PATTERNS: Child's Jingle Dress

The Jingle Dress came into popularity during the 1920's among the Ojibwa Nation of the Great Lakes area, in both the U.S. and Canada. It's popularity continued until the 1950's when it fell out of use for approximately 30 years, although a few women continued to wear the dress despite the fact that it was somewhat "out of style" during this time.

Since 1980 is has grown in popularity and has now spread across the continent. It can be seen at powwows from Canada to Oklahoma and from Washington to Florida, being popular among many different tribes today. Now, the fancy steps and body movements similar to those of the Fancy Shawl dancer have come into vogue among Jingle Dress dancers. Our pattern presents a contemporary style Jingle Dress along with several ideas for variations in construction and trim, as no two jingle dresses are ever made alike.