Original circa 1924 Ladies' Home Journal Pattern No. 3871 - Maids' and Tea Aprons and Caps

Original circa 1924 Ladies' Home Journal Pattern No. 3871, a complete women's set of maids' and tea aprons and caps: four styles of aprons and two styles of caps, cut in one size. The set runs from full bib aprons with crossed shoulder straps to dainty lace-edged tea aprons, with a plaited band cap and a small ruffled cap trimmed with a ribbon bow. Factory Folded and Unused, in a worn envelope.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: Ladies' Home Journal No. 3871
• Year: Circa 1924
• Garment: Set of Maids' and Tea Aprons and Caps (Four Aprons, Two Caps)
• Size: One Size Only
• Condition: Factory Folded, Worn Envelope

Design

Ladies' Home Journal 3871 outfits the whole household staff in one envelope. Views A and B are full bib aprons with an upper band, front bib, and waistband, held up by shoulder straps that cross at the back; View A is trimmed in lace edging, while View B finishes in a pointed lower edge. Views C and D are smaller tea aprons on a waistband: C is rounded with a pocket and trimmed with insertion and edging, and D is cut in pointed front and side sections with a matching pointed pocket, edged in lace. The two caps complete the uniform. View E is made from a plaited band of material or lace tied with ribbon, and View F is a small ruffled cap finished with a ribbon bow at the center. This is an unprinted pattern in thirteen pieces, with perforations marking every seam, plait, and gathering line.

A Moment in Fashion History

In the early 1920s many middle-class households still kept a maid, and a crisp bib apron with a matching cap was her standard uniform, while the lighter tea apron was worn for serving in the afternoon. The Home Pattern Company, sole manufacturer of patterns for The Ladies' Home Journal, offered this set so a household could sew its own uniforms at home. The envelope back is still stamped "Folded by A. Kimpler," a small trace of the factory worker who folded it nearly a century ago.

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

Many wonderful stories have centered around the household help. This maids' set includes a rare ruffled cap (View F) that matches the one Yvette wears with her famous French maid uniform in the 1985 film Clue. Browse our ongoing exhibit offering a rare glimpse of how patterns were designed and marketed for the whole family, the Ladies Home Journal New Old Stock Collection, and our limited-time exhibit of masquerades, pageants and make-believe, Costumes for All Ages from All Eras, before it closes.