Now available directly from Spool and Spindle: PDF plus printing! When you buy your PDF patterns directly through our site, you will receive an email with all of your pattern files. Then we print and send you the A0 or CopyShop pattern, no need to upload files!
With this sewing pattern, you can create two beautiful versions of a typical tea frock from the 1920s. We offer a simple-sew version requiring no handwork, as well as a traditional hand-worked frock, circa 1927, with designs and instructions for smocking and embroidery.
View A features a V-neck, small collar and cap sleeves on a dropped-waist bodice that is eased into a snugly fitted hip panel. The skirt is gathered into the pointed hip panel and falls just below knee length.
View B is collarless; smocking provides a close fit over the hips and at the wrist of the long sleeves, while creating gathers in the skirt and a ruffled effect on the sleeve cuff.
Sleeves and collar are interchangeable on both Views; the dress is also very pretty without sleeves. You can even make it as a shirt. The neckline in both Views and armhole (View A) are finished with self-bias, or you may use purchased bias.
Beautiful hand-worked clothing was much appreciated in the “peasant look” dresses of the mid to late 1920s, though many working women in the prosperous “Jazz Age” had little time to devote to elaborate needlework. This demand was met by pastel gauze “Genuine Philippine Hand Embroidered” frocks. Like much ready-to-wear clothing today, some more affordable American dress designs in the 1920s were sewn in the Philippines, where the delicate floral embroidery, smocking, and openwork became a significant cottage industry.
Optional instructions and designs for the traditional embroidery, smocking, and threadwork are included and can be worked on either View.
Sizes: Extra Small to 3XLarge
See images for full size chart.
Fabric Recommendations
Soft, very light-to medium-light fabrics such as cotton gauze, crepe, batiste, voile, georgette, rayon challis, silk.
MORE INFO
This is a PDF sewing pattern for home sewing, not a finished garment. All sales of digital products are final.
You will receive the following PDF files:
- Instructions
- Copyshop (36" wide) and A0 pattern pieces
- A4 and 8.5”x11” print at home pattern pieces
For more pattern information or pattern support, contact the designer, Folkwear.
