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This is a full-sized, color paper reproduction of an incredibly rare bodice tailoring system from 1901. It is called The New Perfection Tailor System of Cutting and was manufactured by W.R. Williams of Lawrence, KS. The system consists of a 40-page instruction booklet, Bodice Front Rule, Side Form Rule, Bodice Back Rule, Dart Rule, Sleeve (designed to draft a two-piece sleeve), Skirt Guide, and Collar and Neckband Rule.

A PDF copy of this system to print at home is also available at our website.

The original text printed on the bodice piece says "Perfected March 10th, 1879" and then has several "Improved" dates (to allow for changing styles) after the fact until 1901. Sizes include children's 20-26" bust, and women's 28-48" bust.

The paper version of the system will ship folded so you will need to iron it flat before you paste it to poster-board. The instructions are printed in booklet form. Please note that the free copy of the Designer magazine e-book will not be printed with the paper version. All you will need to do is glue them to a stiff piece of poster board, and then cut it out.

Please note: This system is for drafting a sloper pattern only. You will not need this system to use any of the 'draft-at-home' patterns in our shop. We have also included a dressmaking lesson from a 1909 Delineator magazine for you to see how a bodice pattern from a not-too-distant period was drafted and sewn together.

This complete system sold for $7 in 1901, adjusting for inflation, that's $214 today!

Drafting booklet contents: Additional Fashion Plates from 1901 Magazines Diagram and Instructions on Front Part Special Instructions on Darts How to Draft Under-Arm Piece Separately Diagram on How to Draft Under-Arm Piece Separately Changes Made on Back in New Issue How to Draft Back Piece for Waist (with Diagram) How to Draft Side Body for Waist How to Measure for and Draft Sleeves Diagrams and Explanations on Sleeves Hints for Drafting on Linings Special Instructions on Basting, Fitting Together. etc. Waist for Girl of 9 to 1 2 Years of Age Waist for Girl of 5 to 9 Years of Age How to Draft Dresses and Aprons for Smaller Children Instructions on Drafting Skirts Description of the Infallible Skirt Rule Testimonials from customers and sales agents Advanced Lesson Section of Instruction Book Instructions on Drafting Bias Dart Instructions with Diagram on Double Under-Arm Dart for Stout Figures Instructions with Diagram on Seamless Shoulder Instructions with Diagram on Dartless Basque Instructions with Diagram on Seamless Waist Instructions with Diagram on Wrapper or Princess Dress Instructions with Diagram on One Seam or Bishop Sleeve Instructions with Diagram on New Style of Bell Sleeve Instructions with Diagram on Dartless Circular Skirt Instructions with Diagram on Walking or Rainy Day Skirt Instructions with Diagram on Shirt Waist, Eton Jacket, Sleeves. Waists, etc.

These pattern systems were marketed originally in the 1900s to both experienced seamstresses and professionals alike and assume that you have a solid understanding of clothing construction. To use these, you should have a basic understanding of how pattern pieces should fit together.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Advanced Couturière. May include little-to-no instructions, no facings, no buttonhole markings, no hand-holding of any kind etc. If you like a challenge, if your friends refer to you as the sewing God/ Goddess, if you are made of thread, needles, and ferocity, this pattern is for you. Please note that we are unable to provide any sewing help with advanced level patterns. You will get a clean, working, translated, beautiful pattern but please don't expect help with sewing questions on these. There simply aren't enough hours in the day for us to provide that service to everyone.

We have been professionally reproducing vintage patterns and books since 2008 and are very proud to offer very high quality, digitally drafted historically accurate reproductions. Digital Reproduction -