free patterns
If you enjoyed my post on 20 free 1950s style dress patterns, here are over 30 more 1950s inspired sewing patterns for your mid century wardrobe. Here you will find links to free sewing patterns and tutorials for dresses, separates, lingerie and more!
If you're looking for more free sewing patterns check out 20 Free 1950s Dress Sewing Patterns and my Free Patterns Page.
Floral Dress from Gertie via Love Sewing Magazine
This classic and simple dress from Gretchen Hirsch has classic button detail at the shoulders and a simple a-line skirt.
Ava Sundress from Love Sewing Magazine
This flirty polka dot halter dress is inspired by Ava Gardner. It has a gathered skirt and sleek midriff.
DIY Vintage dress from My Curly Projects
This clever diy dress from My Curly Projects has instructions on how to make your own easy pattern for this versatile 50s style dress.
Easy Vintage inspired knit top by Gertie via JoAnne Fabrics
This simple retro top is so easy to whip up, you don't even need a pattern. Make a whole collection in a single afternoon with instructions from Gretchen Hirsch.
Scuba Fabric Circle Skirt Dress from Sewing Bee Fabrics
This circle skirt dress is perfect for beginners. Just a few measurements, no pattern and no hemming or seam finishes are needed because this dress is made in scuba fabric!
50s Marilyn Inspired Halter Dress (website in Russian)
This retro halter dress with a full skirt comes in sizes 12 and 18. The website is in Russian but can be translated with Goggle Translate.
Shirley Dress Shirtwaist Pattern from Mood Fabrics
Mood designed this classic shirtwaist with contrast collar and cuffs from sizes 2-30
Va-Voom Bullet Bra from Va-Voom Vintage
This pattern is one of my own, the Va-Voom Bullet Bra pattern and sew along. This bra is based on a few of my original vintage bullet bras.
1950s Tie-On terrycloth dress
Here's a really clever idea, use towels to make a beach or pool dress that you can slip on over your suit. I've made this one for myself a few years ago.
Portrait Blouse from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing via Makezine
Make zine shared an excerpt from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing way back in 2012. The free pattern and instructions are still available to make this wardrobe staple blouse.
1950s halter dress and cape shrug from Mrs. Depew
This 50s French dress pattern is part of a draft at home system so you can make the dress in any size you like from doll size to 60 inch bust. Download the drafting rulers and pattern from Mrs. Depew.
50s style button front culottes pattern from Ralph Pink
These high waist button-front shorts are made in a single size but are able to be resized to fit your measurements with some drafting knowledge. Download the free pattern from Ralph Pink
1950s Life Magazine Wrap Blouse from Harts Fabric
This 50s blouse tutorial was originally posted in Life Magazine. It's so simple, you don't even need a pattern, just the easy instructions updated for the modern sewist from Harts Fabric.
1950s dress from Neu4Bauer
This beautiful 1950s dress is in German and English in bust size 40 and waist size 32. You can resize with a little drafting know-how. The pattern pieces are overlapped so the pieces will need to be traced, much like modern sewing books with pattern sheets.
50s Boat Neck Blouse from trashingdays on Flickr
You'll make this blouse based on your own measurements and only 1 1/4 yards of fabric for the average size. This short sleeve staple would be perfect in a long sleeve version too, just extend the sleeve measurement to your desired length.
Faviola the summer dress from So Sew Easy
Here's an easy dress that translates easily to a year-round wardrobe. Sew with or without the sleeve cuff ruffle. Available in sizes 2-22.
Fifties Prom Dress from Peppermint Magazine by The Vintage Pattern Selector
The fifties prom dress is a sleeveless dress with full box pleated skirt and darling collar. This dress reminds me of Netflix's Sabrina Spellman. Available in bust sizes 33-39 but easily resized
DIY Vintage 50s jacket from My Curly Projects
Here's another very clever project tutorial from My Curly Projects for a 50s jacket but you don't need a pattern for this one. Just use a sweater or shirt from your own closet and the instructions in the link to make your own pattern
Floral Liberty Print Blouse from Sewmag.co.uk
This classic button-up can be paired with cigarette pants or any of your favorite 50s skirts. Available in sizes 8-14
1950s Halter top from The Pretty and the Kitsch
Sew a whole batch of these quick and easy 50s summer tops in any size. Get the PDF instructions from the link above.
