Fleisher’s 1936 Hand Knit Apparel, Volume 37 | Heritage Editions PDF
The Couture Atelier — Fleisher’s Volume 37 (1936)
Return to 1936 wardrobes with Fleisher’s Hand Knit Apparel for Sports, Travel & Town Wear, Volume 37. Moreover, this 88-page Dazespast Heritage Editions historical reference booklet preserves the original fashions, period photographs, knitting and crochet instructions, and period terminology—and adds 20 independent Modern Maker’s Notes for today’s experienced makers.
Inside the Book
- Twenty featured vintage designs, including dresses, coordinated suits, a cape ensemble, a swagger coat, and an evening frock.
- Original historical garment photographs and instructions in their published sequence.
- Knitting, crochet, detail-stitch, fit, and finishing reference pages from the period source.
- Twenty garment-specific Modern Maker’s Notes discussing materials, gauge, fabric behavior, construction, fit, and finishing.
- Dazespast historical introduction, edition statement, navigation guide, and Acknowledgments & Author’s Note.
Featured Styles
Evening Frock No. 2329 • Three-Piece Cape Ensemble No. 2340 • Three-Piece Sports Suit No. 2330 • Monogram Dress No. 2342 • One-Piece Coat Dress No. 2332 • One-Piece Lace Dress No. 2347 • Swagger Coat No. 2344 • Two-Piece Vestee Dress No. 2333, and more.
Vintage Fit & Skill Note
This is an original 1936 pattern reproduction, not a modern graded pattern collection. For example, its period sizing reference includes bust 34, 36, and 38 inches, but individual designs use specific historical sizes, directions, and measurements; not every garment is supplied in every size. Therefore, read each original pattern carefully, swatch before starting, and determine present-day fit from actual finished dimensions. In addition, the accompanying Maker’s Notes are technical editorial guidance, not tested modern conversion instructions. Best suited to experienced knitters/crocheters familiar with reading vintage patterns.
What You Receive
Two instant-download PDF files delivered together through this one listing:
• Part 1: pages 1–44 of the assembled 88-page booklet.
• Part 2: pages 45–88 of the assembled 88-page booklet.
Download BOTH files to receive the complete edition.
Digital download only. This purchase includes digital files only; we do not ship a printed book, materials, yarn, or completed garments. When printing, use 100% / Actual Size rather than
Fit to Page. Because this is a digital download, see shop policies regarding cancellations and returns; contact Dazespast if a file presents a download issue.
From the Archive to the Atelier
Vintage Patterns by Dazespast — preserving original patterns and fashion history for today’s makers.
Step into a 1936 fashion wardrobe, when elegant sportswear, tailored city suits, textured coats, and special-occasion dresses were made by hand. Fleisher’s Hand Knit Apparel for Sports, Travel & Town Wear, Volume 37 reflects that wonderfully practical approach to personal style: beautiful work intended to be worn, combined, and treasured.
Furthermore, this thoughtfully restored 88-page Dazespast Heritage Editions reference booklet preserves the original photographs, knitting and crochet instructions, period techniques, and construction advice. It also includes 20 individual Modern Maker’s Notes, written for experienced contemporary makers.
Explore the 1936 Fashion Archive
Rather than a long succession of full-size photographs, the designs are gathered by wardrobe theme below. Original source photographs and pattern directions remain together inside the downloadable book. Select the group that interests you and discover designs by their original pattern numbers.
Explore the Original Fashion Photographs
Explore the vintage garment photographs in one continuous gallery. Select a photograph to see its details at a larger size. Each card includes the pattern name, original design number, and garment description.
Windbreaker Suit
No. 2336The 1936 knitted windbreaker suit pairs a button-front jacket with contrasting striped texture, a fitted waistband, and a matching straight skirt. The photograph highlights Fleisher’s tailored approach to sportswear.
Original Volume 37 Cover
Heritage Editions. This black-and-white cover features an elegant two-piece vestee suit. It also introduces Fleisher’s Hand Knit Apparel, Volume 37 (1936), preserved here in the Dazespast Heritage Editions PDF reproduction.
Evening Frock
No. 2329The 1936 crocheted evening gown combines a fitted silhouette, delicate shoulder ruffles, and an open back. Moreover, the original black-and-white photograph preserves its special-occasion details.
Classic Two-Piece Dress
No. 2338A 1930s two-piece crocheted dress features short sleeves, a decorative neckline, a fitted waist, and a matching straight skirt. The original Fleisher’s photograph also shows how the pieces were styled together.
