1940s Vintage Sewing Patterns
Discover Patterned's collection of authentic, original 1940s vintage sewing patterns, carefully sourced for modern makers, collectors and lovers of historic fashion.
Explore original dressmaking patterns from iconic pattern houses including Vogue, Simplicity, Butterick, McCall's, Advance and more. From beautifully tailored wartime dresses and practical separates to elegant suits, coats, blouses and the fuller silhouettes that emerged toward the end of the decade, our collection captures the distinctive style and ingenuity of 1940s fashion.
These are original vintage paper sewing patterns, not modern reproductions. Each pattern is individually checked, with its size, condition and completeness clearly described in the listing.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Patterned brings original patterns from fashion's past into the hands of today's sewists and collectors, with international shipping available.
Shop Original 1940s Vintage Sewing Patterns
Simplicity 4272
Misses' One-Piece Dress and Jacket
Size 16 Bust 34
ca. 1940s
The dress has a fitted bodice joined to a softly pleated skirt and is shown in three variations. Styles 1 and 2 feature short sleeves, while Style 3 has long sleeves. The long sleeves use non-separable slide fasteners. The dress has a side opening and can be worn belted.
Style 1 includes a coordinating loose-fitting jacket, fashioned with long sleeves, a high neckline and front-button closing. Large patch pockets and decorative top-stitching give the jacket a smart, casual finish.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Factory Folded.
Envelope has some tatty wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Simplicity Designer's Pattern 8097
Large Format, Misses' and Women's Afternoon Dress
Size 16 Bust 34 Hip 37
ca. 1949
The moderate flare of the slim skirt is achieved with two pointed godets, set into the skirt with topstitching. The low-necked bodice features a back collar leading into a softly draped jabot at the front. Version A has three-quarter set-in sleeves, while Version B features short sleeves.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Incomplete. Skirt pieces only; bodice and sleeve pieces are missing.
Envelope has considerable wear and tear consistent with age and storage, including tears, creasing and handwritten markings.
Simplicity 2311
Misses' Blouse
Size 16 Bust 34
ca. 1948
The back-buttoning blouse has darts at the side front, tucks at the front waistline and dart tucks in back. Extended shoulders are featured. An embroidered monogram, for which a transfer is included, trims the blouse. The neckline is finished with a pointed collar in Style 1 and a rolled collar in Style 2.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete. No transfers included.
Envelope has some wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Simplicity 2666
Misses' Skirt in Two Lengths
Waist 26 Hip 35
ca. 1948
The skirt, seamed down the center front and back, falls in an easy flare. A waistband which may be secured with a button or hooks and eyes, finishes the upper edge of the skirt. Style 1 is the evening length. In Style 2, a side-entrance pocket, belt carriers and a purchased belt are featured.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete.
Envelope has some tatty wear and tear consistent with age and storage.
Simplicity 2842
Misses' One-Piece Wrap-Around House Dress and Housecoat
Size 14 Bust 32
ca. 1949
A shoulder yoke releases soft fullness in the bodice front. The yoke and sleeves are cut in one. The flared skirt is cut in four sections and features a patch pocket in front. A self-belt ties around the waist and forms a bow at the left side. Style 1 is full length, Style 2 is street length.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete.
Skirt cut to shorter length, cut-offs included.
Envelope has some tatty wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Simplicity 2617
Misses' One-Piece Dress
Size 14 Bust 32
ca. 1948
The dart-fitted bodice is secured with a front-button closing. The softly flared skirt, seamed down the center front and back, falls in an easy flare. Style 1 features short, cuffed sleeves and a pointed collar. In Style 2, top-stitching outlines the bodice. Patch pockets, styled with flaps, trim the skirt.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete.
Envelope has some wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Simplicity 3102
Blouse, Skirt and Weskit
Size 11 Bust 29
ca. 1949
A Peter Pan collar and cuffed three-quarter sleeves are features of the blouse which has a three-button opening at the neck edge. The front-buttoned four-gored skirt is fastened to a waistband. Darts at the waistline fit the weskit which has a round neckline. The front opening of the skirt in Style 1 is edged with pockets which button on. Saddle-stitched patch pockets at the hips are features of Style 2 skirt. The weskit, tucked into the skirt, has a patch pocket just below the shoulder, and saddle-stitching is used as trimming.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut.
Missing pieces: Weskit Pocket (N) & Weskit Armhole Facing (T).
Envelope has some wear and tear consistent with age and storage.
