16 Vintage Sewing Patterns Inspired By 1940s Movie Stars

Do you recognize any of these 1940s movie stars? Hollywood Pattern Company published scores of sewing patterns inspired by popular Hollywood actresses. These vintage sewing patterns are now highly valuable and collectible.

The rare and out-of-print sewing pattern cover images in this article were obtained with permission from So Vintage Patterns.

Stylish Dress Inspired by Wendy Barrie

Hollywood Patterns 844 is a gorgeous button-down blouse and a flat front skirt with hidden pockets.

Marjorie Woodworth Elegant Evening Dress

Hollywood Pattern 1059 was a gorgeous party dress with a sweetheart Neckline, 2 different lengths, a fitted girdle midriff, and featured 1040’s movie star Marjorie Woodworth

Betty Grable Double Breasted Dress Pattern

Hollywood Movie Star Betty Grable put her name on an elegant double-breasted dress pattern with a tie waist. This is Hollywood Patterns 472.

Betty Grable Two-Piece Suit Pattern

Betty Grable continues to inspire us with her 2-piece suit pattern. Hollywood Patterns 718 is a skirt with box pleats and a sharp-fitted top.

Pricilla Lane Inspired Everyday Dress

Hollywood 577 showed women how to look glamorous in everyday dresses. This pattern featured Warner Bros. starlet Priscilla Lane.

Stunning Evening or Nightgown Pattern Featuring Ellen Drew

The beautiful Hollywood Patterns 776 was used to make a nightgown or a sultry evening gown. It featured Paramount starlet Ellen Drew.

War Time Suit Pattern with Wendy Barrie

1940s women who went to work during the war could look glamorous, too, wearing Hollywood Pattern 850 that featured Wendy Barrie.

Vintage 1940s Blouse and Top Pattern with Renee Haal

Hollywood Patterns 1272 was for a beautifully fitted top and apron skirt. A versatile pattern for clothes to wear at home or the workplace.

Priscilla Lane Flash-Forward to the 1980s Suit

Wouldn’t you think this shoulder pad-clad jacket and high-waisted shorts pattern came from the 1980s? Don’t be mistaken: Hollywood Patterns 655 with Priscilla Lane on the cover came out in the 1940s.

Perky Suit featuring Movie Star Agnes Moorehead

Hollywood Patterns 1143 is a knee-length skirt with a long or short-sleeved jacket. The red and white pinstripe suit on the cover is simply darling.

Virginia Field Tailored Blouse Pattern

The tailored blouse pattern Hollywood 1447 can be a tucked-in top with full-length sleeves. More interesting is the sleeve version with a drawstring waist! Movie star Virginia Field is on the cover.

Wendie Barrie Fabulous Dress and Cape

Hollywood Patterns 664 dress and cape pattern proves that the ’40s were fabulous. I love the coordinating collar on the cape that matches the dress. The gathered waist is an elegant detail.

Priscilla Lane Glamorous Dress

There are so many glamorous details on this dress that I must point out: The fitted waist with a tie belt, the stand-out pockets, and the contrasting collar are a few. Hollywood Patterns 1963 features Warner Bros. starlet Priscilla Lane.

Ann Shirley Sharp Looking Dress Pattern

I can’t help but point out how the darts on the bodice of this dress lead down to the eye-catching pockets. Hollywood Patterns 1948 with Ann Shirley must have been a showstopper, especially in plaid!

Betty Grable Elegant Evening Dress Pattern

My favorite view is the full-length elegant gown in Hollywood Patterns 606. The fitted waist and circle skirt on the knee length view brings to mind modern skater dresses.

Simplicity 1770 Evening Gown Pattern

This sleek dress with a belted waist is one I’d definitely wear, but my favorite part of the pattern cover is Betty Grable’s sophisticated ‘I don’t care’ stare! Find it on Hollywood Patterns 763.

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