Three-Piece Cape Ensemble
No. 2340Fleisher’s 1936 cape ensemble pairs a textured knitted cape jacket with a patterned blouse and tailored skirt. In addition, contrasting stitch textures distinguish its coordinated design.
Three-Piece Sports Suit
No. 2330. This 1930s knitted sports suit combines a fitted cardigan, buttoned waistcoat, and matching textured skirt. Together, these pieces create the coordinated look shown in Fleisher’s original photograph.
Monogram Dress
No. 2342. A contrasting bodice, short sleeves, decorative monogram, and button-trimmed skirt define this 1936 knitted dress. The original photograph also captures its distinctive daytime styling.
Bell Sleeve Dress
No. 2335. Flared bell sleeves and diagonal stitch panels distinguish this 1930s knitted dress. The fitted waist and slender skirt also contribute to its silhouette.
Two-Piece Faggoted Dress
No. 2331. This 1936 two-piece knitted dress includes vertical faggot-stitch details, a decorative yoke, short sleeves, and a matching skirt. Notably, the stitch treatment lends interest to the coordinated design.
Youthful Two-Piece Dress
No. 2341. A short-sleeved raglan blouse, decorative neckline, ribbed waist, and textured skirt make up this 1930s two-piece dress. The archival photograph also preserves its youthful proportions.
One-Piece Coat Dress
No. 2332. This 1930s knitted coat dress combines diagonal stitch textures, a pointed collar, short sleeves, and a striking row of buttons. For example, the original photograph shows how the buttons shape its front.
Two-Piece Lace Dress
No. 2337. Decorative openwork, a fitted short-sleeved blouse, and a matching skirt shape this 1936 two-piece lace dress. The archival photograph also shows how the separate pieces are worn together.
Casual Short Coat
No. 2345. With relaxed tailoring, long sleeves, and generous patch pockets, this 1930s knitted short coat has a richly textured surface. For instance, the original photograph shows how the pockets sit against the coat front.
One-Piece Ribbed Dress
No. 2348. Vertical ribs, short sleeves, a sailor-inspired neckline, and a fitted waist define this 1936 knitted dress. The archival photograph also records its distinctive daytime silhouette.
One-Piece Lace Dress
No. 2347. Intricate openwork, long flared sleeves, and a rounded decorative collar define this 1930s knitted lace dress. In particular, the archival image preserves its elegant fitted silhouette.
Two-Piece Plaid Dress
No. 2334. This 1936 two-piece knitted dress features a geometric plaid-patterned jacket, a braided belt, a contrasting straight skirt, and a coordinated neck scarf. Together, the pieces create an elegantly tailored ensemble.
Two-Piece Ascot Tie Dress
No. 2343. This 1930s knitted ensemble features a button-front cardigan with a rounded collar and long sleeves, plus a matching skirt. The ascot scarf adds a polished finishing detail.
Three-Piece Afternoon Suit
No. 2346. This 1936 three-piece knitted afternoon suit combines a tailored jacket and skirt with a decorative blouse and contrasting stitch details. As a result, the original photograph records a thoughtfully coordinated outfit.
Swagger Coat
No. 2344. The 1930s crocheted swagger coat uses afghan stitch, wide sleeves, a relaxed silhouette, and large patch pockets. Consequently, the photograph presents the generous outerwear shape of Fleisher’s original design.
Smart Two-Piece Dress
No. 2339. This 1936 knitted two-piece dress pairs a textured short-sleeved blouse with a decorative neckline and a tied waist with a straight skirt. Its original photograph also illustrates Fleisher’s coordinated daytime fashion.
Photographs are from the original archival collection. The downloadable PDFs include the restored pattern instructions and Modern Maker’s Notes.
Tailored Suits & Coordinated Wardrobes
The 1930s wardrobe was designed for movement between town, travel, and afternoon engagements. Together, these pieces show how carefully a knitted jacket, skirt, or contrasting blouse could be balanced.
- Classic Two-Piece Dress — Design No. 2338
- Three-Piece Sports Suit — Design No. 2330
- Windbreaker Suit — Design No. 2336
- Three-Piece Afternoon Suit — Design No. 2346
- Smart Two-Piece Dress — Design No. 2339
- Two-Piece Vestee Dress — Design No. 2333
- Three-Piece Cape Ensemble — Design No. 2340
Dresses, Lace & Beautiful Details
From discreet daytime texture to dramatic lace and evening attire, these designs offer makers a fascinating look at 1936 necklines, shaping, stitch engineering, and decorative finishes.
