Ladies chemise in cotton lawn with drawstring neckline

Ladies chemise/shift/tunic in 100% cotton lawn, cut to the pattern of an 18th century ladies undergarment.  This is a voluminous garment with a frilled gathered drawstring neckline, threaded with a white satin ribbon.  The sleeves are three quarter length with small amount of gathering at the shoulder, ending in a similar frilled drawstring cuff.  The gathering at the neck is not bulky as the fabric is so fine and soft. The neckline allows the wearer to adjust the gathers to fit and then tie the ribbon firmly.  It is suitable for sleeping, lounging or wearing as part of a historical costume.

The cotton lawn fabric is fine and soft.  The pattern is designed to waste no cloth, as shifts or chemises would have been made in the home, so the patterns pieces are simple geometric shapes. The sleeves are fashioned from a square of fabric with a square underarm panel to give ease of movement.

Although the pattern belongs to the 18th century, all the internal seams are finished on an over-locker.

The front slit opening is 3 inches deep. The flared shape is created by triangular gores set into the side seams. All chemises are 46″ long.

The XS size is cut for a petite lady or young teen who wants it narrow
– The measurement across the chest and the hip is 20”.
– The measurement across the hem is 25”
– The measurement around the upper arm is 13″

The S size is cut for a UK size 10-12
– The measurement across the chest and the hip is 23”.
– The measurement across the hem is 33”
– The measurement around the upper arm is 15″

The Medium is cut for a size 14-16
– The measurement across the chest and the hip is 26”.
– The measurement across the hem is 36”
– The measurement around the upper arm is 17″

The Large is cut for a size 18-20
– The measurement across the chest and the hip is 31”.
– The measurement across the hem is 40”
– The measurement around the upper arm is 19″

The XL or plus size is the same length but:
– The measurement across the chest and the hip is is 39”.
– The measurement across the hem is 48”
– The measurement around the upper arm is 23″
We have to charge extra for this plus size as it uses so much more fabric – sorry!