Early 1940s Two-Piece Dress Sewing Pattern bust 32 b 32 Simplicity Pattern Co reproduction
$24.00
Dated to January 1942
Size: 32″ bust, 26-1/2″ waist, 35″ hips
Pattern features two Styles of the Two-Piece Dress
There are 10 pieces in the set.
Seam Allowances are 3/4″ at underarm, 1/2″ on all other edges unless otherwise directed.
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Early 1940s Two-Piece Dress Sewing Pattern bust 32 b 32 Simplicity Pattern Co reproduction
$24.00
Dated to January 1942
Size: 32″ bust, 26-1/2″ waist, 35″ hips
Pattern features two Styles of the Two-Piece Dress
There are 10 pieces in the set.
Seam Allowances are 3/4″ at underarm, 1/2″ on all other edges unless otherwise directed.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
This Early 1940s Two-Piece Dress sewing pattern was originally published by The Simplicity Pattern Company
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We date this pattern to January 1942.
On the original packaging, Pattern 4073 is described as a "Misses and Womens Two-Piece Dress. The blouse, dart-fitted at the neckline and waist, is finished with a simple, round neck and buttons to the waist, where it is finished with waistcoat-like points. Diagonal welt pockets trim the upper blouse. The skirt has an easy flare. Choose smart, three-quarter length, or long, fitted sleeves."
One needs to take into consideration that World War II had just started when this pattern set was released. United States citizens who were at home were in conservation and saving mode when it came to goods and money.
From a ChatGPT query in June 2024,
"Simplicity Pattern Co. was known for producing sewing patterns that reflected the fashion trends of the time while making them accessible to home sewers. In the early 1940s, their patterns for two-piece dresses often featured practical and stylish designs, suitable for the wartime era.
The characteristics of Simplicity Two-Piece Dress Patterns from the early 1940s designs typically showcased a tailored fit, emphasizing a neat and functional silhouette, a defined waistline, many of the patterns included ways to cinch the waist, such as belts or fitted waists, to maintain a feminine shape.
Regarding the bodice details, the tops often featured button-down fronts, with styles ranging from blouses to short, tailored jackets.
Simplicity skirts of the era were generally A-line or straight, with lengths falling just below the knee. These skirts were designed to be practical and easy to wear, often incorporating pleats or slight gathers for ease of movement.
Many Simplicity designs included practical elements like pockets and belts, aligning with the functional needs of the time.
Decorative elements were minimal due to material rationing, focusing instead on clean lines and structured designs."
2 variation of the Two-Piece Dress can be created from these patterns.
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This Costume pattern was designed to fit the size and shape of an early 1940s woman who was Size 14 and had 32” bust, 26 ½” waist and 35” hips. This is the only size provided with the package.
For resizing information, see https://pastpatterns.com/resizing-vintage-patterns/
There are 10 pieces in the Pattern 4073 set.
Seam Allowances are 3/4" at underarm, 1/2" on all other edges unless otherwise directed.
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Materials Required
3 1/2 Yds 36” Wide
ChatGPT suggested, "Commonly used fabrics included wool, cotton, and rayon, chosen for their availability and durability. Patterns typically featured solid colors, checks, plaids, and small florals, reflecting the conservative use of materials during the war."
Simplicity offered for Pattern 4073, "For Style 1 - velveteen, pique, linen, rayon crepe, bengaline, wool jersey. For Style II - moss crepe, checked spun rayon, novelty rayons or rabbit hair cloth. For the Collar - pique, linen, bengaline."
Our founder, Saundra Altman said that for period-accurate colors, "Use red, black, scarlet, navy and henna rust."
Notions
Simplicity says, "For Style 1 - slide fasterner or snap fasteners, hooks and eyes; 5 buttons (30 lines - 3/4" diameter); seam binding (optional); buttonhole twist; matching thread (150 yards); shields. For Style II - contrast thread (50 yards); Long Sleeve - 2 slide fasteners or snap fasteners."
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The package has a copy of the original artwork on the front cover. On the back cover is a sizing chart, material requirements charts and a pattern layout. Inside the booklet are Simplicity’s Primer, which is highly detailed, illustrated and written, set of instructions for building the garment. Here one also will find historical notes on the paper pattern industry from the era. We include our Guide to Editing Garments Due to Bust Size . The patterns are on a 36" wide sheet and are hand-drawn, emulating the originals.
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Our patterns are printed on 20 lb. white paper and packaged in a reusable plastic. We always attempt to offer the most reasonable shipping rates for domestic and international orders. Multi item purchases are automatically adjusted for combined shipping.
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Past Patterns 2024. 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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Visit our preferred vendors page to order directly from some of our top recommended suppliers.
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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.
