Below are vintage patterns that I have scanned and you can download free. They all come from publications that are no longer covered by copyright under New Zealand law.
Sunflower Tube Top & Bolero
From The Lux Book, 1951. Two sizes: 32 and 34 inch bust.
“Choose a flaring colour for the beach… spangle it with sequins after dark.”
Lace Detail Jumper
From Stitch Needlecraft and Home Feature Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 6, March 1954. Two sizes: 34 and 36 inch bust.
“Appealingly feminine, warm and light…a jumper for chilly days…gracefully ribbed at the waist.”
Tie-Neck Jumper
From Stitchcraft no.171, 1947. To fit 33-35 inch bust.
Elegant sweater with interesting yoke and neck details.
“Good Companions” Lace-Knit Twinset
From Stitch Needlecraft and Home Feature Magazine, Vol. 5, No. 8, 1953. To fit 38-40 inch bust.
“A lacy twinset knitted in 2-ply wool for the 38 to 40 inch bust measurement.”
Lace-Knit Blouse
From Needlework illustrated, No. 215, 1952. To fit 34 inch bust.
“Loveliest lace-knit blouse for day or informal evening wear.”
Diagonal Rib Jersey
From New Knitting, September 1954. To fit 33 inch bust.
“A jersey of distinction knitted in a clever diagonal pattern to give prestige to your Autumn collection. The sleeves are in Raglan style. It has a pleasant fresh-air look and makes an excellent background for costume jewellery.”
Note: It appears that the stitch pattern directions for this design are flawed, please read through the pattern carefully – you will probably need to rework the directions in order to produce a garment like the one pictured.
Bolero
From Needlewoman and Needlecraft, No. 46, 1951. To fit 34/35 inch bust.
“Ideal for tennis. Instructions also given for long sleeves.”
Lacy Jumper New!
From Needlewoman and Needlecraft, No. 46, 1951. To fit 34 inch bust.
A pretty lace pattern and an interesting neckline.
Smart Slipover
From Madam Weigel’s Journal of Fashion, November 1, 1947. To fit 32-34 inch bust.
“Worn over a skirt blouse … this little slipover is the essence of chic.”
Spiral Bedsocks
From Madam Weigel’s Journal of Fashion, May 1, 1948. To fit any size.
“Being heel-less these socks give double wear as they may be continually turned and still fit well.”
Woman’s Waistcoat
From Essentials for the Forces (Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44), 1940s. Width all around under arms: 33 inches.
“How well this garment fits under uniform.”
Woman’s Jumper with Tie Waist
From Stitch Needlecraft and Home Feature Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 12, 1951. To fit 32-33 inch bust.
“Subtle lines are dramatic. You’ll like the effect of the new and flattering jumper with it’s novel tie sash, and made in Fashion’s latest craze — Strutt’s Knitting Cotton.”
White Butterfly Bow
From Needlewoman Vol.18, No.208, January, 1940.
“A delicate knitted bow to lighten the neck of a dark dress.”
Water Sprite Swim Suit
From Weldons Ladies’ Journal, July, 1948. To fit 33 – 35 inch bust.
“Ready to meet sun and sea, a two-colour swim-suit knitted in couponless thread.”
Cobweb Stole
Cardigan for the “Fuller Figure”
From Needlewomen & Needlecraft, No.52, 1952. To fit size 38/39 inch bust.
A cardigan in a larger size (by comparison to the “normal”, tiny sizes vintage patterns cater to).
Lace Pattern Stockings
From Gloves Stockings and Socks by Stitchcraft (1940s). To fit 9¼ inch foot.
Lovely lacy knit stockings.
Norwegian Mitts
From Needlewoman and Needlecraft no.53 1953. To fit 6¼ to 6¾ inch hand.
Pretty, traditional two colour mittens.
Ladies Jersey
From Needlework Illustrated no.198 1949. To fit size 33-36 inch bust.
“This well-cut woolie does more than double duty. It’s excitingly dressy for evening—teams perfectly with your tailored suit—is a lovely partner for country tweeds. Interest lies in stitch detail—lacy trellis pattern, bordered and yoked with rib.”
Dainty Bed Jacket New!
From Needlework Illustrated no.191 1948. To fit an “average” size.
“Delectable little coat knitted in a quilted stitch — soft, dainty, featherweight. Long sleeves for extra cosiness, but we give instructions for short ones as well.”
Off-The-Shoulder Evening Jumper
From Woman and Home January 1950. With at underarm 34 inches.
“The gleam of sequins adds glamour to the simple background.Lovely glowing colours can be chosen for the seqin trimming. You might have:
Silver-grey skirt, matching jersey — ruby-red sequin motifs.
Black skirt and jersey — silver sequins.
Dark brown skirt and jersey — copper-coloured sequins.
Gentian-blue skirt and jersey — matching sequins.
White skirt and jersey — emerald sequins.
Powder-blue skirt and jersey — sapphire blue sequins.”
Ladies Bobble Jumper
From Stitchcraft number 94 (early 1940s). To fit size 32-34 inch bust.
Elegant lacy pattern with interesting bobbles. Slightly gathered sleeve tops. The pattern instructions call for 2-ply wool, but a modern 4-ply will give the required tension. Pattern is knitted on slightly larger needles than normally used for this ply of wool – giving a nice, light top.
Ladies Vest
From The 1933 Lux Book. Width at underarm, 31 inches.
“The Vest is designed to give maximum warmth with a minimum of bulk. The shaped waist fits snugly to the figure and helps to preserve the slim lines so essential to modern dress. The neat lacy pattern at the top gives the whole garment an air of daintiness.”
Ladies Cardigan
From Charm Book 8 (early 1940s). Width at underarm, 35½ inches.
4-ply cardigan, original in pale blue with navy and white star motif. Sleeves are gathered at top.