- Evening Frock — Design No. 2329
- Monogram Dress — Design No. 2342
- Bell Sleeve Dress — Design No. 2335
- Two-Piece Faggoted Dress — Design No. 2331
- Youthful Two-Piece Dress — Design No. 2341
- One-Piece Coat Dress — Design No. 2332
- Two-Piece Lace Dress — Design No. 2337
- One-Piece Ribbed Dress — Design No. 2348
- One-Piece Lace Dress — Design No. 2347
- Two-Piece Plaid Dress — Design No. 2334
- Two-Piece Ascot Tie Dress — Design No. 2343
Coats & Outerwear
In particular, the coat designs demonstrate the substantial stitch textures and shaping that gave hand-worked 1930s outerwear its distinctive presence.
- Casual Short Coat — Design No. 2345
- Swagger Coat — Design No. 2344
A Little Fashion History: Then & Now
In 1936, coordinated handmade separates helped people build a purposeful wardrobe. For example, the Three-Piece Sports Suit could move between everyday activities; the cape ensemble offered a polished outer layer; while the faggoted and lace dresses celebrated highly decorative stitch work. Today, that same idea feels wonderfully current: wear a vintage-inspired cardigan with tailored trousers, pair a fitted 1930s blouse with a modern skirt, or allow a beautiful coat to be the statement piece.
Importantly, the original photographs are historic evidence of the intended garment shapes. The book preserves them; it uses no substitute AI-generated garments in the original archival reproduction.
Original Sizing & Materials
The historical measurement guide on original page 60 provides these reference measurements. They do not mean every garment includes all three sizes. For instance, many designs specify a single period size, often Size 16 (34-inch bust). Therefore, read the individual pattern before beginning.
| Period Reference | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 16 (Size 34) | 34 in | 28 in | 37 in |
| Size 18 (Size 36) | 36 in | 30 in | 39 in |
| Size 38 | 38 in | 32 in | 41 in |
Take the original hip measurement seven inches below the waist. Also, vintage size numbers don’t translate directly to present-day commercial clothing sizes. Evaluate measurements, gauge, and shaping for the person who will wear the finished garment.
Original Fleisher’s materials include Petite Bouclette for the Evening Frock, Breton Tweed for the cape ensemble, Shetland Floss for the Two-Piece Lace Dress, Crepe Gora for the One-Piece Lace Dress, and Knitting Worsted for the Swagger Coat. Each original design also includes its own period material, needle or hook, and gauge instructions.
Modern Maker’s Notes: From the Archive to the Atelier
The individual editorial notes explore period materials and possible contemporary substitutions, stitch definition, gauge, drape, construction, shaping, finishing, and blocking. A substitute should behave like the fabric the design needs—not merely carry a similar yarn label. For a particularly delicate openwork dress, for example, the weight and stability of the hanging fabric can matter every bit as much as stitch count.
Nevertheless, these Maker’s Notes are historical and technical companions; they are not rewritten pattern directions or tested modern size conversions. This collection is especially rewarding for confident intermediate and advanced knitters and crocheters who enjoy studying period instructions.
Helpful Reading for Today’s Maker
- Dazespast: Vintage Knitting Sizing Instructions — practical guidance for comparing original stitch counts and shaping.
- Dazespast: Vintage Crochet Sizing Instructions — understanding gauge and vintage garment adjustments.
- Explore the 1930s–1940s Suits & Dresses Collection — another collection for lovers of tailored vintage fashion.
- Craft Yarn Council: Standard Yarn Weight System — contemporary yarn categories and general gauge guidance. You can’t convert Period Fleisher’s yarn names from weight labels alone.
What You Receive
- Part 1 PDF: assembled booklet pages 1–44.
- Part 2 PDF: assembled booklet pages 45–88.
- One complete 88-page historical edition: 20 featured designs, original source instructions and photographs, stitch and sizing references, 20 Modern Maker’s Notes, historical introduction, and Acknowledgments & Author’s Note.
Both PDF parts are included with one purchase. This is a digital pattern book only; we will not ship a printed publication, finished garment, yarn, or supplies. For printing, use Actual Size / 100%; these are written knitting and crochet instructions rather than full-size sewing pattern templates.
Preserving the Art of Yesterday
At Vintage Patterns by Dazespast, these booklets are more than pattern collections: they are small records of imagination, craftsmanship, and the makers who kept handmaking traditions alive. Above all, we hope this edition inspires you to explore an unfamiliar technique, study a remarkable silhouette, or make a beautiful piece with a little history stitched into it.
From the Archive to the Atelier — Dazespast Heritage Editions.
