I’m sitting here at my sewing table cutting out the pieces for a dress. This isn’t just any project—it’s from Simplicity pattern #5735, a gem I snagged at a yard sale many years ago. Dating back to 1973, this pattern features a topstitched dress with a front button closing, notched collar, set-in sleeves, and a drawstring through the waistline casing. I’m using black twill for the body of the dress, with white twill for the sleeves and collar. I still haven’t chosen the button style—maybe something classic in gold or perhaps bold in black —but that’ll reveal itself as construction progresses. Moments like these remind me why collecting vintage sewing patterns is such a rewarding pursuit. It’s not just about the sewing; it’s about preserving pieces of fashion history and bringing them to life in modern ways.
Why Collect Vintage Sewing Patterns?
Vintage sewing patterns offer a window into the past, capturing the styles, silhouettes, and cultural influences of past eras. From the structured elegance of the 1940s to the free-flowing vibes of the 1970s, these patterns reflect how fashion evolved alongside society. For collectors, the appeal lies in their uniqueness—many are out of print, making them rare finds that can appreciate in value over time.
For me, collecting patterns is a creative outlet. They inspire custom garments that stand out in a world of fast fashion. Re-exploring feminine flair of 1950s full-skirted dresses or the mod minis of the 1960s can transport you back to a time when home sewing was a household staple. Whether taking a vintage pattern and constructing it exactly the way envelope shows, or re-creating the design to flow with trends of today, collecting and using these patterns feeds my creative mind.
Where to Find Vintage Patterns
Hunting for vintage patterns is half the fun, and there are plenty of places to start your search:
• Thrift Stores and Yard Sales: These are goldmines for affordable finds. That’s how I discovered my Simplicity 5735. If memory serves me right, it was found at an indoor yardsale/fundraiser at my daughter’s preschool MANY years ago. I remember purchasing several vintage patterns there for just pennies!
• Online Marketplaces: Sites like eBay and Etsy are treasure troves, with sellers offering uncut gems to well-loved designs. Over the years when I have gone searching for specific out of print patterns, I have had luck on both of these platforms.
• Estate Sales: Older homes often yield patterns passed down through generations. Estate sales have helped me grow not just my pattern collection, but notions as well. I have snagged many zippers, unique buttons, and even older fabric prints at estate sales.
• Family and Friends: Don’t overlook asking relatives—your grandma’s attic might hold patterns from her sewing days. When I first started sewing clothing, I inherited many of my mom’s patterns from the 80’s and 90’s. I still have them all and have used so many of them in updated ways!
When buying, inspect for condition: Check if all pieces are present and the instructions are intact. Vintage patterns are often single-sized, so if you purchase one that isn’t the size you need, make sure you account for the time you’ll need to resize the pattern to fit your needs.
Speaking of Sizing
When looking at vintage patterns, take note of the measurements and corresponding numerical size. The pattern I am currently using shows a size 16 dress with a bust measurement of 38″ and a waist of 30″. Here is a size chart for today’s average women’s clothing. A size 16 today has bust of 41-44″ and a waist of 38-41″. That is a significant change from 1973!
In women’s fashion, there are no set standards for sizing. Sizes can vary greatly based on clothing style and brand. A size 6 in one brand can have a significant difference in fit from another brand. Men’s sizing doesn’t have numerical sizing, just measurements, making it less confusing and easy to find a well-fitting garment.
Wrapping Up: Stitch History
Collecting vintage sewing patterns isn’t just a fun hobby—it’s a way to connect with the past while creating something uniquely yours. As I pin my fabric pieces together for this Simplicity 5735 dress, I’m anticipating where this peek into the past will take me. Explore the world of vintage patterns. Your next yard sale find could become your favorite project.
As this dress comes to life, I will be posting updates and photos on my FB page. Follow along to see the progress! http://www.facebook.com/rawedgebyangela
Leave a Reply