Heirloom Christening Gown Patterns

For centuries, christening gowns have been passed on as heirlooms from one child and one generation to the next. Though any christening gown can become an heirloom, the time, care, and detail put into knitted christening gowns and crocheted christening gowns give them a uniquely familial beauty. With that in mind, we present the why's and how's of using heirloom christening gown patterns.

History of Christening Gowns Since the invention of the sewing machine, handmade christening dresses have become important family heirlooms. The christening gown made by a new mother for her first child would be worn by each successive child, and eventually become a family heirloom for the following generations. Handmade christening gowns of the Victorian era were typically very lavish, with features such as tiny pintucks, hand embroidery, shaped lace, and hand smocking. Though contemporary christening gowns can also be very beautiful, they seldom display the same ornate delicacy as these heirloom christening gowns. The popularity of christening gown patterns is attributable in part to nostalgia for this traditional beauty. The style of christening gown patterns often dates back to the 19th century and the christening ensembles that included a blanket, bonnet, and slip.

How to Find Christening Gown Patterns

The Internet is obviously the most efficient source for finding heirloom christening gown patterns. Auction sites such as eBay are worth browsing. If you do, try looking for heirloom christening patterns from Butterick, McCall's, Simplicity, and Vogue.

You might also try posting to online bulletin board or message board sites for crocheting and knitting enthusiasts. Such sites are frequently a good place to share or trade a christening gown pattern.

If you're looking for books of christening gown patterns, don't neglect local sources such as flea markets, knitting stores, auctions, and garage sales. You might also ask an aunt or grandmother if she has any boxes of old patterns that you could browse.