This post contains excerpts from the Introduction Document for the Navy WAVES Tie Digital Sewing Pattern. I thought it might be helpful to show more about these Ties so you can decide if you want to get the pattern and make one for yourself. Of all the patterns I have made so far, this is the easiest and a beginner should be able to make themselves one of these three 1940’s WWII Era Ties!
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The Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) was formed in July 1942 and allowed the Navy to accept women into service. With the United States mobilizing for World War 2 (WWII), men were needed overseas and women could take over the jobs they would leave behind.
The beautiful WAVES uniforms were designed by the famous American Fashion Designer Mainbocher. The clothing was used as a recruiting tool aimed at young women. Pamphlets proudly advertised the free designer clothes she would receive when she arrived for duty. The styles were also adopted by the Coast Guard SPARS.
This pattern focuses on the Tie that would be worn with most uniforms. The finished look of all three is similar, but the styles are quite different. The first two “Types” are described by the United States Navy Uniform Regulations, Women’s Reserve, 1943. A third option also exists among originals and so is patterned here.
Which Type of Tie Should I Make?
I think the Type II Two-Piece Tie is ideal to reproduce because it was described in the Uniform Regulations of 1943 (unlike the alternate one piece) and it can be tied once while you are not wearing it, then simply buttoned beneath the collar to wear. Unbutton it from just one side to remove – this makes it the easiest Tie to wear repeatedly!
Black Ties vs. Reserve Blue Ties
Tie color is dictated by the Navy Uniform Regulations. Most WAVES uniforms require a Black Tie to be worn, such as with the white or “Reserve Blue” shirt and seersucker dress. “Reserve Blue” is a specific color defined by the Navy.
The Reserve Blue Tie is only worn with the dark Navy Blue shirt. A great resource showing the various uniform configurations can be found at “Blitzkrieg Baby.”
How to Tie Your Tie
You simply tie it in a common “Square Knot” (basically two normal knots tied on top of each other), but this illustration of a tiny WAVES stick figure teaching you how to tie your Tie is too adorable not to share!
More About the Pattern and Where to Get It
Recommended materials, pattern pieces and detailed instructions come with the Navy WAVES Ties Digital Pattern Download available at my She Sews History Etsy Shop. There are even more images of the originals that were used to make the pattern in the Etsy description images. Here is a sample page from the instructions that walk you through each step so you can decide if this pattern is for you!
