Fiddleback Chasuble Sewing Pattern | Roman Mass Chasuble Pattern | Style 3013 Printed Pattern

The Fiddleback Chasuble began in the late Middle Ages, when priests needed more freedom to celebrate the Mass.

The old vestments were wide and heavy, so they carefully trimmed the sides, creating a new shape, one that kept the dignity of worship while making movement easier.

By the 16th to 18th centuries, especially in Rome, the Fiddleback Chasuble had become a symbol of sacrifice, reverence, and tradition.

Our Style 3013 Roman Fiddleback Chasuble Sewing Pattern continues that tradition today.

Using designs from ecclesiastical vintage vestment resources, this pattern follows the same classic lines and orphrey placements that have been loved for centuries.

It’s the same style we often use when creating custom vestments in our studio, each one sewn with care, carrying forward the quiet devotion that shaped the Fiddleback’s story long ago.

The ability to sew for the Church is a gift, a quiet offering of skill and devotion, returning glory to the Giver of all gifts.

Bring this tradition to life with the Style 3013 Pattern a guide for your hands, a prayer from your heart.

Product Features

• Full-size printed paper sewing pattern - NOT available as PDF format

• Traditional Roman Fiddleback silhouette with historic orphrey layout

• Narrow, tapered look at front and back shoulders

• Wide lower edge for authentic Roman styling

• Two back design options:

  • Traditional Back Cross Orphrey 

  • Column-Style Back Orphrey (Optional) 

• Option to sew contrasting fabric for the column orphrey

• Placement line at waistline for sewing a tie to secure garment positioning

• Full sewing instructions with layout diagrams included

• Fabric cutting layouts provided for both solid and patterned fabrics

• Professional ecclesiastical garment construction techniques
  

Sewing Skill Level 

This project is best suited for intermediate to advanced seamstresses, familiar with techniques involving linings, trim placement, and vestment construction.

Fabric Recommendations 

Face Fabrics:

• Suggested Fabrics: Brocades, Carlisle Solids, Silk Dupioni
• Contrast fabric: Metallic Brocade, Silk Dupioni, Brocades

(Note: Not suitable for stretch fabrics or fabrics containing Lycra.)

Lining Fabrics: 

• Polyester Satin,
• Silk Dupioni,
• Cotton Sateen
  

Interfacing: 

• Medium-weight fusible interfacing
  

Fabric Yardage Requirements 

• Face Fabric: 2 ½ yards of 54" or 60" wide fabric
  

• Lining Fabric: 2 ½ yards of 54" or 60" wide fabric
  

• Interfacing: 1 ¼ yards of 36" wide interfacing
  

• Orphrey Fabric: 1 ¼ yards (additional fabric may be needed to match pattern repeats)
  

• Orphrey Trim:
  

  • 5 ½ yards of 1" wide trim (Cross and Front Orphreys)
    

  • 4 ¾ yards of 1" wide trim (Column Back Orphrey)
    

  • 7 yards of ½" wide trim (outer edge finishing)
    

• Twill Tape Tie: 4 yards of ¾" twill tape

Optional Interfacing for Cross and Orphrey Band. Consider adding an applique or embroidery to your project, too!

What You'll Receive

• Full-size printed sewing pattern (paper format)
  
• Complete step-by-step sewing instructions
  
• Trim and orphrey placement diagrams
• Fabric cutting layout guides

Finished Measurement Chart

Suggested Stole and Maniple Patterns 

To Use With This Chasuble

• Style 1020
• Style 1021
• Style 1022
• Style 1030
• Style 1035

Important Note 

Sewing patterns are not returnable per the Return policy. Please read all product details carefully to understand that this is a sewing pattern and not a completed garment.   

Pattern FAQ's 

What is the sewing level for this project?

This is a project for advanced intermediate to professional-level seamstresses. This project is NOT for beginners. 

What is the pattern printed on?

The pattern is printed on white paper.  For those who wish to use something a bit less stiff, you may prefer to trace the pattern onto a lighter-weight Pellon pattern interfacing paper.

Why is the pattern printed on white paper?

There are limited paper options available for small pattern companies to keep production minimums low and costs affordable for clients. The patterns are printed locally in small quantities as needed. The available paper that is large enough for use with our full-size patterns for use while still allowing for small print runs is white blueprint paper.

Can the wrinkles be pressed out of the pattern by ironing?

It is NOT recommended to use anything hot to press the pattern paper. The patterns are printed with toner ink and they will smudge and leave black marks on other surfaces if the pattern is ironed. Simple smooth the pattern out by hand prior to cutting. If you prefer, the pattern may also be traced off on Pellon Pattern interfacing to preserve the original.

Is the pattern available as a digital download file?

The patterns are NOT available as a digital download file. They are a physical product that requires shipping.

Are the patterns sold to clients the same patterns used by Ecclesiastical Sewing?

Yes. We use the very same patterns that are available online in our workrooms for creating beautiful vestments.

May I make a copy of the pattern in my plotter or save a digital copy of this pattern?

The pattern is copyrighted and is offered as a courtesy for use in the church to the Glory of God. The pattern may NOT be copied or saved in any digital format, resold, modified, and sold as an original work, etc.

For private use only. Not intended for commercial use.

Vestment and Stole Care Guide

Looking for more sewing patterns? Check out our collection below resources

Interested in historic vestment fabrics? Learn the story behind tapestry fabrics in our blog post here.