Wearing History paper pattern Homefront Overalls, Playsuit and Trousers

original product information by Wearing History

A perfect addition to your 1940s wardrobe, these overalls are both functional and fashionable!  Every WWII gal needed a pair of trousers or overalls when working toward Victory, and with this pattern you can make this vintage essential for your wardrobe!

This pattern features a lovely V neckline, straps that criss-cross at the back, a set in belt, and trousers with optional front pockets.  This can be worn over a blouse (blouse NOT included in this pattern, blouse pictured is from Smooth Sailing pattern), but the overalls hit high enough that you could wear them without a blouse, as in the late 1930’s “Farmerette” fashion, or as a playsuit with shorts.  The front of the pants have a tuck on each side, which is hidden when the pockets are used.  The tuck will be visible if no pockets are used.  If made without the top, these make excellent trousers, and when made in denim and with the pockets, they are great 1940’s jeans!

Technical Information

This pattern is a Wearing History Resto-Vival pattern based on an original period mail order pattern from the WWII era.  Unlike the other Resto-Vival patterns, which are follow the outline of original period pattern pieces, this pattern needed serious corrections in order to make the pattern fit together properly.   I have edited, corrected, and improved this pattern so you can be sure the pieces will go together as they should.  This pattern retains authentic period fit, including the lower crotch rise length that is different than the rise in today’s trousers.

 

This pattern includes pattern instructions based on on the original instructions.  Some notes have been added to the instructions to aid in construction.

This pattern was originally available in Misses sizes 30″ bust to 40″ bust, but this pattern has been graded to expand the sizes to size 30″ bust through 46″ bust.  Sizes above 40″ bust have been supplemented with yardage requirements and cutting charts which were not available in the original pattern.

SIZING

This pattern is in MISSES SIZING.  Larger sizes are based off the same misses size pattern and ARE NOT plus size.  Plus sizes will most likely require more alterations in order to fit properly.

ORDER BY YOUR MEASUREMENTS, NOT PATTERN SIZE NUMBER

Pattern sizing was different in the 1940s than it is today.

MISSES SIZING

 

Size Pack A 

Size 12
bust – 30inch / 76cm
waist – 24inch / 61cm
hip – 33inch / 84cm

Size 14
bust – 32inch / 82cm
waist – 26inch / 66cm
waist – 35inch / 89cm

Size 16
bust – 34inch / 87cm
waist – 28inch / 71cm
waist – 37inch / 94cm

Size Pack B-

Size 18
bust – 36inch / 92cm
waist – 30inch / 76cm
hip – 39inch / 99cm

Size 20
bust – 38inch / 97cm
waist  – 32inch / 82cm
hip – 41inch / 105cm

Size 22
bust – 40inch / 102cm
waist – 34inch / 87cm
hip – 43inch / 110cm

Size Pack C

size 42
bust – 42inch / 107cm
waist – 36inch / 92cm
hip – 45inch / 115cm

size 44
bust – 44inch / 112cm
waist – 38inch / 97cm
hip – 47inch / 120cm

size 46
bust – 46inch / 117cm
waist – 40inch / 102cm
hip – 49inch / 125cm

 

**This pattern runs small in the hip.  This pattern has very little ease, and runs small in the hips. Order the next size larger if you need more room in the hip or desire more ease.  Refer to the finished garment measurements given below**

If you are between sizes, order your size by your largest measurement, as it is always easier to take a pattern in than add to it.

FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS

About Wearing History Resto-Vival™ Patterns

Resto-Vival™ Patterns are original historic patterns that have been restored and revived.  Original patterns are usually available only in single sizes, precut from tissue paper and totally unprinted, with details like grainlines and darts indicated only by small perforations.  Resto-Vival™ patterns are printed on sturdy bond paper instead of tissue and clearly marked with drawn and labeled markings.  These markings aid the modern sewer in understanding the markings of the original pattern and the construction of the garment.  Resto-Vival™ patterns follow the period shapes of the original patterns, maintaining the historical accuracy of the completed garment.  Original period instructions are included. These instructions are text only (unless otherwise noted) and fairly minimal, especially compared to instructions for modern patterns.  At least an intermediate knowledge of dressmaking and a good familiarity with pattern construction is suggested.  You may choose to have a modern or period sewing book handy to help with basic construction methods that the pattern instructions do not cover in detail.  Also, fitting a muslin mockup is strongly recommended, as all garments were meant to be worn over period foundation garments or corsetry.