Shoulder Cape Shawl 1860 Mantilla Sewing Pattern

Mantilla Sewing Pattern

For today’s freebie pattern we are going all the way back to 1860. I have the full year’s book of Peterson’s Magazines for ladies. Glancing through it I came across this pretty ruffled shoulder cape or shawl titled, Mantilla For May.

Shoulder cape shawl pattern 1860 Diagram of Mantilla for May

It isn’t May yet, but the pattern to sew this pretty ruffled shawl was hard to resist.

A Mantilla is normally a head covering, but this most certainly is for around your shoulders. I suppose you could pull it up over your head for a time, but it may be a bit heavy after awhile.

Peterson’s Magazine

I just love these vintage, or should I say antique magazines. They are very similar to Godey’s Lady’s Magazine. They have craft patterns, stories, recipes and plates of fashions.

Shoulder cape shawl pattern 1860 Diagram of Mantilla for May

This is the inside cover page for the book of 1860 magazines. Very ornamental. And below is the illustration and description.

Shoulder cape shawl pattern 1860 Diagram of Mantilla for May

Pattern Pieces

The pattern pieces must be enlarged. There are measurements on each of the pattern sides. No directions to put it together, so you must have general sewing knowledge.

Oh, and see what it says near the numbered pattern pieces, “Any lady can make this mantilla.” Maybe back in 1860, but I know I’d find it hard to put this shoulder cape shawl together without instructions.

Shoulder cape shawl pattern 1860 Diagram of Mantilla for May

Download Instructions: Right-Click on the image. Select either “save link as” or “save image as” depending on what browser you are using. Or simply click on it, it will open in a new window and save it from there.

Below you’ll find a PDF file you can download.

PDF File

Download Instructions: Use the WordPress Download button or Click on the link, it will open in another window and there you can either download or print the file.

The pattern is in PDF format so to read it you’ll need the Adobe Reader software on your computer. Most computers come with it, but it is free and can be found here.

Another 1800’s Sewing Pattern

Another post of an 1800’s sewing pattern from a Peterson’s Magazine can be found here:

Child’s Pinafore Dress Sewing Pattern

In that post there is also a paragraph on enlarging the diagrams in the magazines. I’ve added it below in this post as well.

Enlarging our Diagrams - May 1877 Petersons Ladies Magazine

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Enjoy!

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