1890s Polonaise Dress With Back Pleating - Madame Demorest - Victorian Era - Reproduction (ca. 1890) Sewing Pattern #E4703 - 36 Inch Bust

This reproduction sewing pattern is transcribed from the original Madame Demorest source material originally published in 1890.

“The fronts of this Polonaise are cut the length of the figure, its fullness being drawn up in pleats on the hips. The back is arranged in organ pleats below the waistline, the sleeves have the fashionable high effect. This model is practical and graceful throughout and is appropriate for all seasonable dress goods.”
— Original pattern description

Customer Review

“I used this pattern as the basis for a gorgeous wedding dress. I made the sleeves short, hemmed in vintage lace, and it was gorgeous. I added vintage lace peeking out the hemline to mimic an antique gown I own. Measurements are important, as is taking your time thinking each step through. Not for a novice.”

Suggested Fabrics

• Silk

• Woolens

• Crepe

• Linen

• Cotton

Materials Required (for 36” Bust Size Shown)

• 24" Wide Material (Without Nap) – 9 Yards

• Flat Garniture Trim – 2.5 Yards

• 44" Wide Velvet (for Trim) – ⅝ Yard

⚠️ Copyright Notice:
All content falls under the copyright of www.BeespokeVintagePatterns.com (2003). No portion of this pattern may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written consent.

IMPORTANT NOTE

A solid understanding of vintage garment construction is highly recommended.

The original source materials for these early patterns include minimal instruction compared to more modern patterns of the 1920s and 1930s. At the time, it was assumed that the home seamstress already had the skills needed to draft and construct garments independently. As a result, many patterns lack facings, linings, and directions for decorative trims.

Please be aware:

• These patterns run small by today’s standards.

• They were drafted assuming the use of corsets and period-correct undergarments.

• Armholes are typically much tighter than modern patterns.

• A mock-up in muslin or test fabric is strongly advised to achieve a good fit before cutting into your fashion fabric.

Patterns are reproduced exactly from the original source with no changes to ensure historical accuracy.

🧵 This is NOT a finished garment. The original paper documentation and pattern envelopes are NOT included.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND

This is a direct copy of an original vintage pattern and may retain any formatting errors or miscalculations from the source. While I have personally made some of these patterns, I have not tested all of them, and cannot guarantee perfect fit or accuracy.

A mock-up for fitting is always the best way to ensure success before cutting your final materials.

NOT YOUR SIZE?

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

• Grading Your Own Patterns on Patreon

• Resizing Tips from Sensibility.com

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