Original 1952 McCall's Pattern No. 1691 - Flower Petal Apron

Original 1952 McCall's Printed Pattern No. 1691 for a women's and misses' flower petal apron, offered in three views built from shaped petal sections rather than a conventional skirt. One Size. Factory Folded and Unused.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall's No. 1691
• Year: 1952
• Garment: Women's and Misses' Flower Petal Apron (3 Views)
• Size: One Size
• Condition: Factory Folded

Design

McCall's Pattern 1691 builds its skirt from individually shaped petal sections rather than a gathered or pleated panel, creating a distinctive scalloped, dimensional silhouette. View A uses two materials - a plain ground with a printed floral binding along the scalloped petal edges. View B is the most elaborate, piecing together four colors (green, yellow, blue, and violet) across layered ruffled petal sections trimmed in green ruffle. View C uses three materials - black taffeta or organdy as the ground with green and rose accents - for a more dramatic, tailored petal effect. The pattern includes ten pieces: three apron sections, three ruffle sections, a tie, tie ruffle, waistband, and facing.

A Moment in Fashion History

Novelty-shaped aprons like this "flower petal" design were part of a broader early-1950s trend of turning the kitchen apron into a genuine style statement, moving well past strictly utilitarian bib and half-apron shapes. The layered, multi-color petal construction of View B in particular reflects the era's growing comfort with bold, playful color-blocking in home sewing - a piece meant to be seen and admired as much as worn.

Connections

This pattern is part of our exhibit, Kitschy Kitchen -- McCall Edition, a growing collection celebrating the whimsical, decorative side of kitchen textiles. While I love everything about McCall, it must be said, "McCall Makes the Cutest Aprons!"