4 Things to Know When Working With Vintage Sewing Patterns

Sewing is an art form of self-expression. It is an activity that enhances mindfulness and well-being. Practice and patience go hand in hand if you want to be a seamstress. Sewing involves choosing the perfect fabric for the application of different hand stitches. It involves cultivating the love for yourself and your body and the garments that you're working on. It diversifies your knowledge about clothes and fabric. Vintage style-inspired sewing is a way you can have control over how your clothing takes form. You can introduce different silhouettes from the 40s, 50s, and 60s.

When we talk about vintage clothing, we refer to garments that represent that era figuratively and literally. Original vintage patterns can be tough to work on because they come in delicate envelopes and on fragile paper. They are also widely different from the patterns that we sew today. It's a different experience as you must meticulously work with each fold and detail. It will surely expect a lot of dedication on your part. You can find antique vintage tools that you can purchase for an even more memorable experience.

What makes a sewing pattern vintage:

  • Tissue sheets: Instead of fabric, vintage sewing patterns are often made with tissue paper. Strange, right? Not so much, actually. Tissue paper gives the patterns a vintage look and feel, and it reduces wrinkles in the final piece. But you have to be careful not to stretch it too much as it can lead to tearing.

  • Vintage sewing patterns are often linked with unique and stylish designs. Choosing a unique vintage sewing pattern can prove to be an ordeal. This is due to the diversified patterns and styles of that time. If you can lay your hands on vintage sewing patterns, it is a lucky feat. Vintage patterns are appealing to work with. Although you will face some challenges in perfecting the form, you can create the perfect piece with some work. You can work with vintage sewing tools that reflect the art of sewing.

  • Sizing and ratios are a chore to deal with when it comes to vintage sewing patterns. But with some added creativity, they are also easily doable. Body portions and styles have changed with time. Now you have to create a piece that has the possibility of becoming a wardrobe staple. You can take your own measurements and compare them to the pattern at hand and how you can create a piece. You can change the neckline, check your back length and back width and make necessary adjustments.

  • You can play around with these patterns. You can use these vintage patterns as inspiration and style them with your modern clothing. You can mix and match vintage and modern sewing patterns for variety. You can also choose to stay authentic to the time and age and create something that reflects that.

Vintage sewing patterns bring a hint of glamour from that period. It sits as a reminder that the vintage era repeats itself in clothing in some form or the other. It has surely left a mark as we see styles from back in the day being incorporated into modern fashion. Antique vintage sewing tools also serve as a reminder of the art that people have been using for time and ages.

Get your hands to work and enjoy this wonderful hobby and create your own beautiful pieces.