Finished: 1930s Crochet Jumper with Button Shoulder Detailing

1930s Crochet Short Sleeve Jumper

I am beyond excited to write this post today because I can finally show you the completed 1930s crochet jumper I’ve been working on. To say I’m happy with it is a massive understatement, I am ecstatic and so proud of what I’ve achieved. In fact, I have worn it constantly since finishing it just a few days ago! I don’t remember the first thing I sewed for myself, but I can imagine I felt very similar to how I feel about this jumper.

The pattern I used was an original 1930s one that I bought from Cemetarian on Etsy. It was a very straight forward and easy to follow pattern, which made it fairly easy to do. I did have some issues, but they were more about my lack of experience than anything.

1930s Crochet Jumper waist detail

My main issue was the waistband. I tend to stitch quite tightly and, as I was following the instructions to the tee to begin with, I initially made a chain exactly the length specified for the back piece. However, once I’d done a few rows, the tightness of my stitching was making the waistband smaller and smaller. I didn’t panic though and, after reading a helpful blocking guide in my orginal 1930s needlework book, I managed to stretch it out just enough, but only just!

I realised very quickly that if I did the same thing on the front then the finished jumper was going to end up being too small. There would be no way the main part of the jumper was going to sit correclty across my bust! Therefore when it came to the front I made sure I started with a marginally longer chain. I actually had to do this three times to get the correct length! This allowed me to make the main part of the jumper a little wider by adding a further two fan stitches either end.

1930s Crochet Jumper waist detail

I was slightly worried about doing this in case it didn’t work out as I imagined, but I made sure that everything matched up once I came to the sleeve part. It worked out absolutely fine and you can only see that the front is bigger than the back once it’s on the hanger. And strangley enough, the new jumper pattern I’m working on actually suggests you make the front slightly wider than the back, so I feel like I did the correct thing.

The yarn I used was Patons 4ply 100% cotton in bright pink. I bought way too much, not really knowing how much I would need. The majority of 1930s patterns suggest yarns that are no longer available, so you have no idea how much yarn is on each ball. In the end I used just under 3 balls, approximately 330m each, and I have enough left to make another jumper! Unfortunately it’s probaly not enough to make a matching skirt (wouldn’t that be amazing!), so I’ll probably save it for a future project.

1930s jumper shoulder button detail

The buttons are original vintage French glass and are finished with a silver egde. They were purchased from The Washer Woman whilst I was at the West Country Vintage Textiles Market. I used a total of 18, as stated on the pattern, with six across each shoulder and three on each side seam of the waistband. They finish off the jumper perfectly and really bring the whole thing to life. I also love having a little bit of sparkle on them when the light catches them!

1930s pink crochet jumper

The finished jumper fits really well and I absolutely love the style of it. The waistband sits exactly on my natural waist, which is definitely what I was after. I adore the roll over effect of the main part over the waist and the boat neckline has always been one of my most favourite styles. It goes with a number of skirts and trousers I already own but now I really want to make/buy a pair of grey tweed wool wide leg trousers to wear with it. I think grey and bright pink is a gorgeous combination.

As this had turned out so well, I’ve now already started my new projects. Yes, that’s projects, plural! I’m crocheting a navy blue scarf that will not only match my navy beret, but will also go really well with a 1930s jacket I’m currently making. I’ve also started my next jumper, which is again from an original 1930s pattern. The yarn is a beautiful mustard yellow 4ply that I bought from The Loveliest Yarn Company. You can see both of these projects on my Instagram.

Construction Details

Pattern: 1930s Shoulder Button Detail Jumper from Cemetarian
Yarn: Patons 100% Cotton 4ply – Bright Pink 1725
Hook Size: 2.5mm
Trimmings: 18 vintage French glass buttons

Cate

Just a vintage gal suffering from the Golden Age syndrome. A lover of all things old, especially the 1930s, seamstress, crocheter, maker of hats and enjoys rummaging at flea markets.

48 Comments

  1. Wow , that colour is amazing , looks great on you , great to see those lovely buttons from the fair.

    • Thanks Emma. Yes, those buttons were a very lucky find. I wasn’t sure I’d manage to get 18 vintage buttons all the same. xx

    • Thank you Eimear! It’s a fab colour isn’t it? I wasn’t sure when I first bought it but, now it’s all made up, I absolutely love it! xx

  2. What a totally gorgeous shade of pink! That’s one fabulous jumper, especially with those sparkly little buttons. You must be pleased as punch! Well done on creating something so swoon-worthy, you’re a talented lady. I have felt inspired by your foray into crochet, and I’m going to a quilting taster session this weekend. New skills are always good! x

    • Oh that’s fantastic! Do let me know how it goes. I’m planning to make myself a bedspread next year (once I’ve bought all the fabric) and it will be patchwork, rather than quilting. The patches will be quite large too, I don’t think I’d have the patience for all those tiny hexagons! xx

    • Aw, thank you! It’s very rapidly become my most favourite top. xx

    • Thank you Anthea! It’s lovely and bright, isn’t it? I was a little worried it was going to be too bright but I needn’t have. xx

  3. Oh my, what an amazing colour. You’re looking gorgeous in your jumper. And how great that you used vintage glass buttons! xxx

    • Thanks Ann! Yes, I always like to use vintage buttons when I can and if I can’t find vintage ones, then I generally to make my own. I’m currently contemplating making crochet buttons for my next project! xx

  4. Did you buy a paper version of this pattern or is it available somewhere on the internet?
    1930s Shoulder Button Detail Jumper from Cemetarian

  5. I CANNOT believe this is the first crochet garment you have made!!! Beyond impressed Cate! I am so inspired by this and the new matador style jumper you are working on. (Sorry I didn’t reply about the booklet, I have the original somewhere, but most of my vintage patterns are still in storage).

