Introduction: 18th Century Dress (Robe À L'Anglaise)

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About: i love sewing and cosplay. this is what i do in my free time. i hope you like what i make:)

A close-bodied gown, English nightgown, or robe à l'anglaise was a women's fashion of the 18th century.

i wanted to make one for a long time, so there it is.

Step 1: Materials

  • 4 meters fabric for the dress
  • 3 meters fabric for the underskirt
  • 1 meter fabric for the lining
  • lace
  • fabric for the bows
  • beads

Step 2: The Pattern

you have a few options. there are books you can buy for patterns and Instructions like the new The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking, but i made this dress before i got the book.

i googled "robe a langlaise pattern" and found this.

it's a great pattern. it's rare to find such good pattern online, so i was very pleased.

Step 3: Cutting Out the Pattern

i pinned the pattern onto my fabric and cutted it out.

Step 4: Lining and Boning Channels

i dont have pictures of the next part:(
i also cutted the pieces from the lining; after cutting all the pieces i sewed them together and sewed the boning chennels onto the liling. then i inserted the boning and sewed the lining to the real bodice.

Step 5: Lace and Closure

i sewed the lace on the raw edge and sewed in hooks and eyes for closure.

Step 6: The Skirt

then i gathered the skirt, just a big rectangal of fabric and sewed it to the bodice.

the hem was sewn by hand.

Step 7: The Sleeves

next, the sleeves.

i dont like sleeves. they are not fun at all!!!

unfortunately i dont have picures of this part as well, but i do have finished pictures.

so i’ll try my best to explain. after cutting the sleeve pattern i sewed it together.

now it’s time for the ruffle.

the ruffle pattern is on the top, it is drafted by me since the original pattern did not include it.

it was cutted twice on the fold of the fabric for each sleeve. that means a total of four pieces, then it gathered and sewn into the sleeves.
i sewed lace on the top and made little bows from the satin fabric.

i sewed some beads on it.

Step 8: Decorating

i also edded another bow on the top.

it is sewn in one side, and the other one has a snap, so i can take the dress on and off.

Step 9: The Underskirt

the under skirt is very simple.

itws a large rectangle that i gathred. it is closed in the back with a ribbon.

i am also wearing under everything a shift and a corset.

Step 10: That's It!