Purchasing Used Vintage Sewing Patterns

I sometimes am asked the question, “is it Ok to buy a pattern where the pieces are already cut out or should I only buy uncut patterns?” The answer is that it is entirely up the you – some people will not buy a pattern unless it is uncut and factory folded. But others are very comfortable buying a precut pattern and the big advantage here is that if the pieces are neatly cut out, that it can save you lots of valuable sewing time if the pieces are cut and ready to go. So I do encourage people to consider buying patterns with precut pieces just for the time saving value.

With that said, it is always important to know the seller and to be sure that they have taken the time to check the pattern and ensure that all pieces are present and in good condition. Some sellers will actually state that the pattern is unchecked and sold as is, and if that is the case then you might run into the problem of buying the pattern and then finding essential pieces missing. I can assure you that any pattern I sell that is marked as being pre-cut has been checked for completeness by me.

If it is says that the pattern is cut out, but the buyer does not directly state that it has been checked and is complete, I would encourage you to ask before purchasing.

Even with uncut patterns, I have even found that somewhere along the way, someone has switched out a pattern and instructions from another pattern and put it in another envelope. This could possibly happen at the factory or it could also happen with the last person who owned the pattern. So even with uncut patterns, I do carefully check to make sure that the pattern number agrees with what is shown on the envelope.

Often vintage pattern pieces will come with the pieces cut out and for a while, some of the pattern manufacturers actually cut out each piece before inserting into the envelope. And back in previous decades, there were fewer patterns offered so those that were purchased were most often cut out and used. This means that it is often hard to find a vintage pattern with a pristine envelope and pieces that are uncut.

Another issue with vintage pattern is condition. Buyers should be aware that most patterns are lightweight paper and can yellow, tear or fade with time, especially those that are 30, 40 or more years old. Pattern tissue is very lightweight and can easily sustain damage. Even the pattern envelopes that are a bit heavier weight paper often shows signs of what some sellers call “shelf wear” which can be as minor as crinkles in the paper to tears, rips, yellowing and creasing. It is always beneficial to take a moment and ask the seller more questions about an old pattern before purchasing, if you feel the description or pictures are not clear. Even current patterns can show wear from handling or just storage in tight file drawers, so often finding “mint condition” patterns is not always easy or reasonable. If you want only patterns in excellent condition be sure to get clear pictures and ask for complete descriptions.

Since fewer patterns were issued in past days, more of these patterns were used. The home sewer had to stretch her budget during times like the depression or war time, so they often would buy a pattern and use it over and over. These well loved patterns have a history of their own and a special character. Visit my website at http:www.sewingpatternheaven.com for vintage and modern pattern selections.