    • Oh Theodora, thank you! I can’t tell you what that means to me. Don’t worry about the booklet, I did a big search online and finally came across it. I’m sure it will be a purchase in the future! xx

  6. Wow, that’s fabulous! The buttons are perfect – I’m amazed that you managed to get so many the same. And I just love the sleeve edging, it really finishes the whole thing off.

    • Thank you! Yes, when I first looked at the pattern I did wonder how the sleeve edging was achieved but actually it was one of easiest bits. xx

  7. What a sweet jumper! The color you chose is fantastic as well! Great job describing how ypu made it and the problems you encountered.

  8. This looks gorgeous! You did a great job, and the color and style suits you beautifully. You should definitely try to do a matching skirt – I don’t know about about, but owning a 30s style knit/crochet set is an absolute dream of mine!

    • I’m going to look at the crochet skirt patterns I’ve got and see if I can eek one out of the remaining yarn. Only time will tell! My dream, and the reason I started this whole crochet journey, is because I dream of owning a 1930s crochet dress. I’ve never managed to find an original one that would fit me and is within my budget, so making one is going to be my only option. I can’t see it happening for a while yet though, I need to have a little bit more experience under my belt before I try that one! xx

  9. That looks lovely – and those buttons are the perfect finishing touch.

    This is probably an odd question, but how did you know what, erm, underpinnings to put with it? I usually put a modern vest top/cami in a matching colour under my lacy knits, but I always wonder exactly what would have been worn at the time. Would there have been glimpses of saucy deco satin frillies?!

    • Thanks Mim! That’s not an odd question at all. A lot of patterns, particularly the dress ones, suggest making a lining to attach to the inside of the garment. My only worry with this is when it comes to washing it the lining could shrink and distort the fit of the garment. I guess the trick is to pre-wash the lining several times before cutting it out and only attaching it at select points rather than every seam. With my jumper though, I just wear a crepe neutral coloured cami underneath that I bought from M&S. It’s actually very similar to vintage ones but weirdly I’ve never been able to find another one like it in there. xx

  10. Amazing stuff. You’ve done such a great job, and it is such a lovely style too. Good choice and fab skills!

    • Thank you Tanith! Yes, this style is very much my kind of thing, I do love a boat neck. xx

  11. hello there,ciao Cate…what a Great work youdid!…this crochet jumper is a stunning work of Art!
    It looks Marvellous on you…it really celebrate your gorgeous Silhouette & Beauty…very charming Outfit…cheers!

  12. There is some of those fantastic vintage buttons! Wow! Another well done job. I really like this jumper, especially the arms with the buttons, really fantastic. Great colour too.

    • Thank you Liz! Yep, there they are and I have six left of these that I can use on another project. You just can’t beat vintage, can you? xx

  13. Marvellous. Your jumper has turned out so brilliantly. You must be so proud. No one would know that it is the first garment that you have crocheted. The buttons are the perfect finishing touch.

    • Thanks Kate-Em! I couldn’t have done it without your expert knowledge of yarns, your tips were a massive help. xx

  14. Super lovely sweater, what a great simple but very chic style! I have been totally stalled on my knitting, I need to pick up some needles again 🙂

    • Thanks Bianca! Oh you should definitely go back to your knitting, I’m totally obsessed with crocheting now. It’s so therapeutic and so easy to take around with me. xx

  15. Hi Cate–I absolutely love this jumper! Can I ask how you accommodate for bust size? Does the pattern give additional options like modern patterns do? I am more of a 36-37 bust and I am afraid that this would not fit properly without adjustment. Thanks for posting this!

    • Thanks Kim! Generally when you buy these single reproduction PDF vintage patterns from sellers they don’t include any additional options for sizing. The reason for this is that the majority of these patterns were part of a bigger booklet and any sizing information was added at the back of the book. However, having said this, a lot of the patterns I’ve used start at the waist and then go up fairly straight, with no increases. So what I tend to do is make a start and lay it over my bust to see if it will fit and then adjust accordingly. For this particular pattern I did the back exactly as it was stated on the pattern and then on the front added one extra fan (combination of three stitches) on either end. This allowed it to sit over my bust perfectly. Hope that helps!

  16. Love the jumper-have never used crochet for garments before,only household bits,but am tempted by this.
    Incidentally I love your hairstyle-mine is that sort of length, would love some styling tips??????

  17. Thank you!! Not sure I have that much patience,but will give it a go one time (my hair usually gets about 3minutes with a hair dryer then I am bored)

    • To be honest, I do it less and less these days, mainly just for special occasions and vintage events. I’m cutting it shorter these days too, so it’s more fiddly to do the really short hairs. I can’t be bothered day to day. xx

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