How to Use Vintage Dress Patterns

Sewing with vintage dress patterns may seem difficult at first, but fans of clothing from different eras quickly discover it can be easy and fun. Modern techniques can be incorporated without difficulty, and vintage styles look good on women from nine to ninety. 

1. Invest in an old sewing guide as a reference. Many vintage patterns are light on instructions, and what instructions are included may be inscrutable. There may be terms that are not clear or techniques that have been improved.


2. Be familiar with the body measurements of the person being sewn for. Vintage patterns sometimes have different sizes measurements than today's. Bust line is especially important, but hip and waist measurements help as well.


3. Choose an easier pattern to begin. As a beginning tailor becomes more proficient, then advance to the tougher designs.  


4. Gently iron any pieces of the chosen vintage dress pattern. Depending on the age and condition of the pattern, it may be fragile. Make copies of the pattern, printing on vellum paper or pattern tracing paper.


5. Use a dress form. Placing the it on a dress form can sometimes make sense of an unmarked pattern. The older patterns were frequently produced without instructions or sizing marks. Some even come with nothing but holes in the paper in the shape of circles, squares and notches.


6. Consider yardage. Many older patterns call for yardage based on fabric that is 35 inchees, 39 inches or 44 inches in width. Vintage fabric can usually be found that corresponds.