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How to Draft A Classic Vintage Dress // Waist Yoke 1930's/1940's Dress

TheClosetHistorian

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Today I'm delving into a rather classic style of vintage dress, most popular through the 1930s and 1940s, these same pattern drafting modifications can be used to create most midriff yoke styles from throughout the mid 20th century.

This fabric at Mood (not spon): https://www.moodfabrics.com/collectio...

Contour guide from Patternmaking Design: Pinterest: 15903404921450407 Pinterest: 15903404921450405

Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.

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Need to make a block pattern? There are many options, and I talk about several in this playlist! : Making a Bodice Block From a Fitting Shell...

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20 Comments

@mewennm4387 2 months ago

"I need to up my interfacing game, let’s face it." I don’t know if this pun was on purpose, but it was excellent.

@slow-practice 2 months ago

"63 degrees of dart fullness" is my new vocal stim

@YvonneRomahn 2 months ago

Such an elegant and flattering dress 😍 love it! And Miss Sofia lying on your chair with her eyes absolutly GLOWING emerald green in your greenish light 💚

@vikachan19 2 months ago

I learned pattern drafting from you (my mom was a seamstress and tailor, so I learned to sew EARLY, but not pattern drafting). I have made my blocks several times, I have even made pants blocks from the textbook series you use (Helene?). I make my own jeans, tops, and now even underwear lol (from old t-shirts). You have been an excellent teacher <3. One day I will make a bras and be unstoppable :)

@angelagla 2 months ago

I watched a video of making this dress last night and thought "I wish The Closet Historian would do this one!". Girl, as usual, you delivered. Thanks so much. The other video was done with a pre- made pattern, and while I had an idea how to do it thanks to your videos, I did not feel 100% confident. You are awesome.

@jojoslameerrand9305 2 months ago

Thank you so much for the explainer on contouring! I used to have a pattern that I tried to modify like this and I finally understand why it wouldn't fit right no matter what I did. I love the cat interruptions, I'm glad you have helpers

@JenInOz 2 months ago

I made a 1950s pattern (Weigel 1936 if you wanted to look it up) recently in crepe- the toile was a bit tight so I added a bit to the seam allowances but I forgot that the crepe would be so stretchy. Turns it I didn't need to put a zip in, to get into and out of it.

@Sibyle79 2 months ago

3:58 oh girl, I’m glad you said something. I’m also a 36 DD and would have added like 5 inches 😂😂

@emmalemon26 2 months ago

It really is a beautiful fabric!

@laurielahr9401 2 months ago

Oh, and if I weren't already half blind I would be pattern drafting. I am learning all over again from you. This dress today is just my style. Stunning. As are you.

@theresawagner2642 2 months ago

Gorgeous dress and a perfect fit.

@abigailpip112 8 days ago

Wow, you're so hard on yourself! Remember, most of us are watching this because we don't know how to pattern draft like that and we would like to make a beautiful dress that actually fits our bodies, different as they are from each other and from generic patterns.
I think you did a brilliant job of explaining everything and referencing sources and other videos.
Thank you

@hitbyabus4615 2 months ago

The sewing community is feeding me good today

@adrianburrell6217 2 months ago

Hand stitching a piece of twill tape along the inside edge of that bias neckline to keep it from stretching. You can also gently gather, very gently before doing so that way it will gently "cup" toward your bust.

@Puppy52 2 months ago

Love your rose print dress too!😍

@amaronith 2 months ago

hilariously, my cat has been sitting in front of my keyboard the whole time i was watching XD beautiful dress, lovely kitties!

@peaches65835 2 months ago

Because of the Closet Historian I have started drafting my own patterns. This mostly for financial reasons, but also because of many bad experiences with commercial patterns not fitting my body shape. I am so happy with the outcome of my designs. So thank you.

@nekkidnora 2 months ago

Reminded once again, as you describe making the puff sleeve, that I was able to make the exact dress my daughter wanted because of these videos, with the exact amount of puff she wanted, and am once again delighted. :) Thank you so much!

@stefflcus 2 months ago

I come here for the snark and the cats (all three today!) and will always stay/return for the audio stim and actually learning technical sewing things.

The addition of the detail in the back REALLY kicks everything up a notch! (I refuse to say it "elevates" it. Saints preserve us, I swear.) That's absolutely how that dress was always meant to be in its very soul.

@ricorori 2 months ago

As someone just getting into block patterning and creating my own patterns from said block (perhaps it would've been shorter to say 'patterning the way you do' lol) it is FASCINATING to watch the process! The pieces go from 'ah yes, pattern piece' to 'whaaaat is that' and back to 'ah yes, pattern piece' in such neat ways! I intend to create a Claire McCaudell-inspired popover dress with waist detailing like this (so I can lazily pop it over my nightclothes and go out on my patio to water my plants or what have you without scandalizing the neighbors), so this video is very timely! Thank you as always for your detailed explanations and sharing your beautiful craftsmanship! ♥