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This 1890s Circular Bell Skirt is a Past Pattern original design

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From Past Patterns Historical Notes about the 1890s Circular Bell Skirt:

When attempting to date an antique garment, it is wise to research the ladies’ journals and pattern magazines published in the decade in

which you think the garment was created. Because we are concerned with skirts that were worn by women who made their own clothes and

often their own patterns, we chose to research The Ladies’ Home Journal, The Delineator, Peterson’s Magazine, Godey’s Lady Magazine,

The Diamond Garment Cutter and The National Garment Cutter published from 1891 through 1898.

We found that skirts first began to bell in 1892 and, subsequently, by 1893 the Gay 90s silhouette with gored or circular skirt and the leg o’mutton sleeve was established. The conservative hem widths expanded from 3 ½ yards in 1893 to 4 ½ yards in 1897 and then they narrowed back down to 3 ½ yards in the Spring of 1898. “All skirts, except the extreme styles, are from three and one-half to four yards in width; the extremists have them from five to seven yards.”[1] It would be safe to say that Past Patterns’ 208 Circular Bell Skirt can be worn to represent skirts made between 1894 and 1897. A typical skirt description found in pattern magazines of the era includes statements such as “…is of the most approved shaping and is only moderately wide, measuring four yards and a quarter at the bottom of the medium sizes.”[2]

[1] The Ladies’ Home Journal, “Early Fall Dressmaking” by Emma M Hooper, October 1893, pg. 26

[2] The Delineator, April 1895, pg. 476

“The circular skirt was worn in the late 1890s. Because this 5 piece circular skirt is not gored, it is quick and easy to sew. This style fits smoothly over the hips and features four pleats at center back."

We suggest pairing this Skirt with Past Patterns 0207, our Late 1890s Side Closing Bodice, and item 1097, the Late 1890s Hugenot Skirt, modifying it to be a petticoat.

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This pattern is Multi-Sized 08-20

Size 08 fits 24 ¾” Waist and 33 ¾” Hips

Size 10 fits 25 ½” Waist and 35 ½“ Hips

Size 12 fits 27” Waist and 37“ Hips

Size 14 fits 28 ½” Waist and 38 ½” Hips

Size 16 fits 30 ¼” Waist and 40” Hips

Size 18 fits 31 ¾” Waist and 41 ¾” Hips

Size 20 fits 33 ¼” Waist and 43 ¼” Hips

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Materials Required

Sizes 08-12 need approx. 4 3/4 Yds of 45” Wide Fabric

Sizes 14-20 need approx. 5 ¾ Yds of 45” Wide Fabric

1890s Skirt similar to this we made of silk taffeta and damask, printed cotton and lightweight wool. For lining, we suggest changeable silk taffeta, printed cotton sateen and printed or plain cotton broadcloth.

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The package has a copy of our original artwork on the front cover and a sizing chart and material requirements chart on the back cover. Inside the booklet are historical notes on the research Sandra Altman did when developing the pattern, a fabric layout chart, Construction Notes, Sewing Instructions and Information on Stiffening; all the instructions come with illustrations. The patterns are on 2 sheets, computer generated and computer printed, 1 36”x60” and 1 36”x52”.

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Our patterns are printed on 20 lb. white paper and packaged in a reusable plastic. We always attempt to offer the most reasonable shipping rates for domestic and international orders. Multi item purchases are automatically adjusted for combined shipping.

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See sizing chart in images.

Item will be shipped USPS Media Mail

When multiple items are ordered and paid for on the same check,

shipping discounts will be applied

Expedited shipments are available

Pattern developed by Saundra Ros Altman

From the Past Patterns website:

Our first goal, at Past Patterns, is to make patterns of existing antique garments from which you can make reproductions.

We do this with the hope that people will start creating and wearing reproductions instead of antique originals.

The clothes we wear and that our grandparents wore are part of our cultural history.

Just as you would not abuse antiques furniture by cutting off decorative trim, so you should not abuse antique garments by wearing them.

Our second goal is that you pick up a little bit of history when you sew the garment.

The fit, the cut, the fasteners, the fabric design, just to mention a few things, are part to the technology of the time.

Our third goal, in sewing the patterns, is to spark an interest in genealogy and local history.

Researching local history is always a rewarding pursuit.

SKU 0208

Thanks for looking!