Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 1797
$19.00
This Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern was originally published by The Anne Adams Instructor Pattern Company. Designed for a 14-year-old with a 32″ bust and 35″ hips, the pattern features a one-piece bodice/skirt panel, drop shoulders, and smart revers. Includes 6 pattern pieces, instructions, and bust-size editing guide. For the download version, see the link in the full description.
999 in stock
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Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern | Past Patterns 1797
$19.00
This Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern was originally published by The Anne Adams Instructor Pattern Company. Designed for a 14-year-old with a 32″ bust and 35″ hips, the pattern features a one-piece bodice/skirt panel, drop shoulders, and smart revers. Includes 6 pattern pieces, instructions, and bust-size editing guide. For the download version, see the link in the full description.
999 in stock
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
This Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern was originally published by The Anne Adams Instructor Pattern Company
Overview of the Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern
Pattern 1797 is a faithful reproduction of a Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern, originally published by The Anne Adams Instructor Pattern Company. This one-piece frock was marketed as the ideal household garment for the “perfect housewife.” It features classic 1930s tailoring details, including smart revers, a front skirt and bodice panel cut in one, drop shoulders, a front button closure, and a convenient back tie. This reproduction pattern captures the practical charm and clean silhouette characteristic of everyday fashion in the early 1930s.
Historical Context and Newspaper Reference
Pattern 1797 was advertised in the Mercury newspaper (Pottstown, Pennsylvania) on April 10, 1934, in an article titled “Do Your Household Tasks in Gay Prints.” The ad praised it as “the perfect morning frock for the perfect housewife,” highlighting its ease of construction and crisp design. During this era, dresses like this were often sewn in cotton broadcloth, pongnette, or printed fabrics and typically appeared in colors like red, rose, brown, navy, and Copenhagen blue.
Garment Features
- Cap sleeves and drop-shoulder design for ease and comfort
- Front bodice panel and skirt cut in one piece to minimize waste
- Back is cut entirely in one piece
- Original size for a 14-year-old girl: 32” Bust, 35” Hips
- Front button closure and back tie for fit adjustment
- 1/2" seam allowances included
Materials Needed
- 3⅛ yards of 36" wide fabric
- Suggested fabrics: cotton broadcloth, printed cotton, cotton pongnette
Pattern Details
- Pattern Number: Past Patterns 1797
- Included Sizes: Only one size (32" bust, 35" hips)
- Pieces Included: 6 pattern pieces
- Format: Printed paper pattern
- Paper Type: 20 lb. white bond paper
- Packaging: Clear reusable plastic envelope
Prefer to print at home or project digitally?
Click here for the Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads.
Inside the Package
- Copy of the original pattern envelope (front and back)
- Pattern piece identification chart
- Material requirement chart
- Cutting and layout diagrams
- Illustrated step-by-step sewing instructions
- Past Patterns Guide to Editing Garments Due to Bust Size
Sewing Difficulty Rating: 2/5 – Confident Beginner
This Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern is ideal for confident beginners. It earns a 2 out of 5 on our difficulty scale because the dress construction involves mostly straight seams and minimal shaping. Features like the all-in-one skirt/bodice panel and absence of darts simplify assembly, though attention to button placement and proper alignment of the front panel is recommended. The included illustrated instructions guide the sewer through the process with clarity.
Resizing Information
This pattern is only offered in a single historical size (Bust 32", Hips 35"). If you need a different size, we recommend consulting our Resizing Vintage Patterns Guide, which is included with your purchase.
Shipping & Packaging
All Past Patterns printed patterns are shipped in reusable clear plastic envelopes with acid-free pattern paper. Domestic and international shipping rates are optimized at checkout. Multi-item purchases qualify for combined shipping.
Copyright & Legacy
Past Patterns has proudly served the historical sewing community since 1979. This reproduction preserves a slice of 1930s domestic fashion and is part of our continuing mission to document and share historically accurate garment patterns.
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 7 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 2 in |
Sizing Information
(Metric size sheet opens as a PDF in a new browser tab)
Preferred Vendors
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FAQ's
(Frequently asked questions)
Why are both Trowsers and Trousers listed on site?
Over the last 200 years, much like the human body, our style of language has changed. For vintage patterns, we attempt to use the language of the day where possible.
Can you grade (edit) a Vintage Revival pattern for my size?
please contact us with the specific pattern number and the specifications you require. We have staff available for this for an additional fee.
