Pattern Patter : Sewing Patterns Through The Decades: 1920s Style

Hey all!!

It's been a while, I know! You ever have one of those days? Or one of those weeks? Or .. one of those months?

Yeah, we all do. That's neither here nor there though, let's get on with a blog entry!

I thought it might be fun to roll through the decades and see what kind of fun patterns our Pattern Patter Team members have available from every decade. Won't that be interesting?

I think so. Let's get going!
In the 1920s the sewing pattern industry was really getting going. Patterns had been available for decades before, but new trends in fashion plus new innovations in sewing patterns made it easier than ever to sew for yourself. You really could have the height of Paris fashion for a much cheaper cost. I'm just speculating here but since more ladies were working in offices and such they may have had more money to spend on things like clothes.

Unbranded Pattern #302

The 1920s are usually considered pretty glamorous (not to mention a total and absolute change from almost everything that ever came before!) However, this sedate little number shows that style could be simple too. This unbranded pattern is available from Retroactive Future and is on sale!

Butterick 1771 & Ladies Home Journal 5250

These two patterns from Kinsey Sue are somewhat similar, with a shoulder drape. However, the Butterick pattern is slightly more complicated with it's bias cut and asymmetrical neckline which mirrors the asymmetrical flounce at the bottom.

Butterick 1227, 1214

A new addition to my personal collection, this 1920s Butterick advertising sign features lively prints and delicate pleating. The nautical collar on 1214 is an interesting touch. Though the lines are straight the amount of ruffles and bows adds femininity.

Australian Home Journal 8376

Though the lines of the 20s seem simple at first glance, look at the complicated lines of this pattern from Sew As It Was Patterns. Again with a somewhat nautical collar, but the lines down the front are incredibly interesting! You don't usually see patterns this complicated these days. This one is from Australian Home Journal so as you can see, this up-to-date fashion was a worldwide phenomenon. :)

Butterick 6365

After a long night of dancing, why not slip into this beautiful robe from Vintage Needle Finds? Even though it's a robe, it still suggests the straight lines of the late 20s by suggesting you tie it slightly below the natural waist.

From Butterick's Spring 1926 catalog and my personal collection comes this selection of dresses, ranging from very simple to quite complicated. A hat was still a must as you can see!

Costume parties were big business in the 1920s, with costumes made both of fabric and crepe paper. This Ladies Home Journal catalog from my personal collection features masquerade costumes only, for men, women, and children. All the major pattern companies had their own masquerade catalogs, including Vogue and Weldon's.

McCall 2833

Pierrot-style clowns were always a favorite... an easy to make costume that could be worn by anyone. This one is in stock at Rebecca's Vintage Salon.

Pictorial Review 1927

These complicated gowns from my personal collection feature very interesting layers and colors.

Pictorial Review 1927

Elegant looks for the bride and her attendants from Pictorial Review and my personal collection.

Pictorial Review 1927

Wow! Look at the complicated lines on this gown! I wouldn't want to sew it. Funny enough, despite the straight lines in the illustration, this is listed as for "the mature figure" with "larger hips." Haha, I'm not sure how large hips would ever look like that illustration. (From my personal collection.)

Pictorial Review 1927

How lovely it must have been to wear these simple and comfortable underthings after so many years of being corseted and covered up. Though many women did wear bust minimizers which squeezed them in for that boyish look. Couldn't have been comfortable! (From my personal collection.)

Advance 1042

Little girls were often clothed in very short little dresses with a smock-like cut. Seen here in a very early Advance pattern from The Granny Squared. Advance patterns from this era seem to be extremely scarce.

Butterick 4433

This bed coat, box coat, or vest is perfect for lounging in the morning. From Clutterina's Shop.

Butterick 6399

If working with a vintage unprinted pattern is too difficult, or an original 1920s pattern is too pricey, why not try this lovely repro gown from Cloe's Closet?