Vintage sewing patterns help bring history to life. They allow previous fashions to be worn again, giving the wearer something unique and normally well designed. They’re also popular collector’s items because they represent a piece of history. Vintage sewing patterns can even be used as art - the envelopes look beautiful framed.
Paper patterns came into existence in the 1860s. Patterns were available in fashion magazines and by mail. Butterick also began to make tissue patterns around this time period. These patterns are difficult to find.
Collectors prefer patterns that are in very good condition - unused and with factory folds. Some wear is normal, such as fading or yellowing. A lot of collectors focus on certain pattern categories - such as 40s dresses or accessory patterns.
If you’re purchasing a pattern online, make sure all the pieces are included and find out if the pattern has been cut. Be sure you know exactly what you’re buying.
How rare a pattern is determines most of its selling price, but the popularity of the fashion in today’s styles also plays a role. For example, bias cut evening gown patterns have been popular recently. The majority of them sell for $25-$100, but some can be worth as much as $400.
Thrift stores are one of the best places to find vintage sewing pattern. Prices usually run from .25 to $1. You can also find patterns at estate auctions. Prices will depend on the amount of interest from other buyers.
If you’re looking for a hard to find pattern, online auctions are a great resource. There are also entire online stores dedicated to vintage sewing patterns.
2 comments:
I've also had luck selling vintage sewing patterns in lots for styles that were not as in-demand.
I have been selling vintage sewing patterns for 12 years on Ebay. You are right when you say that some styles sell well, but the market has fallen off tremendously in past years -- too many people selling them. The higher prices are now for lots -- or specialty patterns like Vogue Coutier from the last century (older is better). Patterns are getting harder and harder to find at estate/garage sales -- the word is out about grandma's patterns. Even thrift stores will scoop them up and sell them on their own websites as soon as someone drops them off. (In fact, Goodwill and other larger resale shops now have their own Ebay sellers working for them, so these thrift stores are not as good as they used to be for finding things to sell online). I used to pay 25 cents for any pattern out there, now some of them are as much as $5 and that's not with counted pieces. At Round Top they sell in the fields for $5.00-10 each! A pattern missing pieces is a throw-away unless the piece is a facing or bias guide; so be careful. Ditto for the instruction sheet -- a waste of money and time to pay high prices unless they are complete and most sellers won't take the time to check them out. Offer a bulk price for all, or let someone else lose the money.
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