Step back into a defining era of fashion with this rare, authentic 30s tailored frock pattern from Superior Pattern Co. No. 9916. Dating from the late 1930s to the early 1940s, this “Junior Miss Frock” perfectly captures the iconic early WWII silhouette. Superior patterns were famously distributed as a beloved house brand for Sears, Roebuck & Co., a catalogue company and department store at the time, before transitioning to the Fairloom name in the mid-1940s, making this a true piece of American retail and sewing history.
Design Silhouette & Features
This pattern yields a classically 30s tailored day frock designed for ease of movement, efficiency, and timelessness. This pattern is a transitional style featuring the utility of the WWII war-era & the romantic aesthetic of the 1930s.:
- Tailored Bodice: Elegant gathers or shirring just above the waistline for a classic feminine shape.
- Period Shoulders: Structured, clean shoulders that mark the transition away from fluid 1930s lines into sharper early-1940s styling.
- Crisp A-Line Skirt: A tailored, moving A-line skirt designed to hit at or just below the knee.
- Period-Accurate Closure: Designed for a traditional side-seam placket or side zipper closure rather than a modern back zip.
A youthful, all-season style with side snap or zip opening and back-neck, button & loop closing. Front blouse has inset with high, shaped neckline. The shaped, cap sleeve accentuates the style. Side-front and back skirt sections join the blouse under the tie belt. Ric Rac trims the hem, belt, neckline, front section and sleeve.
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Superior #9916; circa 1939; size 18; Bust 36″; 30s Tailored Frock Pattern
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DETAILS
This is a tissue paper pattern for recreating the styles shown on the pattern cover. The original pieces are perforated tissue paper and should be handled with care. The pieces have been written on with pencil, they could have been used but look great. The envelope back has material suggestions, guide to pieces, material useage chart and notions. The information sheets show the process of construction with some tips.
Condition: Verified 100% Complete. The pattern pieces have been carefully unfolded, counted, and inspected by the seller to guarantee all components and instructions are present.
- pieces: 11 perforated-some with pencil; 1 extra front bodice piece.
- instruction sheet: unbleached paper; typical age discoloring.
- envelope: 1C printed on pink paper; stains; some holes at top front and flap.
please see photos for quality…..pattern includes an archival sleeve for storage.
- Difficulty Level: This pattern is best for intermediate sewers. The perforated pieces have less information than printed pieces. If you have previously made a fitted piece of clothing, this would be a great project.
- Material Options: cotton prints, percale, silk crepe, linen or linen-like cotton
- Notions: sewing thread, bias binding, snaps or 10″/25.5cm zipper, button, 21-1/8xds/25M ric rac
- Approximate Yardage: 39″x3-3/4yds or 100cmx3.4m
FIT
This is a fitted style with A -line skirt. Equivalent to a modern M, with Junior or Petite torso length.
· Size(Jr Miss 18): Bust: 36″ or 91.5cm, Waist: 30″ or 76cm, Hip: 39″ or 100cm
USE
This is a tissue paper pattern for recreating the styles shown on the envelope front. The original pieces are perforated tissue paper and should be handled with care. The instruction sheet has a cutting chart and the sewing instructions. The envelope back has material suggestions, a measurement chart, material requirements and a guide to pattern pieces.
In order to recreate this 30s tailored frock you will need to purchase your material, notions and anything you might need for embellishing. To test the fit before using expensive fabric, purchase muslin & recreate the style in a basic version. It is advisable to make a paper copy when resizing or altering the design.
CARE
For small tears, use archival tape or a glue stick & tissue paper.
Store the pattern in its protective sleeve or bag to reduce breakage and further discoloring.
For more information, please view Pattern Care.
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SHIPPING
All products are located in Hamburg, Germany. I aim to dispatch parcels within 1-2 days. You will be notified of any delays within this time. Shipping is tracked delivery with DHL, unless requested otherwise. 4-5 patterns can be shipped together in a large envelope. For customers shipping within the eu, prices include all relevant import duties and taxes.
For international orders, DHL or UPS are generally used. Please note that duties, taxes, customs, and brokerage fees (if any) are the recipient’s responsibility. Delivery times for international shipping may vary depending on your location. Please check the article page for the actual shipping cost of the item.
RETURNS
Unfortunately, I cannot accept returns for vintage patterns/magazines or custom made items.
For Natural & Designer materials in Germany, I always check “Anita Pavani Fabrics“, in the UK, I prefer “Merchant & Mills” & my favorite & informative block-print seller in india is “Paisly Print” – these are shops I trust for quality – I have no affiliation.
