Original circa 1942 McCall Pattern No. 987 - Ladies' and Misses' Apron

Original circa 1942 McCall Printed Pattern No. 987, a ladies' and misses' apron in Size Large (40-42" Bust). Described on the envelope as "slim as a pencil, crisp as celery," this princess-line bib apron features crisscross back straps with no drooping shoulder straps, rick-rack trim, and outline embroidery finished with hand-tied hanging tassels. Complete Nice Condition, with the embroidery transfer uncut.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall No. 987
• Year: Circa 1942
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Apron
• Size: Large (40-42" Bust, 34-36" Waist)
• Condition: Complete Nice Condition
• Transfer: Uncut

Design

McCall Pattern 987 is a full-coverage bib-front pinafore apron built for a "transformation from cook to hostess," as the original envelope copy puts it. Vertical rick-rack trim traces the bodice front to create princess-line shaping, while outline embroidery accented with hand-made tassels dresses up the shoulder straps. The back view was designed with the straps crossing rather than hanging loose, and a tie belt cinches the waist. Two front patch pockets round out the practical design. The pattern includes a full embroidery transfer for the decorative outline stitching.

A Moment in Fashion History

By the early 1940s, the full-coverage bib apron had become a wartime kitchen staple, prized for protecting the increasingly limited supply of everyday dresses and blouses from cooking mess. McCall's pattern positioned the apron as more than utilitarian, however, promising a "transformation from cook to hostess" through decorative trim and embroidery -- a small but meaningful bit of style during a period when home sewists were asked to make do and mend.

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 McCall pattern envelope.

Connections

In McCall's September 1944 catalog, this apron shares page 118 with McCall 987, a slim princess-line apron trimmed with rick-rack, outline embroidery, and hanging tassels. Both make a lot of very little: 958 asks only for a small scrap of red or green and a bit of orange for its pepper and carrots, while 987 gets its festive look from rows of rick-rack and a few skeins of embroidery floss. We have McCall 987 in two sizes, Small, 32-34" Bust, and Large, 40-42" Bust.