L'Anglaise - 1780s Italian Gown Pattern - 18th century historical dress

PDF sewing pattern for an 18th-century robe à l’anglaise (Italian gown), circa 1780.
This pattern allows you to make a historically accurate gown characteristic of the late eighteenth century, featuring a fitted bodice, a pleated skirt, and three-quarter sleeves.

This is a digital PDF pattern to print at home.

Instant download
Files are available for download as soon as payment is confirmed. Due to the nature of digital products, no exchanges or refunds are possible. If you encounter any issues, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With your purchase, you will receive:

- The full-size pattern (1:1 scale), with the option to print only the sizes you need
- A very detailed instruction booklet in French and English, illustrated with photos and diagrams, guiding you step by step through the construction process
- Tutorials for taking your measurements, choosing the correct size, and adjusting the pattern if you are between sizes

About the pattern
L’Anglaise 1780’s Italian gown is based on the study of extant garments and period pattern diagrams published in reference works such as those by Norah Waugh and Janet Arnold.
The bodice is closely fitted over eighteenth-century stays, with boned seams and a centre-front closure with hooks and eyes, a pointed back, a projected armscye for correct posture, and three-quarter sleeves. The skirt is very full, pleated at the waist, and can be made with or without a train.

Please note: petticoat pattern not included.

The pattern includes options for:
- 5 mm or 10 mm skirt pleats
- With or without train

Sizes
Standard sizes included: EU 32 to 56.
The pattern also includes guidance for blending sizes and adjusting the pattern to your measurements.

Important note on historical accuracy:
This pattern is histo-compatible and may be used for historical reenactment, provided that appropriate fabrics and construction techniques are chosen.
However, the construction method presented in the instructions is modern: the garment is assembled primarily using a sewing machine for faster construction, while the visible finishes are worked by hand.
Each maker is free to adapt materials and techniques according to their own knowledge and creativity.

Required skill level
This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewists. You do not need to be a professional historical tailor to complete it, but you should be comfortable sewing accurately and working with detailed instructions.
Patience is essential: some steps (pleating, boning, hand finishing) are time-consuming, but not technically difficult.

Materials required
Exact quantities are indicated on the pattern.

You will need:
- Main fabric
- Interlining and lining fabrics
- Boning (synthetic or steel, depending on placement)
- Hooks and eyes
- Sewing thread and hand-sewing thread

Important information
This listing is for a digital sewing pattern only.
The finished garment shown in photos is not for sale.

If you have any questions before or after purchase, feel free to contact me — I’m always happy to help.