What sizes do Past Patterns patterns come in?
Our patterns, with some exceptions, are manufactured in sizes 8 through 26 for women and sizes 34 through 54 for men. Most patterns are multi-sized. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
Do you have vintage patterns (manufactured prior to 1950) that you want to sell?
we are always on the lookout for original, American designed, vintage patterns especially for categories outside of current items. We are interested if you have 1 pattern or 1000 patterns. Give us a call to discuss.
Why is my pattern size different from my off the rack dress size?
We use the U. S. Board of Standard Measurements to size our patterns. The ready made clothing manufacturers have their own set of sizes developed from their own statistics. For a complete listing of measurements in inches see the size chart.
How are the patterns packaged?
We package our patterns in two forms: Bond Paper and Tissue. Except for the Tissue patterns, each is slipped into a reusable plastic sleeve. Many contain documentation in the form of Historical Notes or the printer ie., Butterick. Because the patterns are printed in house to order, they can take from three to seven days. Tissue patterns, which are printed out of house, are available to ship immediately.
What does a Corset Kit contain in addition to the Corset pattern?
In addition to the pattern, the kits contain everything you need to make the corset except the thread. The kits contain, according to their type, fabric and lining, stays, clasp or busk board, back lacing, tape for finishing the edges, trim lace, ribbon, leather, tin stock, waist tape, punch and setter, eyelets, marking pencils, cording, reed and a loop turner.
Need a pattern in your language?
we can translate our instructions into just about any language
Have an old and incomplete Past Patterns item. What can I do?
The answer depends on if the pattern is still in production or not. If it is, please mail us the old pattern and we will ship you a copy of the latest pattern for a minimal fee along with normal shipping charges. If the item is no longer in production, we would need to know exactly what you have to determine the best course of action to help you.
What is the difference between a Past Patterns original pattern and a Vintage Revival pattern?
The Past Patterns originals were designed in house and based upon the research, disassembly and time of Saundra Ros Altman. These designs come from finds all over the United States reaching from San Diego, California to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. She created the initial patterns, the sizing charts and the instruction content. Many of the these patterns are multi-sized or are available in various sizes. For the most part, these designs are done taking into account the modern human body's shape, height and weight. The Vintage Revival patterns are traces or copies of an old, mass produced pattern; the first mass produced patterns came out in the 1850s. For the most part, you get exactly what came in the original package; in some cases, Saundra has appended historical notes to the instructions. The Vintage Revivals patterns, being copies of the originals, generally only come in one size and are based upon the size and shape of the human body from the era the pattern came from.
What software do you use to create patterns?
We utilize PW Studio for our designs. Isabelle Lott, a contributor over the years to Past Patterns, is the owner of the company and will be happy to answer an software related questions you have. Her software is available for licensing.
What measurements do I need to know to order a Corset Kit?
The bust and back length. The back length is measured from the prominent bone at the base of the neck to the natural waistline.
Where can I see the appropriate clothing fabrics for the 18th and 19th centuries?
You can see 1740 through 1940 fabrics in a book titled "Textile Designs" by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers. The subtitle states, "Two Hundred Years of European and American Patterns for Printed Fabric by Motif, Style, Color, Layout and Period and 1,823 Illustration in Color." What they don't say is that 90% of the swatches pictured are life size. The ISBN is 0-8109-3853-7. A second book is Wearable Prints, 1740-1860, History, Materials, and Mechanics by Susan W. Greene. The ISBN is 978-1-60635-124-6. Great books! Order it from your local library that has interlibrary loan capability if you cannot afford the price. There are now many sources for appropriate fabric through the Internet.
Where can I find antique patterns to purchase?
On the Internet try: "Patterns from the Past."
Need a pattern tomorrow?
we do offer expedited domestic shipping for extra fees. We can also expeditie international shipments but delivery dates overseas cannot be promised.
Becoming a Wholesalers of our patterns
We offer Wholesalers significant discounts that will allow both your and our businesses to flourish.
Why don't we sell PDFs of our patterns - First due to piracy. We have spent over 40 years creating and tracing these patterns along with researching them. We print and ship all of our patterns ourselves. If we started sending out PDFs, in no time, copies of our Intellectual Property would be all over the internet and we would be out of business. Second, some of our patterns are constantly being updated. We want our clients to get the BEST POSSIBLE version of our products.
