March Draft-at-Home Pattern: An Apron Dress!
This download is now archived.
For this month's draft-at-home sewing pattern freebie, I have chosen the cutest little apron dress from circa 1954.
This design features a dart-fitted bodice joined to a fitted waist shaped by cut-out side panels that may hide pockets if you wish. The back has a button-down and dart-fitted shape. Straps are stitched from straight lengths of the same fabric and may be crossed at back.
FABRIC: Approximately 3.5 meters (about 3 7/8 yards) of fabric 80 cm or wider (32 inches wide).
The original source material gave limited fabric requirements estimated for a 98 cm (38.5") bust size. More or less may be required depending on the size you choose to draft.
Pattern pieces for the straps and pockets are not included.
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For our newbies:
SIZING
5 1/2" - 60" Bust:
This is a pattern from a French pattern drafting system similar to the Lutterloh golden rule patterns. You will be able to draft a pattern to your exact size from the miniature pattern template and specially designed rulers. To draft any of these special patterns to doll, children, and adult sizes is easy. Rulers are included to draft the pattern as small as a 5 1/2" chest to as large as a 60" chest and the pattern will be scaled perfectly every time.
ALL RULERS ARE INCLUDED AS PRINTABLES WITH THESE PATTERNS.
You may also be interested in our collection of lingerie sewing books and resources.
Don't have a printer? Not a problem! We offer a printing service Add-on for these patterns.
Simply add the printing service to your cart along with this pdf pattern. (You will still need to draft your pattern using the printed tools - we do not offer a drafting service at this time.)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced.
The pattern includes basic markings that show you how they fit together, and includes indications such as dotted lines for cutting on the fold. I have included several pages of drafting instructions that I have translated from the original French personally. The illustrated instructions show you how to easily draw your pattern pieces from the miniature pattern template using our special rulers.
These patterns were marketed originally to both home seamstresses and professionals alike and assume that you have a basic understanding of clothing construction. The original patterns DO NOT INCLUDE ANY SEWING INSTRUCTIONS or facings. To sew these, you should have a basic understanding of how pattern pieces should fit together. The pattern pieces are illustrated in such a way that you can see how they are supposed to be sewn to each other.
For a complete tutorial on drafting your pattern including photos, check out this blog post.
If you find that you need a bit of help with your pattern, or if you just want to show off your finished work, join us at the Mrs. Depew Vintage Sew and Tell Group on Facebook!
What you will need:
Paper (I use large tracing paper but butcher paper, pattern-making paper, or wrapping paper all work well!),
Pencil, a thumbtack or pin, a small piece of cardboard, and a bit of tape.
It's that simple! No special tools are required!
If French is your first language and you would prefer a copy of the instructions in French instead, you can find them here.