How to Use a Victorian Edwardian McCalls Sewing Pattern - Original Instructions

I have done a lot of sewing using vintage sewing patterns - usually these are 40s and 50s patterns. Though I own a number of original sewing patterns from the 1920s and 1930s, I don't have the heart to open them up and use them.  However, these early patterns, just like those from the 1940s and 1950s, were not printed on the tissue like they are today with markings which show seam allowances, where to match pattern pieces, notches and etc.  Generally, the older pattern pieces consist of precut tissue pieces with a series of hole punches... that's it.

1903 McCall's Tissue Pattern Pieces

The person who purchase the pattern to construct it was assumed to have some general sewing knowledge, as people constructed their own garments more regularly back then.  They didn't always have the big department stores always available to them like we do today.  Even in the 1940s and 1950s, not everyone sewed.  My grandmother had a collection of patterns of her own, each was made for her by the seamstress she hired down the street from her.  These patterns were used to complete the garments which were used for outfits worn for her honeymoon after she married my grandfather.  One of these outfits is hanging in my closet upstairs and consisted of a two-piece suite with a matching cape.

1903 McCall's Pattern Advertisement

I was costuming a show for a local community theatre about 15 years ago, and found a 1940s pattern in my collection which was perfect for one of the actors characters.  However, at the time I didn't know how to use the pattern whatsoever.  Lucky for me, an elderly woman (who has sadly passed away since) was assisting me and knew from her past experience how to use them and taught me.

1903 McCall's Measurement Illustration

Today I was listing items to sell in my Etsy shop and came across a one page article in a 1903 McCall's Magazine which illustrates how to fit and use a McCall's pattern.  This is an invaluable resource to someone who would like to use one of their vintage/antique patterns from their collection.

I have listed this page for sale in my Etsy Shop Here as an Instant Digital Download for anyone who may need the reference.  Please visit my shop if you want more information on the listing.

Roaring 1920s Crochet Chair Back Cover Pattern

I have a love of doilies and chair back covers.  My mother-in-law has given me a bunch of vintage doilies and chair back covers over the years, and I always trade them out to display them.  I use doilies quite often under my potted plants in the house and I put the chair back covers on the chairs which nobody really sits in (I have toddlers so the more used chairs are out of the question till they are older).  I will note that I recently noticed that one of my doilies which was located on a side table has somehow migrated to the Barbie Dream House and become Barbie's bathroom rug (and I'm too in love with my daughter to take it back, go fig ;).

So I came across this gem of a crochet chair back cover, which I have posted in my Etsy store.  It is a chair back cover which says "Take a *insert picture of chair/seat here*"

Take a Seat Y'all

Not only is this an awesome chair back cover design, I think it would be amazing as a framed wall hanging in a waiting room or family room entry.  If you want more details, click here to visit my store!

Roaring 20s Crochet Pattern of Doll's Bedspread Complete Bed Set Sheets Pillowcases Comforter - Vintage Instant Digital Download PDF

So... this is one of my favorite patterns that I have posted thus far... it is listed to purchase in my Etsy Store right now and will go into my web store shortly.

This is for an adorable vintage crochet pattern from 1920 for a complete set of sheets, pillowcases, bedspread, and comforter for a baby doll's doll bed.  This is made for originally and pictured with a doll's four-poster mahogany bed, per the caption.

Per the pattern, "if dolly is big enough to walk she should, of course, have a dignified Colonial bed.  The bed for which this set was made measured 32 x 18 inches, and had a stationary mattress.  By making this set larger it would be suitable for a child's bed."

The sheets measure 29 x 24 inches.  There is a 1 1/2 inch hem between an edge and insertion of the same depth.  This uses a bird pattern design along the insertion and edges.

The pillow slips are 9 3/4 inches long by 6 1/4 inches wide and are finished with the bird edge the same as on the sheets.  The insertion is omitted on the pillow slips.

The comforter is made of blue silk stamped with bright pink roses.  It uses a 36-inch width of material, which when doubled will measure just one half yard wide to fit the bed.  It is padded with layer cotton and tacked down with tan colored wool.  The edges are crocheted.

The spread is 19 inches wide by 27 inches long, and is finished with knotted fringe which is 3 inches deep.  A crocheted octagon motif is used.  This octagon bedspread pattern also can be used for an adult sized bed.

More details on this can be found in the actual listing.  Click here to view more!

Roaring 20s Flapper Crochet Pattern of Boudoir Cap Butterfly & Buttercup Night Cap Hat

Today I have posted another amazing original crochet pattern in my Etsy Store... for a Boudoir Night Cap for a lady.  The top of the cap is decorated with a delicate butterfly design.

Materials suggested are Mercerized Cordonnet, Art. 66, 1 ball White, Size 70.  One No. 14 steel Crochet Hook. 3/4 yard either pink or blue Satin Ribbon.

Detail of the top of the cap butterfly design

This is a pattern for crochet which was published originally in a little booklet from 1920 and is no longer under copyright.  I have scanned the pattern at 600 dpi to ensure high quality viewing and printability for an instant digital download from my store.  You can see more information on it at this link.

I am currently working on building my store back up, both at Etsy and on my personal store, which is linked on the tabs above.  New items are being added daily so please bookmark me if you love arts & crafts!

Vintage 1920s Crochet Pattern for Poinsettia Luncheon Set - Runner, Centerpiece & Doily

This is another new item which is now for sale as an instant digital download in my store. It is an old 1920s crochet pattern for a runner, centerpiece and a set of doilies with simply elegant detail.

The instructions for crocheting this design can be purchased here in my personal store or you can visit my Etsy shop here.

Vintage 1920s Pattern for Baby Crib Blanket Bedspread with Animals for Filet Crochet or Cross Stitch

I have just added another wonderful item to my online store, which is available for instant download!

This is a PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOAD COPY of a precious crochet or cross stitch pattern for a baby's crib spread.

This pattern is adorable, featuring many different animals including a bunny, horse, elephant, rooster, hen, horse, cat, squirrel, deer, and hen. The center features a home and pelicans with the word "baby" and the year.

The design requires a piece of material 54 inches wide and 64 inches long as the foundation. Materials also suggested include Corticelli Mercerized Cordonnet, Art. 66, 16 balls of White, Size 50 or 60. One No. 13 steel Crochet Hook.

The pattern indicates that all of the work patterns shown are suitable for filet crochet or cross stitch. Instructions are included for the crochet blanket spread edge.

For more images and information, follow the link to the item here in my personal webstore or you can visit my Etsy shop here.

1920s Crochet Pattern of Boudoir Slippers or Bedroom Shoes

New store arrival -

This is a PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOAD COPY of a wonderful vintage crochet pattern from 1920 for a pair of bedroom slippers with a medallion design.

From the pattern, "A pair of dainty boudoir slippers of crochet medallions are worked in ecru cordonnet and lined with pink satin."

Visit my online store for more information or you can visit my Etsy shop here!