Opening a vintage pattern for the first time could be a shock if you don’t know what to expect.The predominate types of vintage sewing patterns include:
- PRINTED where pattern markings are printed directly onto each pattern piece.
- PERFORATED where pattern markings are shown as shape cutouts: triangles, squares and circles.
For more information on using vintage sewing patterns and understanding common terms:
Sewing Pattern Portal
are seamlines included or need to be added?
Good question. Seam allowances on vintage sewing patterns is extremely important. In fact, some patterns specifically state to follow the seam allowance exactly or the garment design will not work. That said, each sewing pattern manufacturer's seam allowance/requirements are different. You'll need to read the instruction sheet that's included with the pattern to decipher whether or not seam allowances are added to the pattern pieces. And to determine what the seam allowance should be if it’s not automatically part of the pattern piece itself.