50s Petticoat from Sugardale Blog via The Wayback Machine
Give your 50s dresses a full fluffy skirt with a home made petticoat in any color you like! Sign up for Burda Style to get this free pattern download
Lucy pencil dress from Kama Sewtra
Kama Sewtra's Lucy dress is a curve-hugging basic that I would sew again and again. Make it in fun and flirty gingham or polka dots for summer or cozy flannel print with a cardigan for fall or your holiday party little black dress. The sleek lines make this dress open for any range of accessory options or embellishments. Imagine it with a lace overlay or covered in tiers of fringe trim! Available in sizes small to 3XL. This dress also has a box pleat full skirt option
Vintage Dainty Suspender Belt from Pattern Pandemonium
These vintage garter belt instructions detail how to make this lingerie accessory based on your own measurements
Loretta Wiggle Dress from Love Sewing Magazine
Loretta is a curvy pin-up style wiggle dress with a sultry jewel neckline and below-the-knee skirt. This free dress pattern from Love Sewing Magazine
Vintage Capelet Tutorial from Sew Mama Sew
This vintage capelet pattern from Sew Mama Sew has a darling little collar that ties at the neck. Sew it in fabric to match a dress, make it in wool or faux fur to keep cozy in winter or a beautiful plaid flannel for autumn. Embroider your monogram or add piping or ric rac for a special touch.
Vintage Slip Pattern from House of Jo from The Vintage Pattern Selector
From the boo, The Vintage Pattern Selector comes this 1940s style vintage slip. Add a lace overlay to the cups or sew in cozy flannel for warmth under your dresses in winter.
* instructions to sew this slip are in the comments of the post linked here*
1940s and 50s Bras and Garter Belt from Sew Historically
Sew Historically provides two vintage bras here, a peachy satin 40s/50s bra with semi-circular stitching and a white cotton 40s/50s bra in addition to a beautiful vintage garter. The pattern is easy to follow, without sewing instructions but, like my own bullet bra pattern, will require you to make a muslin and re-size accordingly. Enjoy the gorgeous photos of the original lingerie elements up close in the link posted. I'm excited to make these for myself!
Wool Pencil Skirt from Peppermint Magazine by Pattern Runway
Peppermint provides a vintage wardrobe staple item in this perfectly sleek wool pencil skirt. This pattern comes in sizes 8-16.
Sewing School Reversible Wrap Dress from Peppermint Magazine by The Stitchery
This summery wrap dress with diagonal buttons is fully lined and reversible! I love to sew versatile garments that will be worn often since sewing takes so much time and attention but this smart dress pulls double duty. Sizes 8-12 but easily re-sized.
High Waisted Shorts and Halter Top Pattern from Sew Daily
These high waisted shorts and halter top are perfect for a vintage swim suit or playsuit, available in sizes 10-18
1950s French purse sewing patterns from A Few Threads Loose
30+ Free 1950s Style Sewing Patterns
If you enjoyed my post on 20 free 1950s style dress patterns, here are over 30 more 1950s inspired sewing patterns for your mid century wardrobe. Here you will find links to free sewing patterns and tutorials for dresses, separates, lingerie and more!
If you're looking for more free sewing patterns check out 20 Free 1950s Dress Sewing Patterns and my Free Patterns Page.
Floral Dress from Gertie via Love Sewing Magazine
This classic and simple dress from Gretchen Hirsch has classic button detail at the shoulders and a simple a-line skirt.
Ava Sundress from Love Sewing Magazine
This flirty polka dot halter dress is inspired by Ava Gardner. It has a gathered skirt and sleek midriff.
DIY Vintage dress from My Curly Projects
This clever diy dress from My Curly Projects has instructions on how to make your own easy pattern for this versatile 50s style dress.
Easy Vintage inspired knit top by Gertie via JoAnne Fabrics
This simple retro top is so easy to whip up, you don't even need a pattern. Make a whole collection in a single afternoon with instructions from Gretchen Hirsch.
Scuba Fabric Circle Skirt Dress from Sewing Bee Fabrics
This circle skirt dress is perfect for beginners. Just a few measurements, no pattern and no hemming or seam finishes are needed because this dress is made in scuba fabric!
50s Marilyn Inspired Halter Dress (website in Russian)
This retro halter dress with a full skirt comes in sizes 12 and 18. The website is in Russian but can be translated with Goggle Translate.
