Folkwear 235 Sporty Forties Dress

Buy the 235 Sporty Forties Dress sewing pattern from Folkwear.

During World War II, the government asked designers not to use unnecessary amounts of fabric or indulge in excessive trimming. The British Board of Trade conceived of "utility clothes", which were to be simple, practical, agreeable to look at, and inexpensive. The clever results are a tribute to the designers' art. Clean simple lines and fine tailoring techniques contribute to the look that is still appreciated as classic today.

The Sporty Forties Dress is a shirtwaist, buttoning all the way to the just-below-the-knee hem. The bodice softly pleats from the shoulder seams and into the waistband. Both the long and short sleeved versions have a pleating detail at the shoulder. The skirt sports knife pleats in the front allowing freedom of movement. Two breast pockets complete the dress.

To compliment the dress, a knitting pattern for a cardigan is also included. This long-sleeved sweater buttons up the front and has a shawl collar. The body and sleeves are knit in a modified basket stitch; the waistband uses stockinette. Note the sweater is in sizes XS-M only.

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following formats:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

– PDF pattern + Printed A0 copy shop (We print out the A0 pattern sheets, but you’ll need to download the digital instructions, as we don’t print these. The PDF files will be emailed immediately after purchase, and the A0 pattern sheets will be dispatched next working day). What is Copy Shop?

Note if purchasing copy shop printing: One of the pattern pieces is divided across two A0 sheets. The A0 sheets will need to be joined with no overlap. 

Suggested fabrics: 

Dress: Crisp linen or linen-like synthetics or blends; medium-weight cottons or blends; medium-weight rayon, silks, and silk noil.

Sweater: Sport weight wool or wool blend yarn.

Fabric requirements: Yardages are given for fabrics without nap, pile, or one-way design.

Dress View A (short sleeved): 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 3 1/4 - 4 1/4 yd (3 - 3.9 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/4 - 3 1/4 yd (2.1 - 3 m).

Dress View B (long sleeved): 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 3 3/4 - 4 1/2 yd (3.4 - 4.1 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/2 - 3 3/8 yd (2.3 - 3.1 m).

For each 1" (2.5 cm) you wish to lengthen or shorten, add or subtract 2" (5 cm) to or from yardages given.

Sweater: 1 3/4 oz. (50 g) skeins (135 yd/128.25 m per skein): 7 - 9 skeins.

Sizing: XS – 3XL (approx. UK 4/6 – 28/30, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Note the sweater is in sizes XS - M only.

Notions: 

Dress: Thread; ten 1/2"-3/4" (13 mm-20mm) buttons for View A; twelve 1/2"-3/4" (13 mm-20 mm) buttons for View B; 1 1/4 yd (1.15 m) of 22" (56 cm) interfacing; optional shoulder pads.

Sweater: Six 1/2"-3/4" (13 mm-20 mm) buttons; optional shoulder pads; size 7 knitting needles.

PDF pattern includes: Instructions; US letter/A4 print-at-home pattern (50 pages); 36″ wide copy shop pattern (1 sheet); A0 copy shop pattern (4 sheets); knitting instructions for sweater.

If you’re looking for more maker inspiration, check out the latest sewing pattern reviews from the sewing community. We also have a sewing blog to keep you up to date with all the news from the world of sewing.