Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads | Past Patterns 2303
$11.50
Instant digital access to our Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads in multiple print formats. Create Depression-era elegance with this historically researched pattern.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
$11.50
Instant digital access to our Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads in multiple print formats. Create Depression-era elegance with this historically researched pattern.
Get Free Shipping
On all US Orders over $50!
All of our patterns tell a story.
Why Choose This Pattern?

Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads - Digital Vintage Sewing Pattern
Our Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads offer instant access to this iconic Depression-era design with all the convenience of digital delivery. This historically researched pattern captures the essence of 1930s elegance with its graceful silhouette, flutter sleeves, and thoughtfully designed panels that characterized women's fashion during this pivotal period in fashion history.
Historical Significance of the Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress
The Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress emerged during a fascinating transition in fashion history. As the world began recovering from economic challenges, designers created garments that combined practicality with renewed femininity. This digital reproduction preserves the distinctive style elements that made 1930s fashion so enduring. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, dresses from this period featured innovative design elements that maximized style while minimizing material usage—reflected perfectly in this pattern's construction techniques.
Design Features of the Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads
Our digital Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads retain all the distinctive design elements that made the original Anne Adams pattern so sought-after:
- Elegant V-neckline that frames the face beautifully
- Flutter sleeves with optional decorative ruffles
- Fitted bodice with strategic darts for shaping
- Six-piece pattern construction with shaping seams
- Decorative belt with flower embellishment option
- Below-knee length with graceful flared skirt panels
- Side placket closure with detailed construction guidance
The downloadable version preserves all the period-specific techniques that make this Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress an excellent project for both historical costume enthusiasts and vintage fashion lovers.
Digital Pattern Specifications
The Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads include comprehensive sizing options:
- Age/Years: 12-20 years
- Bust measurements: 30"-42"
- Hip measurements: 33½"-45"
This digital pattern includes the complete set of 6 pattern pieces:
- Back Dress
- Front Dress
- Front Dress Flounce
- Sleeve
- Sleeve Ruffle
- Belt
Material Requirements and Recommendations
For your Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress project (using 36" fabric):
- Size 12 (30" bust): 3¼ yards
- Size 14 (32" bust): 3⅜ yards
- Size 16 (34" bust): 3⅝ yards
- Size 18 (36" bust): 3⅞ yards
- Size 20 (38" bust): 4⅛ yards
- Size 40 (40" bust): 4⅜ yards
- Size 42 (42" bust): 4½ yards
For historically accurate results, we recommend light cotton prints, rayon challis, or silk crepe fabrics without nap or directional prints. Our digital format allows you to check these requirements anytime during your fabric shopping process.
Skill Level and Construction Information
The Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads require intermediate sewing skills. The construction involves several specific techniques including:
- French seams for professional finishing
- Picoting or hand-rolled hem techniques for sleeve edges
- Precise placket construction for side closure
- Strategic dart placement for proper fit
- Belt construction with decorative elements
While requiring some sewing experience, the comprehensive instructions make this project accessible to committed intermediate sewists. The pattern involves working with 6 pattern pieces total and requires attention to detail with vintage construction methods.
Digital Download Benefits
Our Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads offer numerous advantages over traditional printed patterns:
- Instant access immediately after purchase—start your project today
- Multiple printing format options: A0, A4, 8.5x11", and 36" formats included
- Unlimited reprints—perfect for pattern alterations or if you make a cutting mistake
- No storage concerns—keep your pattern safely on your computer
- No shipping costs or delivery delays
- Easy to share with household members working on the project
Digital Package Contents
Your Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads package includes:
- Printable PDF pattern pieces in multiple formats (A0, A4, 8.5x11", and 36")
- Detailed printing instructions for each format
- Comprehensive 8-page instruction guide with clear diagrams
- Historical notes about 1930s fashion and construction techniques
- Past Pattern Guide to Editing Garments Due to Bust Size
- Complete sizing chart and material requirements
Printing Instructions
For optimal results with your Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress Downloads:
- A0 Format: Take to a print shop for full-size pattern printing on a single sheet
- A4/Letter Format: Print at home using the "actual size" setting (no scaling). Use the test square to verify proper scaling before printing all pages
- 36" Format: For professional printing on wide-format printers
Each format includes a numbered assembly guide to ensure accurate pattern construction.
Prefer a physical printed pattern? Get this pattern in our traditional format here.
Download this meticulously researched Mid 1930s Summer Party Dress pattern today and begin creating your own piece of Depression-era elegance with the convenience of digital delivery.
Original Content by 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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Visit our preferred vendors page to order directly from some of our top recommended suppliers.
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.