Simplicity 1917: 1940s Sweet Baby Girls Dress Size 1 Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1946 Simplicity Pattern No. 1917 - Children's One-Piece Dress
Original circa 1946 Simplicity Printed Pattern No. 1917 for a children's one-piece dress, "Simple to Make," offered in three styles. A shaped front yoke buttons in back, with tie ends fastening into a bow at center back over a gathered skirt with two front pleats. Complete Nice Condition, with the embroidery transfer uncut.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Simplicity No. 1917
- Year: Circa 1946
- Garment: Children's One-Piece Dress
- Size: 1
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition
- Transfer: Uncut
Design
Simplicity 1917 shapes a front yoke that buttons closed in back, with tie ends fastening into a bow at center back over a gathered skirt finished with two front pleats. Style I has short gathered sleeves with a sleeve band forming a pressed cuff, paired with a contrasting Peter Pan collar and an embroidered yoke; Style II adds an armhole ruffle in place of the banded sleeve; Style III uses a contrasting yoke with puffed sleeves. A transfer design for the embroidery is included with all nine pattern pieces, suggested in batiste, gingham, chambray, lawn, balloon cloth, rayon crepe, seersucker, dimity, dotted swiss, or organdy.
A Moment in Fashion History
Simple, embroidered toddler dresses like this one were a staple of mid-1940s home sewing, offering a quick, budget-friendly way to dress a growing child in a range of soft, washable fabrics. The included embroidery transfer let a home sewer add a decorative touch to the yoke without any freehand needlework skill required.
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 Simplicity pattern envelope.
Connections
With just nine pattern pieces and a simple tie-back closing, this quick one-piece dress was practical enough for a new mother short on sewing time. Explore more of our nursery-ready patterns in our upcoming exhibit, Nursery Notions - maternity wear, layettes, crib covers, and quilts, the sewing life around having a baby.
