120 Navajo Blouse and Skirt

Misses 4-20; Girls 4-10.

This pullover blouse was traditionally made of velvet, lined with calico, embellished with silver buttons, and worn with a calico "broomstick" skirt made of three tiers to represent the stages of a woman's life (infancy, adulthood and the elder years). Our sewing pattern includes complete blouse instructions, historical information, and drawings for tiered skirt (and tips for broomstick pleating effect). 

The traditional clothing often associated with Navajo women and girls evolved from the post-Civil War days of the late 19^th century and was influenced by white American dress of the time: a high-necked, tight-fitting velveteen blouse with a long and very full gathered skirt, often in a contrasting calico print or solid color. This blouse shows more influence from men's shirts or work smocks of that time, but it is a style that was and remains popular. 

Suggested fabrics: Velvet, velveteen, velour, lightweight corduroy, light to medium-weight cottons, blends, and wool. For optional contrasting facings: soft, lightweight cotton (calico is traditional) or blends.

NOTE: There are not pattern pieces for the skirt, but a diagram and instructions - since the skirt is made only from rectangular fabric sections.  

NOTE:  If you are Navajo, please send us an email at mail@folkwear.com before purchase.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern. Choose the
pattern format you want in the drop down menu. The PDF pattern has files for
copy shop (36” and A0), print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”), as well as instructions, lore and skirt diagram.