Old Mexico Dress Historical Notes and Embroidery Resources

August 14, 2024

The 142 Old Mexico Dress is one of Folkwear's most popular patterns. And for good reason. It is simple to sew, comfortable to wear, and is a canvas for creativity. You can make it with a combination of fabrics, make a dress or a shirt, or add traditional or modern embroidery to the yoke, sleeves, and/or dress. We are sharing the historical notes and some resources for embroidery here. The pattern does not include embroidery designs. Folkwear kept it simple for this pattern; plus there are thousands of amazing designs out in the embroidery world that would be incredible on this dress/shirt. We love that you can find options that you love (or create yourself!).

Historical Notes

Basic dress in pre-Hispanic Mexico included a simple tunic called a huipil that was worn by Aztec and Mayan women and can still be seen today for daily wear, especially in southern Mexico. In central and northern Mexico, women wore the quechquemitl, a diamond-shaped poncho style made from two rectangles sewn together and pulled over the head. These tops were worn with a skirt formed of panels of cloth stitched together and then wrapped around the waist and held in place with a belt.

The Spanish Conquest of 1521 brought the introduction of the European loom for weaving lengths of cloth, as well as the imposition of more modest clothing. Missionaries encouraged women to wear an adaption of a Spanish chemise under the quechquemitl. This undergarment featured a loose bodice pleated or gathered into a yoke. Made from the newly available loom-woven fabric, the women then hand-embroidered the yokes and sleeves in rich and colorful designs.

While this colonial garment has been referred to by many names over the years – huipil, Puebla, Colonial, Oaxaca, traje, Boho – it has an instantly identifiable look and a well-loved style.

Resources for Embroidery Designs

With this basic garment style, your options for embroidery and other embellishments are nearly infinite. Embroidery, applique, strip-piecing, beading, and creative fabric choice are just some of the options for personalizing your Old Mexico dress or blouse yoke, sleeves, and body. There are many resources available for your inspiration, and we’ve listed a few below.

Folkwear’s own design can be found here: https://www.folkwear.com/products/142-old-mexico-embroidery-pattern

DMC embroidery designs: https://www.dmc.com/US/en/patterns/free-patterns-by-craft/embroidery

Creative Machine Embroidery: https://www.sewdaily.com/embroidery/#2

Etsy (search for embroidery designs): https://www.etsy.com

Machine Embroidery Designs: https://www.embroideryonline.com/