Recycling Vintage Sewing Patterns

How to make use of unusable sewing patterns.

1.  Use old sewing patterns as learning and teaching tools.

Old sewing patterns are great for teaching beginners how to sew without ruining more expensive patterns.

2.  For the envelope information

You may want to store envelopes in the event you ever run across the pattern again or if you’d like to offer the envelope to someone needing a replacement or information from the envelopes back of front.

3.  For spare pieces

Catologue old pieces in the event you or someone else needs a spare.

4.  For the instruction sheets

It’s a good ideal to keep your instruction sheets.  I’ve purchased patterns that have missing instruction sheets.  I search for those instruction sheets through others.  I’ve gotten lucky a few times.    You never know when you or someone else will need them.

5.  For the envelope graphics, photos and illustrations

The envelope art is beautiful.  Photograph or scan them for personal creative projects or for the benefits of others.

6.  As donations

Give them to a friend or family member in need of sewing patterns, or to someone wishing to start a collection of their own.

Thrift stores and antiquers always welcome donations.

Television shows (Mad Men) accept sewing pattern donations (and clothing) to use on their shows.  Theatrical companies use old sewing patterns to make costumes for plays and special events.  Other organizations collect and archive old sewing patterns as part of America and history.  They LOVE donations.

7.  To make other pieces

Use the tissue paper to make pattern pieces.  It’s cheaper than purchasing tissue paper yourself.

8.  As wrapping or stuffing

Use the tissue paper as wrapping paper.  Use the tissue paper as cushioning when mailing packages or as added protection of goods.

9.  Help the environment

The paper and tissue the envelopes are made of can be recycled.

What do you do with your old and “unusable” sewing patterns?