Shirley Dress Shirtwaist Pattern from Mood Fabrics
Mood designed this classic shirtwaist with contrast collar and cuffs from sizes 2-30
Va-Voom Bullet Bra from Va-Voom Vintage
This pattern is one of my own, the Va-Voom Bullet Bra pattern and sew along. This bra is based on a few of my original vintage bullet bras.
1950s Tie-On terrycloth dress
Here's a really clever idea, use towels to make a beach or pool dress that you can slip on over your suit. I've made this one for myself a few years ago.
Portrait Blouse from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing via Makezine
Make zine shared an excerpt from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing way back in 2012. The free pattern and instructions are still available to make this wardrobe staple blouse.
1950s halter dress and cape shrug from Mrs. Depew
This 50s French dress pattern is part of a draft at home system so you can make the dress in any size you like from doll size to 60 inch bust. Download the drafting rulers and pattern from Mrs. Depew.
50s style button front culottes pattern from Ralph Pink
These high waist button-front shorts are made in a single size but are able to be resized to fit your measurements with some drafting knowledge. Download the free pattern from Ralph Pink
This 50s blouse tutorial was originally posted in Life Magazine. It's so simple, you don't even need a pattern, just the easy instructions updated for the modern sewist from Harts Fabric.
1950s dress from Neu4Bauer
This beautiful 1950s dress is in German and English in bust size 40 and waist size 32. You can resize with a little drafting know-how. The pattern pieces are overlapped so the pieces will need to be traced, much like modern sewing books with pattern sheets.
You'll make this blouse based on your own measurements and only 1 1/4 yards of fabric for the average size. This short sleeve staple would be perfect in a long sleeve version too, just extend the sleeve measurement to your desired length.
Here's an easy dress that translates easily to a year-round wardrobe. Sew with or without the sleeve cuff ruffle. Available in sizes 2-22.
Fifties Prom Dress from Peppermint Magazine by The Vintage Pattern Selector
The fifties prom dress is a sleeveless dress with full box pleated skirt and darling collar. This dress reminds me of Netflix's Sabrina Spellman. Available in bust sizes 33-39 but easily resized
DIY Vintage 50s jacket from My Curly Projects
Here's another very clever project tutorial from My Curly Projects for a 50s jacket but you don't need a pattern for this one. Just use a sweater or shirt from your own closet and the instructions in the link to make your own pattern
Floral Liberty Print Blouse from Sewmag.co.uk
This classic button-up can be paired with cigarette pants or any of your favorite 50s skirts. Available in sizes 8-14
1950s Halter top from The Pretty and the Kitsch
Sew a whole batch of these quick and easy 50s summer tops in any size. Get the PDF instructions from the link above.
50s Petticoat from Sugardale Blog via The Wayback Machine
Give your 50s dresses a full fluffy skirt with a home made petticoat in any color you like! Sign up for Burda Style to get this free pattern download
Lucy pencil dress from Kama Sewtra
Kama Sewtra's Lucy dress is a curve-hugging basic that I would sew again and again. Make it in fun and flirty gingham or polka dots for summer or cozy flannel print with a cardigan for fall or your holiday party little black dress. The sleek lines make this dress open for any range of accessory options or embellishments. Imagine it with a lace overlay or covered in tiers of fringe trim! Available in sizes small to 3XL. This dress also has a box pleat full skirt option
Vintage Dainty Suspender Belt from Pattern Pandemonium
These vintage garter belt instructions detail how to make this lingerie accessory based on your own measurements
Loretta Wiggle Dress from Love Sewing Magazine
Loretta is a curvy pin-up style wiggle dress with a sultry jewel neckline and below-the-knee skirt. This free dress pattern from Love Sewing Magazine
Vintage Capelet Tutorial from Sew Mama Sew
This vintage capelet pattern from Sew Mama Sew has a darling little collar that ties at the neck. Sew it in fabric to match a dress, make it in wool or faux fur to keep cozy in winter or a beautiful plaid flannel for autumn. Embroider your monogram or add piping or ric rac for a special touch.
Vintage Slip Pattern from House of Jo from The Vintage Pattern Selector
From the boo, The Vintage Pattern Selector comes this 1940s style vintage slip. Add a lace overlay to the cups or sew in cozy flannel for warmth under your dresses in winter.
