RH842 — Regency Ladies’ (short) Spencer Jacket (circa 1810) sewing pattern

Regency style in a Spencer!

The story goes that the Second Earl of Spencer was sleeping next to a fire. Hot coals rolled out and onto the tails of his coat. So he had the tails of his coat cut off and thus invented the Spencer jacket. The fashion soon ran to cut the tails off their jackets. This may be the origin of women’s Spencer jackets.

The ladies’ Spencer jacket in the 1810s is something very different to ladies’ riding costume in previous decades. There are no military or masculine elements on display. It is entirely feminine, almost an item of undress. In fact, it is not dissimilar from the top of women’s gowns. Jackets of this type were very light, often functioning as a cover-up for a dress with rather diaphanous sleeves, a chilly prospect in damp and rainy England.

Our easy-to-use pattern, based on extant and pictorial examples, helps you make your own lady’s spencer jacket circa 1810.  This is a short spencer, reaching just below the bust and closing center front with drawstrings.  An inner bodice forms the bust into the proper position.  Choose RH834 early 1800s stays if you need more support.

Fits busts 30″- 50″. All sizes in one envelope. 

Also included are assembly instructions, embellishment suggestions, and the extensive historical notes you’ve come to expect from Reconstructing History.

Suggested Fabrics: silk taffeta, fine cotton (heavy cotton or linen for underbody)

Notions: thread, ties, decoration to taste

Yardage Requirements: 2 yards at least 54” wide