1940s Wartime Tea Dress Sewing Pattern – Gathered Bodice, Bust 36

This 1940s wartime sewing pattern is for a fitted dress with a softly gathered front bodice, curved skirt seam and a choice of long or short sleeves.

The back bodice is cut in one piece with two small pleats on either side of the waist. At the front, two bodice sections are lightly gathered beneath the bust before joining the curved upper edge of the skirt.

The sleeves are set into the armholes with four pleats at the sleeve head, and sash ties are sewn into the side seams at the waist. The dress fastens at the left underarm with a side placket using hooks and eyes and press studs.

No original fabric recommendations are given. Suitable woven fabrics could include cotton prints, rayon, viscose, linen or chambray.

The pattern is for a 36-inch bust, 29-inch waist and 39-inch hip.

The original step-by-step instructions are fairly basic, so an additional sewing guide is included to help with construction.

This pattern is available in three convenient formats:
Multi-page PDF: Perfect for printing at home
A0 PDF: Ideal for sending to a print shop.
Printed Version: Delivered directly to your address
Choose the option that works best for you at checkout