* instructions to sew this slip are in the comments of the post linked here*
1940s and 50s Bras and Garter Belt from Sew Historically
Sew Historically provides two vintage bras here, a peachy satin 40s/50s bra with semi-circular stitching and a white cotton 40s/50s bra in addition to a beautiful vintage garter. The pattern is easy to follow, without sewing instructions but, like my own bullet bra pattern, will require you to make a muslin and re-size accordingly. Enjoy the gorgeous photos of the original lingerie elements up close in the link posted. I'm excited to make these for myself!
Wool Pencil Skirt from Peppermint Magazine by Pattern Runway
Peppermint provides a vintage wardrobe staple item in this perfectly sleek wool pencil skirt. This pattern comes in sizes 8-16.
Sewing School Reversible Wrap Dress from Peppermint Magazine by The Stitchery
This summery wrap dress with diagonal buttons is fully lined and reversible! I love to sew versatile garments that will be worn often since sewing takes so much time and attention but this smart dress pulls double duty. Sizes 8-12 but easily re-sized.
High Waisted Shorts and Halter Top Pattern from Sew Daily
These high waisted shorts and halter top are perfect for a vintage swim suit or playsuit, available in sizes 10-18
1950s French purse sewing patterns from A Few Threads Loose
This vintage French pattern includes 3 different purse styles, made by scaling the magazine diagram to size.
Ramie Dress from With My Hands Dream
The Ramie Dress buttons down the front with fabric covered buttons and a sweet peter pan collar. This dress has 3/4 length sleeves and a gathered skirt in a size 36.
Danmark 00 Blouse from How to Do Fashion
How To Do Fashion presents this beautiful simple blouse in 5 different versions (versions 1 and 3 pictured), which can be adapted for many vintage eras and outfits. In US Sizes 2-16, subscribe to their newsletter for the free pattern.
Ramie Dress from With My Hands Dream
The Ramie Dress buttons down the front with fabric covered buttons and a sweet peter pan collar. This dress has 3/4 length sleeves and a gathered skirt in a size 36.
Danmark 00 Blouse from How to Do Fashion
How To Do Fashion presents this beautiful simple blouse in 5 different versions (versions 1 and 3 pictured), which can be adapted for many vintage eras and outfits. In US Sizes 2-16, subscribe to their newsletter for the free pattern.
featured
free patterns
Happy 4th of July to everyone! Today I have a fabulous late 1940s sweater that I think looks a little like a spider web, don't you? I think it would be perfect in black with white or chartreuse yoke for Halloween.
This 1949 sweater comes in 12, 14 and 16 but if you need help resizing, check the vintage knitting resources at the bottom of this post.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my Free Patterns page and follow along on Instagram for updates on my latest free patterns
vintage knitting resources:
resizing knitting patterns from By Gum By Golly
vintage knitting needle conversion chart from Vintage Stitch-o-Rama
discontinued yarn chart from Purple Kitty
Free Pattern: 1940s Yoked Slip-On Sweater
Happy 4th of July to everyone! Today I have a fabulous late 1940s sweater that I think looks a little like a spider web, don't you? I think it would be perfect in black with white or chartreuse yoke for Halloween.
This 1949 sweater comes in 12, 14 and 16 but if you need help resizing, check the vintage knitting resources at the bottom of this post.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my Free Patterns page and follow along on Instagram for updates on my latest free patterns
vintage knitting resources:
resizing knitting patterns from By Gum By Golly
vintage knitting needle conversion chart from Vintage Stitch-o-Rama
discontinued yarn chart from Purple Kitty
fashion
In May I shared a look inside this American Girl Magazine from 1955. There were so many other adorable vintage swim suits and sun dresses, I wanted to share the rest! I love the ruffled and ruching on these swim suits. What do you think? The cute outdoor fashions at the bottom have me wanting to try shorts again soon.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my other vintage magazine scans for more beauty and fashion magazines.
Swim Suits and Sun Dresses from 1955 American Girl Magazine
In May I shared a look inside this American Girl Magazine from 1955. There were so many other adorable vintage swim suits and sun dresses, I wanted to share the rest! I love the ruffled and ruching on these swim suits. What do you think? The cute outdoor fashions at the bottom have me wanting to try shorts again soon.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my other vintage magazine scans for more beauty and fashion magazines.
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