1960s Vintage McCall Sewing Pattern 7718 Old World Christening Dress Layette
Original 1965 McCall's Pattern No. 7718 - Infant Christening or Special Occasion Wardrobe
Original 1965 McCall's Printed Pattern No. 7718 for a complete infant boys' or girls' christening or special occasion wardrobe, with transfer for optional hand embroidery. Includes a long christening dress measuring 31 inches and a shorter everyday dress measuring 14¾ inches, each with a matching slip, plus a bonnet, sacque, bib, and bootees.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: McCall's No. 7718
- Year: 1965
- Garment: Infant Christening or Special Occasion Wardrobe
- Pieces Included: Long Christening Dress (31" long) with Slip, Short Dress (14¾" long) with Slip, Bonnet, Sacque, Bib, Bootees
- Size: One Size, Infants'
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
- Transfer: Comes with Uncut Transfer
Design
The centerpiece here is the long christening dress, 31 inches from neck to hem, with a genuinely elegant construction detail: the ruffled back opens completely, like a coat, so the dress goes on over the matching ruffled slip without disturbing a single tuck of trim. It's offered with a puff sleeve for a girl or a long sleeve for a boy, both finished in the same deep ruffle and lace edging that runs the full sweep of the skirt. A shorter 14¾-inch dress with its own slip covers everyday special occasions, and the wardrobe rounds out with a self-faced bonnet, a matching sacque, a heart-shaped bib, and a pair of tie-front bootees. Embroidery is entirely optional — the pattern includes a transfer for anyone who wants to hand-embroider the christening dress, but it's just as lovely finished plain with lace and ribbon alone.
A Moment in Fashion History
By the mid-1960s, McCall's was still offering the kind of elaborate, coat-opening christening gown that had been a special-occasion staple for generations, even as everyday baby clothes grew simpler. Pattern 7718's construction, letting the dress open flat like a coat, solved a real problem for anyone dressing a squirming infant in yards of ruffle and lace for a single formal photograph or ceremony.
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's pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our upcoming exhibit, Nursery Notions — maternity wear, layettes, crib covers, and quilts, the sewing life around having a baby. Come take a look.
