Lise Chemise (1785-1820)

This a digital PDF download.  See 'About Your PDF' below for more details.

US$12

Sizes Small-XXX Large (30''-56'' bust)

Difficulty: Intermediate  

The Lise Chemise is the perfect base layer for all your late 18th and early 19th century outfits. The pattern provides three views that cover 35 years of silhouettes, and patterning and instructions taken from extant garments, contemporaneous images and period sources.

The Lise is a minimal-printing-needed pattern: because most of the pattern pieces are rectangles and triangles, dimensions are given for the pattern pieces, and the fabric is cut or torn to size. Templates are given for the neckline scoops.

All views feature a tapering body with moderate ease at the bust and extra hem fullness created through side gores.

View A is suitable for the entire 1785-1820 period, and features short straight sleeves and a scooped neckline.

View B is based on images of chemise worn under the daring sleeveless ‘Merveilleuse’ dresses of the mid-1790s to early 1800s, and has narrow straps with no sleeves and a drawstring across the front of the neck.

View C is based on examples from 1800-1820 and has short puffed sleeves and a squared neckline.

All views can be made with or without ruffle trim around the neck and the sleeves or straps. Views A & C can be made with or without a drawstring at the neckline.

Recommended Fabrics:

Lightweight plain-weave plant-fibre fabrics.  Historically accurate options are linen or ramie (as a stand-in for European nettle linen).  Cotton was also used historically, but was less common than linen.  

Modern options are cottons such as lawn, batiste, voile etc, or lightweight viscose/rayon.

Sizing Chart:

Leimomi is wearing View B in Large in 140gsm pure linen.  She wears her Lise Chemise under sunshine yellow Minette Stays.  She appears with foster kittens Little B (all black) and Paulie (black and white).

Leimomi is wearing View C in Large in 140gsm pure linen.  She hold foster kitten Little B (all black) and plays with foster kitten Paulie (black and white).

About your PDF:

This pattern is a digital download. Once you complete your purchase you’ll be sent an email with a link to download a zip file containing your printable files. You’ll need to open it on a computer: the zip file will not open on phones and tablets.

The Lise Chemise can be printed using the 'Layers' function of Adobe Reader.

The Lise Chemise zip file contains the following files:

• Instructions: 32 pages
  
• Print-At-Home Pattern: 10 pages 
• Copyshop Pattern: 1 A1 page  
• Printing Instructions: 3 pages 
  

Paper Patterns:

A paper version of the Lise Chemise pattern will be available through Virgil's Fine Goods in the USA.

About the Pattern and Additional Historical Information:

• Coming soon!

Tutorials & Pattern Hacks  

• Coming soon!

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