Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern (Past Patterns 7281) | McCall’s Reproduction | Chest 42″-44″
$18.00
Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern (Past Patterns 7281) – McCall’s Reproduction. This historically accurate 1910s workwear suit pattern includes a button-front closure, reinforced seams, and functional pockets. Designed for WWI-era workwear, industrial laborers, and reenactments. Chest Size 42″-44″.
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Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern (Past Patterns 7281) | McCall’s Reproduction | Chest 42″-44″
$18.00
Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern (Past Patterns 7281) – McCall’s Reproduction. This historically accurate 1910s workwear suit pattern includes a button-front closure, reinforced seams, and functional pockets. Designed for WWI-era workwear, industrial laborers, and reenactments. Chest Size 42″-44″.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?
Recreate a True 1910s Workwear Classic with This Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern
The Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern (Past Patterns 7281) is a faithful McCall’s reproduction of a historically accurate workwear suit from the 1910s. Designed for railroad workers, mechanics, and laborers, this one-piece overall suit features a button-front closure, reinforced seams, and multiple functional pockets—perfect for historical reenactments, museum exhibits, theatrical productions, and vintage workwear enthusiasts.
Pattern 7281 was featured in McCall's Magazine, August 1916, page 47.
✔️ Chest Size 42"-44"
✔️ Authentic Reproduction of a 1910s McCall’s Workwear Suit
✔️ Includes Historically Accurate Sewing Instructions
✔️ Ideal for WWI-Era Reenactments, Living History, and Theater Costuming
Start sewing a true-to-history industrial workwear suit with historically correct construction techniques for early 20th-century fashion.
If you would prefer a digital download/print at home version of this pattern, click HERE
The Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern: Features & Authenticity
✔️ Authentic 1910s Men’s Workwear Suit Pattern – Based on an original McCall’s design from the early 20th century.
✔️ Historically Accurate Construction – Features a button-down front, reinforced seams, full-body coverage, and functional pockets.
✔️ Chest Size 42"-44" – Ensures an authentic, period-correct fit for accurate historical sewing.
✔️ Ideal for Reenactors, Costumers, and Vintage Workwear Enthusiasts – Perfect for WWI-era clothing, industrial reenactments, and period-correct tailoring projects.
✔️ Detailed Sewing Instructions Included – Learn historically accurate sewing techniques used in 1910s industrial workwear.
The History Behind the Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern
By the mid-1910s, one-piece overall suits became a standard garment for industrial laborers and railroad workers, providing durability, full-body coverage, and ease of movement. Originally designed for tough work environments, this WWI-era workwear suit was commonly worn by men engaged in heavy labor, factory jobs, and fieldwork.
The loose fit and sturdy construction made this style popular among tradesmen and engineers, ensuring safety and practicality in industrial settings. This reproduction pattern maintains historical accuracy, making it ideal for reenactors and costumers.
🔗 Interested in the history of workwear? Explore the evolution of overalls and industrial clothing.
Sewing Techniques in the Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern
Sewing this Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern requires attention to historical techniques. Some key details include:
✔️ Reinforced Seams: Workwear from the 1910s often featured double-stitched seams for durability.
✔️ Buttoned Fly Front: A functional closure method typical of early industrial workwear.
✔️ Wide-Leg Fit: Designed for freedom of movement, essential for physical labor.
✔️ Patch & Utility Pockets: The pattern includes historically accurate pocket placements for storing tools and personal items.
This pattern is designed for authenticity, ensuring your final garment looks and functions just as it would in the 1910s.
Best Fabric Choices for the Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern
For an authentic historical reproduction, use:
✔️ Cotton twill – A staple fabric for industrial workwear.
✔️ Denim – Commonly used for durable overall suits.
✔️ Cotton canvas – Heavy-duty and rugged for labor-intensive wear.
✔️ Wool blends – Suitable for colder climates and early 20th-century work attire.
Typical 1910s Workwear Colors: Navy blue, brown, khaki, black, and natural off-white.
Sewing Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
🧵 This pattern is best suited for sewists with:
✔️ Experience in garment construction
✔️ Ability to sew buttonholes and reinforced seams
✔️ Familiarity with historical tailoring techniques
Beginners with patience can also successfully complete this project.
Perfect for Historical Costuming & Reenactments
✔️ 1910s Industrial & Labor Costumes
✔️ Living History & Museum Exhibits
✔️ WWI-Era Workwear & Vintage Fashion
✔️ Theater & Film Costuming
🔗 Looking for another historical men’s pattern? Check out our 1920s era Mens Outing Shirt https://pastpatterns.com/pattern/1920s-men-outing-shirt-sewing-pattern/.
Order Now & Start Sewing History!
With this Mid-1910s Men’s Overall Suit Sewing Pattern (Past Patterns 7281), you can create a historically accurate early 20th-century workwear suit, perfect for reenactments, museum exhibits, and costuming.
📦 Copyright Past Patterns 1979-2025. All rights reserved.
Additional information
| Weight | 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 2 in |
Sizing Information
(Metric size sheet opens as a PDF in a new browser tab)
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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."
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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
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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.
