9 reasons for collecting vintage sewing patterns
- Wartime vintage sewing pattern
Here are nine reasons for collecting vintage sewing patterns and counting
1. For the envelopes
- Vintage sewing patterns are collectible for the illustrations, photos and graphics on their envelopes.
- To use as a replacement envelope for one that’s lost or destroyed, thus completing a pattern or adding to its value.
- For information contained on the envelope such as fabric and notion requirements. Some patterns actually contain sewing instructions on the outside of the envelope.
- For “hidden” treasures inside: old fabric swaps, buttons and labels that you may find inside. I love finding a pattern that has old newspaper clippings, hand written notes, receipts or pieces of fabric within. It’s like getting a glimpse into someone’s life.
True story, once on eBay I watched an auction in which buyers got into a fierce bidding war for a single vintage sewing pattern for a 1940s backless evening gown (sorry I don’t have the pattern number). The pattern eventually sold for $191.00. The kicker- Both the pattern pieces and instruction sheet were missing. The bidding war was for a pattern envelope only.
2. Because of designer affiliation
For example, large format vintage vogue patterns are widely known for their designer patterns. These pattern were to have been made from actual designer slopers from notable designers of the day including: Dior, Trigere, Pucci, Molyneux and others. The pattern envelope design itself was larger than the standard Vogue pattern. The pattern photography was shot on location in exotic places such as London, Italy and Spain. Plus, if you purchased a designer large format vintage Vogue from a pattern counter with some of those patterns you could request a woven label at the pattern counter.
Vogue designer series patterns gave the seamstress an opportunity to own and make their own designer garment, which may not have been affordable to them otherwise.
Hollywood Pattern Company envelopes featured popular radio and movie stars of the 1930-40s.
3. Because of garment design
Let’s face it, vintage fashions are beautiful. The A-line dress, sheath and shift dress are timeless fashions even today.
I’m addicted to vintage apron patterns. I have approximately seventy.
Vintage patterns are nice to collect simply because the fashion and styles are great. Or because they appeal to our desires.
4. Because of celebrity affiliation
I’d kill for a Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez apron pattern.
Many popular stars or figures of the time are pattern envelopes (namely Hollywood patterns). Star gazers and movie star buffs are attracted to some sewing patterns for that reason alone.
Cheryl Tiegs, Diana Ross, Brooke Shields, Marlo Thomas…
Even today, outside of vintage patterns, popular cult figures gleam sewing patterns today: Hilary Duff.
5. Because of historical association
Vintage sewing patterns are part of Americana. For example, through vintage patterns you can get an ideal on the role women played in society at different times through their manner of dress and style.
6. Because you want to learn how to sew
Use old sewing patterns to learn how to sew or become a better seamstress/tailor. Some vintage patterns are challenging to sew, but well worth the effort. You become better at your craft. Using vintage patterns is also an affordable way to learn because many patterns are relatively inexpensive to those you can purchase at local fabric stores.
7. Because you want to invest in a collectible item or make money
Some vintage sewing patterns are collectible and worth quite a bit of money.
8. Because of nostalgic reasons
Vintage sewing patterns remind us of times gone by.
9. Because of rarity
Hollywood patterns (established in 1932 by Conde Nast) stopped production after World War II; making these patterns relatively rare for that reason alone.
I’m sure I’ll come back and add to this list periodically. What are your reasons?
For more information
How to buy vintage sewing patterns
