Original 1951 McCall's Pattern No. 1641 - Short Aprons for Mother and Daughter

Original 1951 McCall's Printed Pattern No. 1641, offering three short apron styles marketed as "Short Aprons for Mother and Daughter" — a gingham bib apron with contrast pocket, a striped apron with a huck-weave or cross-stitch panel, and a floral appliqué apron trimmed in ric-rac. One Size. Uncut, with the transfer uncut.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall's No. 1641
• Year: 1951
• Garment: Short Aprons for Mother and Daughter (3 Views)
• Size: One Size
• Condition: Uncut but Not Factory Folded
• Transfer: Uncut

Design

McCall's Pattern 1641 gathers three coordinating short-apron styles under one envelope. View A is a gingham check bib apron with a contrasting white pocket and self-fabric ties, styled for a younger wearer. View B pairs a striped ground with a woven or cross-stitched village-scene panel, worked either in huck toweling or embroidered directly with perle cotton or six-strand floss. View C uses a floral chintz appliqué motif set against a solid ground and finished with ric-rac trim. The pattern includes five pieces, one transfer, and an instructional leaflet, with directions given in English, French, and Spanish.

A Moment in Fashion History

By 1951, McCall's had begun styling itself "McCall's" rather than "McCall" on its envelopes, part of a broader postwar push toward a more polished, contemporary brand identity. Short bib and half-aprons like these were prized as much for their handwork opportunities — cross-stitch, huck weaving, appliqué — as for their kitchen practicality, and coordinating "mother and daughter" styling reflected the era's enthusiasm for matching home-sewn ensembles.

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!"