Ladies Home Journal 3964: 1920s Uncut Misses Dress 34 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1923-1924 Ladies' Home Journal Pattern No. 3964 - One-Piece Dress
Original circa 1923-1924 Ladies' Home Journal Pattern No. 3964 for a misses' or small women's one-piece dress, slipped on over the head. The front can be slashed for an opening with a collar and rolled-back revers, or finished with a plain oval neck, and the waist sections extend over the shoulders with a trimming band forming short sleeves, or a one-piece flare section for full length. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Ladies' Home Journal No. 3964
- Year: Circa 1923-1924, documented Ladies' Home Journal appearances (June 1923 magazine, page 55; also 1924 Home Pattern catalog, page 83)
- Garment: Misses' or Small Women's One-Piece Dress
- Size: 16 (34" Bust)
- Condition: Factory Folded and Unused
Design
This slip-on dress offers two distinct necklines: a front slash finished with a collar and revers rolled back at the edges, or a plain oval neck for a simpler look. The waist sections extend right over the shoulders, where a trimming band forms a short sleeve, or the same section can be extended to full length with a one-piece flare. Each side of the front and back is slashed in at a slightly long waistline, with the skirt sections plaited or gathered below and an elastic-run casing holding everything in place at the waist. Seven pattern pieces in total. The Ladies' Home Journal's own June 1923 pages showed this exact design made up in white linen with black linen trimming, the plaited skirt cut on the straight of the fabric and straight bands forming the short sleeve option, with long flowing sleeves offered as an alternative - the magazine noted it worked equally well in silk crepe or flannel.
A Moment in Fashion History
Pattern 3964 appeared in the Ladies' Home Journal's June 1923 feature "Frocks that the 14 to 20's Can Make for Themselves," aimed squarely at young women looking to sew their own summer wardrobe with minimal effort and maximum effect. The magazine still carried the pattern in its regular 1924 catalog listings, a sign of its lasting appeal as an easy, versatile slip-on silhouette for the era's younger dressmaker.
Illustration
The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic Ladies' Home Journal pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Ladies Home Journal New Old Stock Collection - view our entire collection for a rare glimpse of how sewing patterns were designed and marketed for the whole family.
