Butterick 5749: 1950s Sweet Baby Girls Pinafore Sun Dress Sz 1 Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original early 1950s Butterick Pattern No. 5749 - Girls' Ruffle-Edged Pinafores
While we have no confirmed date, the style and construction point to the early 1950s. Original Butterick Printed Pattern No. 5749 for girls' ruffle-edged pinafores, offered in three views. The bodice buttons down the back over a dirndl skirt, dressed for sun and play. View A trims self-ruffling, the neckline, and heart-shaped pockets in tape; View B uses purchased eyelet ruffling instead; View C is styled specifically for striped fabrics. Complete Nice Condition.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Butterick No. 5749
- Year: Early 1950s (Descriptive Era Label)
- Garment: Girls' Ruffle-Edged Pinafores (3 Views)
- Size: 1 (20" Breast)
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
Design
Butterick 5749 builds a simple sun-and-play pinafore from ten pieces, buttoning down the back over a dirndl skirt for an easy, roomy fit. View A finishes its own self-fabric ruffling at the neckline in tape trim, matched to a pair of playful heart-shaped pockets on the skirt. View B swaps in purchased eyelet ruffling and bound eyelet trim for a softer, more delicate finish. View C reworks the same silhouette specifically for striped fabrics, letting the stripe direction itself become part of the design rather than a distraction from it. A tie belt cinches the waist across all three views.
A Moment in Fashion History
Ruffle-trimmed pinafores like this one were a staple of early-1950s girlswear, worn as practical protective layering over a plain dress for sun and outdoor play. Offering three distinct trim treatments from one pattern let a mother tailor the same basic silhouette to whatever fabric she had on hand, from a striped cotton to a soft eyelet.
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 Butterick 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.
