A Lady’s Chemise – #223

Extra Small to 3X Large. 

Hand-stitched from muslin or fine-spun lawn, a chemise was that intimate garment worn next to a lady’s skin. During the Victorian era, it was often meticulously monogrammed in danny script. Today, A lady’s Chemise is perfect the nightgown or simple summer dress.

A chemise was worn during the mid to late 1800’s and this pattern offers two appealing versions. Both views have short gathered and ruffled cap sleeves and can be cut low knee-length or at the hip to be worn as a blouse. Pleats accent the center front and back of the neckline, which is adjustable with feminine ribbon drawstrings.

The neckline for View A drops just off the shoulder in the late 19th century style and uses purchased eyelet beading and lace or eyelet ruffles at neckline and sleeve. The neckline of View B sits on the shoulder, as in earlier eras; it featured a self-fabric ruffle casing for the ribbon drawstring.

Instructions and alphabet designs for a Victorian monogram are included. See Authentic Detailing for a Lady’s Chemise inside the pattern.

Suggested Fabrics: Light-weight cottons and blends such as batiste, lawn, voile, gauze, or eyelet; handkerchief linen; silks such as crepe de chine; rayon challis. Originals were made of lightweight muslin or linen.

Yardage chart (.pdf)