Ladies Home Journal 3702: 1920s Uncut Misses Blouse 34B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original 1922 Ladies' Home Journal Pattern No. 3702 - Ladies' and Misses' Blouse
Original 1922 Ladies' Home Journal Pattern No. 3702 for a ladies' and misses' blouse with a surplice front closing, draped at each underarm, and a dropped shoulder line. The collar can be finished in either of two outlines, and the two-piece short kimono sleeve has a one-piece lower section that gathers to a wristband for a full-length option. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Ladies' Home Journal No. 3702
- Year: 1922, confirmed via November 1922 Ladies' Home Journal magazine, page 78
- Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Blouse
- Size: 16 (34" Bust)
- Condition: Factory Folded and Unused
- Envelope Condition: Worn
Design
The surplice front closing drapes gracefully at each underarm, giving this blouse a soft, wrapped look at the bodice, while the collar can be finished in either of two outlines depending on the wearer's preference. The two-piece short kimono sleeve is designed with a one-piece lower section that gathers into a wristband, extending the sleeve to full length when desired. Five pattern pieces in total. The Ladies' Home Journal's own November 1922 fashion pages singled this blouse out for its dropped shoulder line - "so smart this season," in the magazine's words - and suggested a range of fabric pairings to dress it up or down: a heavy silk crepe combined with georgette or chiffon, a blistered or quilted satin paired with plain satin, or, for something bolder, velvet with crepe georgette, matelasse, or brocaded satin. Depending on the fabric chosen, the same pattern could read as a dressy evening blouse or one suited to everyday office wear.
A Moment in Fashion History
The dropped shoulder line was one of the defining shapes of the early 1920s, softening the silhouette of a blouse without adding fitting complexity - a shift the Ladies' Home Journal called out directly in its November 1922 issue, showcasing Pattern 3702 alongside a companion embroidered blouse as two ways of achieving the same fashionable line. The magazine's own styling notes reflect just how versatile a single pattern could be in this period, transformed from office-ready to evening-appropriate purely through fabric choice.
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.
