Past Patterns PP#0304
Late 1930s Wedding Gown with Train Sewing Pattern

This wedding dress pattern is an early, original creation by Past Patterns, first produced in August 1982


Saundra Altman, our founder had only the following to say about this pattern, "Miss E. Zylstra was married in this gown in October of 1939. The original fabric is a cream acetate satin. The lace at the yoke, collar, cuffs and cathedral train is a deeper cream. The closure is secured with four snaps at the left side."


Regretably, even with the vast resources of the internet in 2024, we cannot find any reference to anything else about Miss Zylstra.


Current research does show that in 1939, typical wedding gown design from that era focused on:


Silhouette: Wedding gowns of the 1930s often featured a sleek, slim silhouette. They emphasized the natural curves of the body with fitted bodices and slightly flared skirts. The waistlines were typically cinched, creating an hourglass figure.

Neckline and Sleeves: Necklines tended to be modest, often featuring high necklines or sweetheart necklines with lace or sheer overlays. Sleeves varied from short puffed sleeves to long sleeves, sometimes adorned with lace or ruffles for added elegance.

Embellishments: Lace was a popular embellishment on wedding gowns in the 1930s. Delicate lace overlays were often used on bodices and sleeves, adding a romantic and feminine touch. Other embellishments such as embroidery, beading, and intricate appliqués were also common, enhancing the gown's beauty and sophistication.

Train: Many wedding gowns in the 1930s featured trains of varying lengths, adding a sense of grandeur and formality to the ensemble. Trains were often adorned with lace or embroidery to complement the gown's design.

Accessories: Brides in the 1930s often accessorized their wedding gowns with veils, gloves, and floral headpieces. Veils were typically long and sheer, adding an ethereal quality to the bride's look. Gloves were often elbow-length or wrist-length and made of satin or lace.  This is one characteristic not covered in our pattern set.


Overall, wedding gowns in 1939 reflected the elegant and romantic aesthetic of the time, with attention to detail and craftsmanship creating timeless and beautiful bridal ensembles and we believe that our pattern does make a great example for what would have been accurately worn during the period.

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This pattern is Multi-sized with the following pattern sizes included:

Size 8 Bust 32 1/2" Waist 24 1/2" Hips 34 1/2"

Size 10 Bust 33 1/2” Waist 25 1/2” Hips 35 ½”

Size 12 Bust 35” Waist 27” Hips 37”

Size 14 Bust 36 1/2” Waist 28 1/2” Hips 38 ½”

Size 18 Bust 38” Waist 30” Hips 40”

Size 20 Bust 42" Waist 34" Hips 44"

Size 22 Bust 44" Waist 36" Hips 46"

Size 24 Bust 46" Waist 38" Hips 48"

Size 26 Bust 48" Waist 40" Hips 50"

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Fabric Requirements (all measurements using 45” (115cm))

Size 8 = 5 1/4 YDS (4.7m)

Sizes 10-14 = 5 3/8 YDS (5.0m)

Sizes 16-24 will not fit well with 45" without additional piecing so we advise against this


Fabric Requirements (all measurements using 60” (150cm))

Sizes 8-18 = 4 7/8 YDS (4.5m)

Size 20 = 5 YDS (4.6m)

Size 22 = 5 1/4 YDS (4.7m)

Size 24 = 5 3/8 YDS (4.9m)

Size 26 = 5 1/2 YDS (5.1m)


Double Edged Scallop Lace 36"-60" Fabric with or without Nap

Size 8 = 4 3/8 YDS (4.0m)

Sizes 10-22 = 4 1/2 YDS (4.1m)

Sizes 24-26 = 4 5/8 YDS (4.2m)


Optional Historical Reproduction Collar Galloon Lace Minimum 6' Fabric with or without Nap

All Sizes = 1/2 YDS (0.5m)

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Suggested Fabrics

Mrs Altman suggested "for a period-correct 1930s Wedding Gown use fabrics like silk organza, Voile, China Silk, Leight weight silk taffeta.

For the Slip use satin, crepe, Charmeuse."

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The booklet included with this package comes with Past Patters’ original artwork on the cover and has a sizing chart, fabric measurement chart and notion suggestions on the back cover. Inside the booklet are 14 pages of written and illustrated instructions for building the Wedding Gown. The patterns are computer designed and printed on 3 sheets.

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Our patterns are printed on 20 lb. white paper and packaged in a reusable plastic. We always attempt to offer the most reasonable shipping rates for domestic and international orders. Multi item purchases are automatically adjusted for combined shipping.

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Past Patterns 2024. All rights reserved.

See sizing chart in images.


Item will be shipped USPS Media Mail
Contact us for expedited shipments
When multiple items are ordered and paid for on the same check,
shipping discounts will be applied

Expedited shipments are available

Pattern developed by Saundra Ros Altman

From the Past Patterns website:
Our first goal, at Past Patterns, is to make patterns of existing antique garments from which you can make reproductions.  
We do this with the hope that people will start creating and wearing reproductions instead of antique originals.  
The clothes we wear and that our grandparents wore are part of our cultural history.  
Just as you would not abuse antiques furniture by cutting off decorative trim,  so you should not abuse antique garments by wearing them.  

Our second goal is that you pick up a little bit of history when you sew the garment.  
The fit, the cut, the fasteners, the fabric design, just to mention a few things, are part to the technology of the time.  

Our third goal, in sewing the patterns, is to spark an interest in genealogy and local history.  
Researching local history is always a rewarding pursuit.

SKU 0301

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