World War II Era Apron Patterns

Back in the day when resources were limited, our foremothers used their creativity and ingenuity to come up with the things that they needed from the things they already had on hand.  These simple yet functional aprons are an example of this "make do or do without" attitude.  These patterns came from a vintage World War II series of craft books.

You'll need to draft the patterns onto larger paper and the very general instructions including measurements and directions are listed here.

These patterns were created for experienced seamstresses who had some sewing skills.

The Frill Apron

This first pattern is a pretty bib apron with ruffles.  It calls for 1-1/2 yards chintz or cotton print fabric and one yard plain fabric 36" wide.

The instructions say:

"For the skirt, cut a piece 27" wide and 23" deep.  Fold lengthwise, as at A (illustration below), then measure down from the top and in from the corners the distance indicated and mark the dots.  Using the dots as a guide, mark the outline of the apron skirt."

Illustration A

The dimensions for the bib are in illustration B (below):

The pocket pattern in illustration C (below):

Illustration C

The instructions for the ties and shoulder straps:  
"The ties are 6" wide and 36" long.  The strip for the belt is 2-1/2" wide.  The shoulder straps are cut 4" wide and then creased through the center."

And for the ruffles:
"The ruffles are cut 6" wide.  The ruffle material before it is gathered should be 2-1/2 times the length of the space it is to fill after gathering.  Use your machine hemmer foot shown here for hemming the ruffles."

Hemmer Foot

Half Aprons

The suggestion for these half aprons was to use unbleached muslin either by-the-yard or back then, flour or feed sacks.

The instructions say:
"The diagram shown here gives you cutting dimensions for the skirt part of a plain little apron; and shows how to shape the waistline.  Belts for half apron are rather wide now -- 2" or 2-1/2" finished.  Ties are generally 4" wide and as long as you like."

The best part about this little project was that ladies were encouraged to have a sewing bee and plan and cut their aprons with a group of friends.  The idea was to trade trimmings and share resources.

Three Aprons Pattern

This is my favorite, three aprons from one length of fabric!

The instructions say:

"You can make your own pattern for this apron with the dimensions in the sketch.  If you are following the trend of using un-dyed materials make the aprons of unbleached muslin, and very gay they will be if you use bright bindings and colorful scraps for the round appliqué flowers and triangle leaves.  The binding will make lattice and finish edges of pockets.  Three aprons may be cut from two yards of 36" fabric with almost no waste."

The cutting diagram: 

If you have some sewing experience you'll find these patterns to be a good guide to get you started.  If you need more guidance in creating an apron, either for yourself or for a gift, visit my shop for some fun, retro full sized paper apron patterns.  The full size paper patterns are ready for use and don't require any drafting.

The vintage pattern books that these patterns came from are full of all kinds of awesome do-it-yourself projects!  These apron patterns will get you started on your own make-do project!

1920 Apron Pattern With Filet Crochet Edging

For the crochet lovers out there we have this filet crochet pattern featuring bluebirds.  This is another treasure from the vintage 1920 pattern book that I've been pouring over for the past few days.

This neat little pattern makes a lovely apron, as you can see... and who doesn't need a new apron?  The pattern featured here is for the crochet edging and the beading at the top and very general instructions for the apron construction.  

The instructions:

The pattern:

Just like the patterns in my last post, this design could be used for filet crochet or cross stitch.  The instructions suggest using this design for a crocheted dresser scarf but I could see using it for any number of things.... crochet one bird and use it as a pocket on an up-cycled sweater, or trim hand towels for the guest bathroom.

Or imagine this lovely design at the hem of a beautiful, handmade heirloom Christening gown, or at the yoke of a First Communion dress; they actually look like doves to me.

Whatever you choose to make with this design will be lovely, I'm sure!  

Filet Crochet or Cross Stitch Animal Motifs

Today I have the animal filet crochet or cross stitch patterns that I mentioned previously.  These designs are also from the vintage 1920 pattern book that the last patterns came from.  These little guys were originally designed for a baby coverlet but could be used for anything.  

The instructions from the book say size 50 or 60 thread with a number 12 steel crochet hook.  Each grid gives an approximate finished size as well as how many meshes or squares are involved.

This chicken design would look terrific cross stitched onto a kitchen towel:

This would be so cute in a baby's room!

