How to buy vintage sewing patterns
But with countless number of sellers out here in cyberspace what’s the best way to go about buying these goodies?
I buy and sell vintage sewing patterns. Some to resell, others to sew and some to collect. Initially, when buying I primarily went to eBay as a source because there was a large selection in one spot from many sellers.
At present, I barely ever purchase a vintage sewing pattern from eBay. Not because there’s not some nice items to “get got” but more so because I just don’t like the hassle of eBay itself.
First things first, a general google search will render any number of online vintage pattern sellers, but not all sellers are the same. Description and details vary from seller to seller.
Plus, more and more sellers which started on eBay, including myself, have opened independent online stores on the web. As a result, there are a number of good online sources, including Sew Craftful.com offer offering quality vintage sewing patterns.
What does vary from seller to seller is the amount of information and pricing of vintage sewing patterns out there. To make a good buying decision, here are some questions worth considering.
1. Is the sewing pattern complete?
Most sellers state something along these lines:
*Appears all present or appears complete.
The seller has scanned the pattern checking to make sure both pattern pieces and instructions are in the envelope, but hasn’t necessarily hand counted all of the pieces; checking them against the instruction sheet and pattern envelope.
*All present or complete.
The seller has hand-counted the pattern pieces, ensuring all pieces are present to the best of their ability.
*Uncut, factory fold
The seller is indicating the pattern is in its original manufactured condition, therefore is complete, uncut and in its original factory folds.
*Sold as is or no other information provided to completeness
The seller is selling the pattern “as is”. This means the seller has or hasn’t checked the pattern. The pattern itself may or may have missing pieces. The pattern could be uncut, factory fold.
Not all pattern sellers count patterns pieces to determine if a particular pattern is complete. It doesn’t mean the seller is lazy or something fishy is going on. It just means the pattern pieces for any number of reasons weren’t counted. I check all patterns I sell for instructions and completeness to the best of my ability. If a pattern or instruction sheet is missing that information is included in the description.
2. Are the pattern pieces in good condition?
There are uncut factory fold vintage patterns in existence. These of course are the cream of the crop and are generally more costly than there cut counterparts. But the greater majority of vintage sewing patterns in existence today are cut because they were actually used at one time or the other by a previous owner.
Patterns that were utilized may show pencil, pen or chalk markings. They may have indentations or rust from pins and tracing wheels. Pins, take, Some may still have pins in the pattern pieces. There may be rips and tears. Some pieces may be altered or even homemade.
Depending on the reasons for purchasing vintage sewing patterns, whose purchasing and whose buying, defects and imperfections in pattern pieces doesn’t necessarily take away from or increase value of the sewing pattern.
3. Is the pattern envelope present?
Pattern envelopes contain valuable construction and fabric information. Some early sewing patterns contained all of the garment construction information on the envelope itself.
If you’re collecting sewing patterns an intact envelope adds to the value of the pattern.
Vintage sewing patterns have stood the test of time. They may be perfect, others may have imperfections. The fact many are still here to grace sewing cabinets is amazing in itself.
Keep these pointers in mind when making your purchase or starting a collection. It’s simply the nature of collecting these treasured gems.
For more information
How to properly store vintage sewing patterns
Sewing 101: Vintage sewing pattern lingo, its worth knowing
