1840s Work Dress 18" Doll Clothes Pattern

The work dress is a simple to construct dress that opens at the front. Worn mostly around the house doing as the name suggests, household chores. This dress would have been worn over all of one's undergarments and petticoats so when it was time to go out all that needed to be changed was the outer dress. With no defined waistline, a simple tie would cinch in the waist. No defined waistline also made this a popular maternity dress. The dress has dropped shoulders, a simple gathered cuffed sleeve, and a fitted bodice. This dress has the option to either pleat or gather the skirt to the bodice. Instructions are also included to make a shorter present day version of this dress. This PDF sewing pattern by Love From Lola is designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl®.  Recommended Fabrics: Light to medium weight cotton and cotton blend fabrics. The present day version works well with flowy fabrics such as rayon, chiffon, and poplin. Supplies Needed: Past Version ¾ yard fabric Two 3/8