I finally sat down to organize and declutter my massive vintage sewing pattern collection, and let’s just say… it’s A LOT. This collection spans from the 1930s to the early 2000s and covers dresses, blouses, lingerie, coats, pants, menswear, and even Vogue Paris Originals. For me, these patterns are more than just paper—they’re fashion history in physical form.
Each one is a time capsule and a time machine, capturing the trends, silhouettes, and even the social changes of its era. From wartime rationing that shaped 1940s utility styles to the bold, dramatic looks of the 1950s, and on, these patterns tell a story.
But now, the real question is: how many patterns do I actually have? 🤔 Take a guess in the comments before I reveal the final number… Please don’t judge…!
Are you a vintage pattern collector too? What’s the oldest pattern you own? Let’s talk sewing, sewing patterns, and fashion history in the comments!
Other videos/YouTubers who inspire me to no end:
So glad I don
I loved your comment about the buttons down the back. Until I was at least ten years old I wore little plaid dresses to school. They had a Peter Pan collar, puff sleeves, a gathered skirt, a belt that was sewn in at the side seam and tied in a bow in the back. And buttons down the back. I know I buttoned them myself but I don’t know how I could have since today I can not reach behind my back to tie an apron. I was crazy about the wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg in the 70’s but could not buy one because my bust was too big. Last year I had a total breast removal and decided I should make one of those dresses. Vogue has the pattern, $24 to $28. Depending on where you buy it. However I never wear dresses so that would be a waste of time and fabric.
I’m happy to wear my old clothes. They are good quality, better fabric. ( I hate polyester ) well made. I don’t care for what’s available today, thin fabric, 2 way stretch, sewn flat. Yuck! I enjoyed watching you organize your patterns.
I absolutely love watching you. You have such joy in what you get and you’re so generous in what you give. Just so you don’t feel that badly, I have two simplicity file cabinets filled with patterns. I love collecting them one has strictly vintage. The other has strictly current. I work full-time, and don’t really have the time to sew as much as I would like, but someday!! I have quite a few of those vogue ones myself, and I love the little labels. I actually recently made a DVF wrap dress and had a vintage label to put in it!
I love patterns as well. I saw a McCalls filing cabinet on sale at Hobby Lobby. And it was under $40. The real wide filing cabinets they use! You should hold on to your patterns whether they are your size or not. Pattern factories aren’t making patterns like they used too. Since Joanns bankruptcy the patterns business is up in the air too. Thats the reason Hobby Lobby was selling their patterns cabinets! And whatever patterns they had left was $1.00. 😊 If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, check it out! I have vintage and modern patterns too….its a beautiful collection❤❤
My guess was 500 so I wasn’t that far off lol