Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads | Past Patterns 1797
$9.50
Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads includes four formats: 36″ wide, A0, A4, and 8.5″x11″. Originally published by Anne Adams, this 1934 dress pattern features a one-piece bodice/skirt front, drop shoulders, and back ties. Bust 32″, Hips 35″. For the printed version, see the full description.
999 in stock
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On all US Orders over $50!
Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads | Past Patterns 1797
$9.50
Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads includes four formats: 36″ wide, A0, A4, and 8.5″x11″. Originally published by Anne Adams, this 1934 dress pattern features a one-piece bodice/skirt front, drop shoulders, and back ties. Bust 32″, Hips 35″. For the printed version, see 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 Downloads
Pattern 1797 is a faithfully reproduced Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads set, based on the original published by The Anne Adams Instructor Pattern Company. This downloadable version offers instant access to the same practical, stylish, and historically accurate design featured in our printed pattern. Intended for young women or teens, the garment embodies the clean lines and domestic appeal of mid-1930s fashion. The front skirt and bodice are cleverly cut in one, the sleeves are softly dropped, and the dress closes with a front placket and ties in the back.
Historical Background and Period Reference
This design appeared in the Pottstown Mercury on April 10, 1934, in an article titled “Do Your Household Tasks in Gay Prints.” The newspaper praised it as "the perfect morning frock for the perfect housewife—guaranteed to give that much desired crisp look while household tasks crowd the busy hours." During the 1930s, garments like this were typically sewn in durable cotton broadcloth, cotton pongnette, or cheerful printed fabrics, in colors such as rose, red, Copenhagen blue, brown, and navy.
Pattern Details
- Pattern Number: Past Patterns 1797
- Original Publisher: Anne Adams Instructor Pattern Company
- Garment Type: Mid-1930s one-piece day dress with button-front bodice and back ties
- Target Wearer: 14-year-old girl or petite woman
- Measurements: Bust 32", Hips 35"
- Included Sizes: Only one size included
- Pieces Included: 6 pattern pieces
Features of the Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads
- All-in-one front skirt and bodice panel for fabric efficiency
- Comfortable drop shoulders with short sleeves
- Front button closure with tie-back waist
- 1/2" seam allowances pre-included
- Perfect for reenactors, theatrical wardrobes, and vintage enthusiasts
Fabric Recommendations
- 3⅛ yards of 36" wide fabric
- Recommended materials: cotton broadcloth, printed cotton, or cotton pongnette
Digital Formats Included
This download includes the following professionally prepared file sets:
- 36-inch wide version of the patterns
- A0 version of the patterns – For use at print shops
- A4 pattern set + instruction booklet – For international home printers, patterns 35 pages, instructions 6 pages
- 8.5"x11" pattern set + instruction booklet – For US home printers, patterns 40 pages, instructions 6 pages
Sewing Difficulty Rating: 2/5 – Confident Beginner
This Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads set is ideal for confident beginners. The construction is simple with minimal shaping and straight seams. The integrated skirt/bodice design and limited number of pattern pieces make it a relatively quick project, though careful placement of the front placket and symmetry in the buttoning is required. Our fully illustrated instructions and the included bust-adjustment guide support newer sewists through every step.
Instruction and Support Materials
- Original Anne Adams envelope and back cover (scanned)
- Pattern piece ID chart and fabric requirements chart
- Cutting layout illustrations
- Detailed, step-by-step instructions with diagrams
- Past Patterns Guide to Editing Garments Due to Bust Size
Resizing Guidance
This historical pattern is offered only in its original size (Bust 32", Hips 35"). If you require a different size, please refer to our free Resizing Vintage Patterns Guide included in the download.
Prefer a Printed Version?
If you’d rather receive a paper copy shipped to your door, we also offer this pattern in a printed format.
Click here for the printed Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Sewing Pattern.
Digital Licensing and Usage
This downloadable pattern is licensed for personal, non-commercial use. You may print and reuse it for personal sewing projects or academic costuming. Sharing or selling the files is prohibited.
Copyright & Digital Reproduction
Past Patterns has proudly preserved historic fashion since 1979. Our Mid 1930s Day Dress with Bodice Downloads offer modern sewists access to original design heritage with the convenience of digital delivery.
Copyright Past Patterns 1979–2025. All rights reserved.
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."
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
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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.