Imagine this little fellow cross stitched onto a Christmas stocking:

Stork for a baby shower:

A bunny for Easter:

Make this in orange and black for a Halloween candy dish towel:

Another design that speaks kitchen to me:

 Longer motifs for crocheted pillowcase edgings or towels.  They could be cross stitched for simple samplers too for baby's room.

 The book offers these suggestions:  "All the work patterns of the animals are suitable for either filet crochet or cross stitch work and they may be used in many ways to make the nursery a delight to its little owner."

Pony or horse:

Can't forget Fido for the dog lover!

Another bird motif:

This would look lovely in a country cabin:

The natural designs of these images would make perfect handmade Christmas ornaments.  The simplicity of the patterns would make teaching cross stitch to children easy and delightful.

The images used alone or used together, crocheted or cross stitched, these lovely little patterns offer so many possibilities.  Enjoy!

Tatted Baby Bonnet Pattern

In the same vintage pattern book that I found the sweet bunny crochet pattern for baby linens was this beautiful tatted baby bonnet pattern.  This lovely bonnet is made with the addition of novelty braid.  I was able to find vintage novelty braid online and you can sometimes find it on Etsy or eBay.  Finer fabric and craft stores carry both vintage and new novelty braid and are good resources.

The pattern instructions as they were originally printed:

This is the novelty braid that I purchased and although it's not the small round medallions that are called for in the pattern, it does have the picots and the flexibility to work in the pattern.

This beautiful baby bonnet would be perfect for a Baptism or Christening and would make an extra special gift for baby, a treasured heirloom-to-be!

Crocheted Bunny Edging for Baby Linens

I was looking through several of my vintage pattern books today looking for something to share when I found these little treasures in a crochet book dated 1920.  Too cute!  The first two patterns call for size 50 or 60 crochet thread but you can work them in any size you'd like.  These patterns can be used for cross stitch as well.  A nice little cross stitch sampler for a baby's room would be one option.

This is the pattern that initially caught my eye, this bunny crochet pattern for a child's towel.  This would be sweet as a crocheted edging for a crib sheet or made into a cross stitched sampler.  Monotoned cross stitch can be very beautiful.  Here are the instructions as they were originally printed:

You can print out both sides and tape them together for easier reading:

The book illustration of a finished toddler towel:

The little book I took these patterns from has bunches of treasures so stay tuned!

Kitten Softie Toy Pattern

This adorable kitten softie is part of the Kitty Family Vintage Toy Animal Sewing Pattern that's been very popular in my Etsy shop for some time now.  The kitten is super easy to sew with minimal pieces and can be made out of scrap fabric.

This little cutie was part of an iron transfer pattern and you'll need to enlarge the pattern pieces to the size desired.  The pattern includes a 1/4" seam allowance.  

The original pattern main body measures about 8" from top of ears to bottom of paws but these pattern pieces can be reproduced any size you'd like.  Simply cut out the pattern pieces and follow the directions indicated.  For the face, use your favorite transfer pen or transfer method, then embroider.

This is what mama kitty looks like and the family together is really sweet.  This vintage pattern is I think from the 1950s and I've heard several nostalgic stories from the fond memories this little family congers up.

If you'd like to purchase the full size pattern and the pattern for the mama kitty, visit my Etsy shop here.    As you can see from the illustration, mama and kittens in different patterns or colors would be fun and  so cute!

Free Baby Cap and Bonnet Patterns

It's the end of September and there's a chill in the air.  Cold weather means bundling up, especially for little ones.

These two vintage crochet patterns fit the bill perfectly!  They are as adorable now as they were "back in the day" and will stitch up very quickly.  The first, a toque, would be perfect for a boy or girl and is super easy to make.

The second vintage crochet pattern is for a bonnet and it too would be perfect for either a boy or a girl.  In fact, because it ties with a ribbon at the chin, it would probably be preferable for a younger baby because the ribbon will help it stay in place.

Both the cap and bonnet can be made in various color schemes to match jackets and coats.  And, with the holidays coming up, these would also make lovely gifts.  I'm thinking of some lucky nieces and nephews this Christmas!

I'm so pleased to share these free vintage crochet patterns from my vintage pattern book collection -- enjoy and happy stitching!