

All patterns are reproduced exactly from the original source material to preserve historical accuracy.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND

This is an exact reproduction of the original pattern, and may retain errors or quirks from the source material. While I’ve personally tested a few of these patterns, I haven’t made all of them—so I can’t guarantee their perfect fit or completeness.

As always, please make a mock-up before sewing your final garment.

NOT YOUR SIZE?

Here are some great resources to help you resize vintage patterns:

• Grading Your Own Patterns on Patreon

• Sensibility.com: How to Resize a Pattern

CAN YOU MAKE THIS FOR ME?

Absolutely! I’d love to create this in your size and chosen fabric. Just send me a custom order request, and we’ll work out the details together.

ARE YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

Yes! I’d be thrilled to see what you create from this pattern. Please tag and share your photos:

• Instagram: @BeespokeVintage & @BeespokeVintagePatterns

• Facebook: @BeespokeVintage & @BeespokeVintagePatterns