1950s Pattern - Queens Gambitt 'V' Pinafore Dress

Vintage Size: 12
Bust: 32” (81.3cm)
Waist: 25” (63.5cm)
Hip: 34” (86.4cm)
Back length – neck base to waist: 16” (40.7cm)
Finished back length of blouse: 22 ¼” (56.5cm)
Finished back length of jumper: 43” (109.2cm)

Vintage Size: 14
Bust: 34” (86.4cm)
Waist: 26” (66.1cm)
Hip: 36” (91.5cm)
Back length – neck base to waist: 16¼” (41.3cm)
Finished back length of blouse: 22½” (57.2cm)
Finished back length of jumper: 43½” (110.5cm)

Vintage Size: 16
Bust: 36” (91.4cm)
Waist: 28” (71.1cm)
Hip: 38” (96.5cm)
Back length – neck base to waist: 16½” (41.9cm)
Finished back length of blouse: 22¾” (57.8cm)
Finished back length of jumper: 44” (111.8cm)

Use the size chart above to find your closest modern-day size equivalent in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the USA or Canada, using your bust measurement in inches or centimetres.

How to Measure Your Bust

1. Wear a well-fitting bra.
2. Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust.
3. Keep the tape level across your back and comfortably snug, without pulling it tight.
4. Record your measurement in inches or centimetres and compare it with our size chart.

For the best fit, always choose your pattern size based on your body measurements, not your usual shop size. Always check your bust measurement before ordering!

For more information about how pattern sizes can slightly vary between brands and decade, how to measure yourself, what is ease etc,  please visit our Vintage Sizing Explained.

Blouse V.1 and 2: Thread, 4 buttons for front, 4 buttons for cuff links. Jumper V. 1 and 2: Thread, 24” neck type zipper for center back opening. Belt V. 1: Two 3” zig-zag wires (opt.), 4” of nylon tape closure (opt.), 1 button. Jumper V.2 : Belt.

Bust 32":
View 1 Blouse
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ¼ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2 yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1 ½ yds.
View 1 Jumper Even plaid or plain fabric
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 4 yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 3 ⅜ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 2 ¾ yds.
View 2 Blouse
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ⅜ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2 yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1 ⅝ yds.
View 2 Jumper
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ⅝ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2 ⅛ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1 ⅝ yds.
Width lower edge view 1 jumper, 88”
Width lower edge view 2 jumper, 44”

Bust 34":
View 1 Blouse
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ¼ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2⅛ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1⅝ yds.
View 1 Jumper Even plaid or plain fabric
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 4⅛ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 3 ½ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 2 ¾ yds.
View 2 Blouse
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ½ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2¼ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1 ⅝ yds.
View 2 Jumper
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ⅝ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2 ⅛ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1 ⅝ yds.
Width lower edge view 1 jumper, 89”
Width lower edge view 2 jumper, 45”

Bust 36":
View 1 Blouse
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ½ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2¼ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1¾ yds.
View 1 Jumper Even plaid or plain fabric
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 4¼ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 3 ½ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 2 ¾ yds.
View 2 Blouse
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 2 ¾ yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2¼ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1 ¾ yds.
View 2 Jumper
35” or 36” fabric without nap, 3 yds.
44” or 45” fabric without nap, 2½ yds.
54” fabric without nap, 1 ⅞ yds.
Width lower edge view 1 jumper, 89”
Width lower edge view 2 jumper, 47”

All Sizes
View 1 or 2 Blouse interfacing (opt.) ½ yd. 32”, 35”, 36” woven or non-woven fabric.
View 1 or 2 Jumper interfacing – ¼ yd. of 32”, 35”, 36” woven or non-woven fabric.
View 1 Belt interfacing (heavy) 3/8 yd. of 25”, 32”, 35”, 36” woven or non-woven fabric.

Yards to Centimeter

 Inches to Millimeters/Centimeter

Roll Width (Inches to Centimeters)

Seam Allowances

All garments (V.1 jumper even plaid or plain): Cottons and blends; broadcloth, chambray, calico. Linen, Rayons, silk and synthetics; faille, sharkskin, shantung. Wools; jersey, crepe. Jumper also in flannel, tweeds. See our Fabric Partners

Beginner / Intermediate

If you select a Paper Pattern, you will receive a true to scale reproduction sewing pattern printed on A0 premium paper, along with instructions and a full colour front cover. Your pattern will arrive in a clear re-sealable envelope for easy storage. If you choose to purchase the original pattern, you receive a piece of history which may include age related wear and tear.