Simplicity 2208
Misses' Long and Short Pajamas
Size 14 Bust 32
ca. 1947
The trousers, styled with pleats at front and back waistline, are joined to a waistband which buttons at left side in Style I, a curved shoulder yoke releases soft fullness in front and back of pajama top. It has a front-button closing, round collar and long bishop sleeves. There is a pocket on left side. Style II has a lace trimmed midriff top which ties in a knot at the center front and is finished with short sleeves. Style III has a midriff top and short trousers.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete.
Envelope has some wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Simplicity 2635
Teen-Age Two-Piece Suit
Size 14 Bust 32
ca. 1948
The lined jacket is styled with a center back pleat which releases a vent. Top-stitching trims the large Peter Pan collar and flap pockets. The dart-fitted skirt features a center front pleat and opening at the lower edge. In Style 1, the top-stitching cuff is cut in one with the sleeve.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete. Only skirt pieces used.
Envelope has some wear and tear consistent with age and storage.
Advance 5109
Misses' Dress
Size 14 Bust 32 Hip 35
ca. 1949
View 1: Short sleeve dress with tie collar; View 2: Long sleeve dress with tailored collar. Snap for closing waistline; buttons in front of dress. Optional shoulder pads.
Unprinted pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete.
Envelope has some wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Split at the bottom.
Simplicity 1892
Women's One-Piece Dress
Size 20.5 Bust 39
ca. 1949
The dart-fitted bodice is styled with kimono sleeves which turn back to form cuffs. Soft pleats in front release fullness in the four-gored skirt. A pocket is featured in the right side seam. A purchased or self belt may be used. Style 1 features a narrow roll collar extending into the front-button closing. In Style 2 the V-necked bodice has a simulated fly-front.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete. Rare large size.
Envelope has tatty wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape and a side rip on envelope.
Simplicity 2901
Women's One-Piece Dress
Size 20 Bust 38
ca. 1949
The dart-fitted bodice is styled with kimono sleeves which turn back to form cuffs. Soft pleats in front release fullness in the four-gored skirt. A pocket is featured in the right side seam. A purchased or self belt may be used. Style 1 features a narrow roll collar extending into the front-button closing. In Style 2 the V-necked bodice has a simulated fly-front.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete. Rare large size.
Envelope has wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Simplicity 1858
Women's One-Piece Dress
Size 20 Bust 38
ca. 1946
The dress is styled with slim princess lines and a shaped neckline. it is finished with a front-button-closing to the hipline from which a pleat is released. In Style I, a contrasting bow trims the neckline and matching detachable cuffs accent the long fitted sleeves. In Style II, the three-quarter length sleeves gather to a buttoned cuff.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete. Unfolded but looks unused. Rare large size.
Envelope has wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Simplicity 1729
Women's One-Piece Dress in Half Sizes
Size 20.5 Bust 39
ca. 1946
Soft and flattering, the V neckline is complimented by a curved shoulder yoke releasing gathers. The bodice is gently gathered above the waistline. The paneled skirt, which may be evening or daytime length, joins the bodice at the natural waistline. In style 1 the long sleeve is graceful and the bodice closes with 2 buttons. A self fabric is use. In Style 2 the sleeve is short and the bodice has a snap closing and the button trim. Style 2 has short sleeves and a button closing.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete. Rare large size.
Envelope has wear and tear consistent with age and storage. Tape on envelope.
Explore a hand-picked selection below, or browse our complete collection of original 1940s vintage sewing patterns.
Original Patterns from the 1940s
The 1940s was a remarkable decade for home dressmaking, shaped by both wartime practicality and the return of glamour in the post-war years. Early and mid-decade fashions favoured strong shoulders, defined waists, neat tailoring and economical silhouettes, while the later 1940s introduced softer lines, longer skirts and the fuller proportions that would come to define the New Look.
At Patterned, you'll find original 1940s patterns for dresses, skirts, blouses, suits, coats, eveningwear and more, including designs from some of the era's most recognisable pattern houses.
Because our patterns are genuine vintage originals, each one has its own history and condition. Every pattern is individually checked and clearly described as Factory Folded, Cut & Complete, Cut & Incomplete or otherwise noted, so you can purchase with confidence knowing exactly what you're receiving.
Looking for a particular style, size or pattern maker?
Simplicity 2571
Misses' Skirt
Waist 30 Hip 39
ca. 1948
The softly tailored skirt, seamed down the center front and back, joins to a waistband. Style 1 features a wide ruffle of self fabric at the lower edge. Tie ends, which extend from the sides, fasten into a soft back bow. In Style 2, a triple row of lace edging outlines the hem which comes to a side-front point and is finished with a ribbon bow.
Printed pattern. Pattern has been checked and is Cut & Complete.
Envelope has some wear and tear consistent with age and storage.