Regency Dress

Create a beautiful day or evening gown with a period-correct apron front closure

Delve into the Regency Era with sewing a lovely dress!

You've dreamed about dancing with Mr. Darcy.... The local historical society is hosting a winter tea.... The book club is delving into Jane Austen.....

The time has come to DRESS in the time period you LOVE - the Regency Era!

Whether you are new to the elegant period of the early 1800s or a long-time reveler, this online sewing class will feed your need to connect to the past through the clothing. It is designed specifically for those who dream of the past and are ready to bring it to life!

Together we'll walk through each step as we sew up a basic, apron-front Regency-era dress.

Yes - every detail from fabric selections to hem is covered! Lessons include video tutorials and instructional photos along with an accompanying PDF handout with homework assignments to help move you along in your project.

Complete an Authentic Regency Era Gown

This is an Beginner to Intermediate sewing class. You should be familiar with your machine and have a little experience with sewing clothing - modern or historical. Be willing to advance your basic skills without boredom: straight seams, casings, pleating/gathering, set in sleeves and hand hems. We will follow the class pattern closely, so even those new to the Regency Era will be able to keep up!

The priority is for you to perfect your basic techniques while understanding period construction (and how it looks more complicated than it actually is).

Come to class and focus on making a historically-accurate dress with adjustable lining and skirt ties to challenge your fundamental dressmaking & fitting skills. Together we'll explore fitting this simple dress design as well as the various sewing methods to make it come together easily.

Thrilling Lesson Plans Prepared for You:

Lesson 1: Discuss fabric selections, take detailed measurements, mockup sewing tips
Lesson 2: Fit bodice mockup, do pattern alterations and cut fabrics
Lesson 3: Begin construction with bodice lining and sew sleeves
Lesson 4: Sew the skirt and attach to the bodice

Lesson 5: Finish with sewing the bodice, hem and final touches

You'll find a variety of Regency dress patterns available. For this class I wanted to use a well-drafted and generally historically-accurate pattern to make the project easy for you but also one we could have fun with!

For this class we'll be using the excellent Laughing Moon #126 Ladies Round Gown & Trained Gown c.1800-1810 pattern (sold separately). Sizes in pattern - Bust 30.5" to 56".

Although, as with all our classes, you can choose to use another Regency dress pattern. But be aware that the specific steps of each lesson will cover the class-specific Laughing Moon pattern. However, I've found the directions translate well to other published patterns.

Valuable Skills & Techniques You'll Learn:

  • Fabrics to use for Regency dresses
  • Accurate measuring for Regency wear
  • Fitting tips for your specific body type
  • How sleeves affect the fit of the bodice
  • Altering pattern pieces
  • Mounting fabrics to a lining
  • Setting in sleeves in the Regency style
  • Painless skirt pleating or gathering
  • Learning the unusual closure of this simple dress style
  • Finishing details for wearing ease
  • Hemming tips for pressing & sewing

Beginner to Intermediate Level Class

If you have sewing experience but are new to historical garments, you may find this class a nice challenge. We'll be following the pattern closely so be confident you can keep up.

If you are new to sewing, this class may be a stretch for you. But if you are brave, take the challenge and go for it!

If you are advanced in your sewing skills, you are welcome! Maybe you want to try a new time period. Or simply want the class as accountability so your dress gets done. We're here to push you forward. :-)

No matter your level, we all have methods we can share with each other. Bring yours along to the class for full participation.

One final note - this class was initially hosted on my blog, HistoricalSewing.com. Any reference to emails, different lesson pages or logins, and even timing between release of lessons should be disregarded. You have access to the entire class lessons here on this site with progression on your own schedule.


"I really learned a lot in the dress class! This was for me more than a how to put the dress together, I learned techniques that I have used in modern apparel."

~ Carol Schott

Course Curriculum



"Hello! It is finished!! Hurrah!! I am very proud of the result, specially because it was my first serious sewing project! I am immensely grateful to Jennifer for the classes and thank you to all the group members for all the support!"

~ Paula Barbosa

"What a fun class! I learned a few techniques and enjoying seeing the progress of others. Jennifer, you are a terrific teacher and you explain everything clearly."

~ Adriana Walls

 

Your Instructor


Jennifer Rosbrugh
Jennifer Rosbrugh

Teacher to hundreds of sewing and costuming students since 2004, Jennifer dreams of the nostalgia of the past and brings it into her modern life through creating costume ensembles from about 1780 to 1920. Dark chocolate, Jane Austen and bustle dress fanatic. Daughter of the King.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the class start and finish?
The class starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online class - you decide when you start each lesson, complete the sewing, and when you finish the project.
How long do I have access to the class?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this class for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Can I get personal feedback and help with my class project?
Of course! We are here to see you succeed in creating historical fashions you love. We help you every step of the way through conversational comments in each tutorial and through email, if desired. We create a joyful and safe environment for you to ask any question about your project and receive answers and feedback that can be used immediately.
What if I am unhappy with the class?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and give us the opportunity to address your concerns.
If I change my mind, can I request a refund?
Due to the nature of the materials and intellectual property presented in the class, all sales are final.

Start your dress today!

Get started now!