McCalls 1718: 1950s Cute Uncut Baby Girls Dress Size 1 Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original 1952 McCall's Pattern No. 1718 - Toddlers' Dress
Original 1952 McCall's Printed Pattern No. 1718 for a toddlers' dress in two views, with a transfer for an optional embroidered or appliqued chick motif. View A pintucks down the front with contrast piping at the collar and sleeve bands, closing with self ties. View B trades the pintucks for lace edging and a ribbon tie belt.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: McCall's No. 1718
- Year: 1952
- Garment: Toddlers' Dress
- Size: 1
- Condition: Factory Folded
- Transfer: Comes with Uncut Transfer
Design
An eight-piece pattern with two finished looks and a shared, sweet detail: a pair of appliqued chicks on the bodice. View A gathers a series of fine pintucks down the front bodice, piped in a contrast color at the round collar and short puffed sleeve bands, closing with self-fabric ties. View B keeps the same silhouette but swaps the pintucking for delicate lace edging at the collar and cuffs, cinched with a simple ribbon tie belt instead. The pattern includes two transfers, so the chick motif can be worked in embroidery or cut as a fabric applique, whichever the maker prefers.
A Moment in Fashion History
Early 1950s toddler patterns like this one leaned into soft, painterly details — pintucking, piping, lace edging — that read as heirloom dressmaking rather than everyday play clothes. The chick applique option ties the dress to springtime and Easter dressing, a popular seasonal theme for children's patterns of the era.
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 ongoing exhibit, Nursery Notions — maternity wear, layettes, crib covers, and quilts, the sewing life around having a baby. Come take a look.
