Original 1942 McCall Pattern No. 987 - Ladies' and Misses' Apron with Rick Rack and Tassels

Original 1942 McCall Pattern No. 987 for a slim, princess-line ladies' and misses' apron trimmed with rick-rack, outline embroidery, and hanging tassels. Complete, in nice condition, with its uncut transfer.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall No. 987
• Year: 1942
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Apron (2 Views), with Transfer
• Size: Small (14-16), 32-34" Bust, 27-28" Waist
• Condition: Complete, Nice Condition; Comes with Uncut Transfer

Design

Rows of rick-rack follow the princess seams from bib to hem, giving the apron a long, slim line, and outline embroidery at the shoulders ends in hand-made tassels that swing from the bib and pockets. View A is cut from lengthwise stripes; View B is solid red with white rick-rack. In back, a short strap holds the shoulder straps in place so they never droop, and a tie belt finishes in a bow. Seven pieces and one transfer, with instructions for adjusting the pattern to your measurements.

A Moment in Fashion History

In 1942, with rationing and wartime work reshaping daily life, a few inexpensive trims like rick-rack and embroidery floss were an easy way to make a practical apron feel festive. McCall's envelope sells it as a cover-up for the transformation from cook to hostess, a reminder that entertaining at home carried on through the war years.

Illustration

The envelope front and back are shown as scanned, framed on our blue mat without retouching, so the artwork appears in its true color and condition. The front shows two women in the striped and red views and a third from the back to show the strap, with drawings of the twisted cords and tassels.

Connections

In McCall's September 1944 catalog, this apron shares page 118 with McCall 958, a slim-waisted apron with a shaped waistband and a cheerful appliqué of a green pepper and carrots. Both make a lot of very little: 987 gets its festive look from rows of rick-rack and a few skeins of embroidery floss, while 958 asks only for a small scrap of red or green and a bit of orange. See the pattern from the same catalog page, McCall 958, Ladies' and Misses' Apron with Pepper and Carrot Appliqué. This apron is also available in Large, 40-42" Bust.