Everyone has to start somewhere, so as a beginner working with vintage sewing patterns here are some suggestions.

1.  Start with a basic pattern with a simple round-neck dress.

A basic pattern follows the natural lines and represents basic dimensions of a figure from which all styles are based. A basic is also called a basic pattern, block pattern, sloper or foundation pattern.

Purchase a round-neck dress basic pattern.  You can purchase a basic pattern from a local fabric store that sells sewing patterns or from any number of online sources.   

There are four advantages to using a basic: 

• By learning how to make a basic you’re better prepared at taking measurements and making your own muslin in the future. 
• Learning how to sew a basic dress pattern using all of the primary pattern pieces:  bodice, sleeve, skirt, and facings helps you develop advance sewing skills.
• Making or purchasing a basic is a relatively inexpensive endeavor.
• Minimum supplies are required.

The rounded neck simple dress is the most common dress type found in most vintage and modern dress designs.  After this type of basic is mastered it’s easier learning how to modify and move on to other designs with more complicated necklines.

A basic includes a set-in sleeve pattern, again once mastered it’s easier to experiment with and learn other sleeve variations.

Note:  Even if your basic pattern has options for other design details such as shoulder pads (common in vintage basic patterns), those items may be eliminated.    Later, you may decide to use shoulder pads in your vintage styles:  shoulder pads. 

2.  Move up to an A-line basic pattern

Very popular in vintage sewing, an A-line is a dress or skirt silhouette that’s narrow at the top, flaring gently wider toward the bottom thereby resembling the letter A. 

3.  Move on to a simple Shift dress pattern. 

Extemely popular in the 1960s and 1970s, a shift dress is a dress consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice or with a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment.  Vintage Simplicity Jiffy 4947 pattern features a shift with a bateau neckline.

4.  Move onto a multi-style dress pattern

A multi-dress pattern is nice because the pattern designs many style choices in one pattern.  Different style aspects include: varying sleeve length or type, waist lines, varying skirt shapes, styles and lengths, closures and necklines…depending on the multi-style pattern you choose.

What to avoid:  

• Patterns containing linings
• Standing collars
• Patterns requiring the matching of stripes
• Patterns requiring the use of special care fabrics for example, wool and silk. 

For more information

How to sew with vintage sewing patterns

How to use vintage sewing pattern art in sewing projects