Simplicity 1863: 1950s Cute Toddler Girls Smocked Dress Sz 5 Vintage Sewing Pattern
Circa 1956 Simplicity Pattern No. 1863 - Child's Smocked Dress
Circa 1956 Simplicity Pattern No. 1863 for a child's smocked dress, size 5, with embroidery transfer included. All three views are smocked to fit at the front and back yoke, with a high round neckline closing at back with two buttons. View 1 has a small contrast collar, short gathered sleeves bound at the edge, and tie-ends. View 2 is sleeveless with a small self collar and a ribbon sash tying in a bow at the back, armholes bound. View 3 is collarless, with lace edging on the bound neck and sleeve edges. Complete and in nice condition.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Simplicity No. 1863
- Year: Circa 1956
- Garment: Child's Smocked Dress, Transfer Included
- Size: 5 (Chest 23.5", Waist 21.5", Hip 25")
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
Design
Simplicity 1863 builds hand-smocking into a child's dress yoke from eight pattern pieces plus the included transfer design. All three views share the smocked front and back yoke and high round neckline, closing at back with two buttons. View 1 adds a small contrast collar, short gathered sleeves bound at the edge, and tie-ends at the waist. View 2 goes sleeveless, with a small self collar and a ribbon sash tying in a bow at the back, its armholes finished with bound edges. View 3 skips the collar entirely, letting lace edging trim the bound neck and sleeve edges instead. Suggested fabrics for all views include cottons, synthetics, and rayons - pique, gingham, chambray, dimity, batiste, polished cotton, dotted swiss, cotton-blends, lawn, taffeta, and nylon - with View 1 also suited to organdy, and its contrast collar to cotton, linen, or rayon.
A Moment in Fashion History
Hand-smocking on a child's yoke was a hallmark of special-occasion dressmaking through the 1950s, prized for the handwork it showcased as much as for its gentle, gathered fit. A transfer design included right in the envelope meant a home sewist could work the smocking pattern without any separate purchase or guesswork.
Connections
This pattern is part of our 1950s Simplicity children's collection - a growing selection of vintage kids' sewing patterns from the decade. Come take a look.
