211 Two Middies

Women XS to 2XL; Men Small to 2XL.

The Middy has been a fashion classic for over a hundred years, although it has been a part of naval tradition since the days of sailing ships.  Its popularity peaked in the 1920s when newly-liberated women wore Middies for active sports and with skirts for more dressy occasions.

Our View A is a very simple garment worn by British seamen in tropical climes.  Traditionally made of a white cotton twill with blue binding around a square neck, the Shirt featured short sleeves and a self-patch in the back.

In the 1920s, View B was worn for school, office and sports, paired with a pleated skirt.  Comfortable and practical, it has been popular fishing and camping wear for decades.  A square Middy collar, short set-in sleeves, band cuffs, and a side buttoned hip band, detail this popular shirt.  A tab below the V-neck opening catches the contrasting scarf or tie often worn with this Middy.  Instructions for neck tie are included.

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want at the top.  The PDF pattern has instructions, decorative techniques and files for print shops/wide format (36” and A0), print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”).

Suggested fabrics:   Views A & B: Medium- to heavy-weight cotton, denim, cotton twill, and blends; rayon; heavy-weight silk; wool challis; knits.   View B, also: Wool flannel; pinwale corduroy.

Sizing and Yardage Chart (PDF)

Era: Edwardian, 1910s, 1920s, Victorian.

LEARN MORE: 

• Short history and inspiration for middy shirts.
• 211 Two Middies Sew Along:
• Day 1, View A
• Day 2, View A
• Day 3, View B (also how to grade up sizing)
• Day 4, View B
• Making View B into a long sleeved, long dress!