Where have all the sewing patterns gone

Emm-in-a-pickle

I`ve recently started sewing again, (semi-retired now so have a bit more time) and I have sadly noticed that the paper patterns are not what they were a while ago.

My solution, after some disappointing searches -
charity shop items in the size and basic style you want, unpick carefully and use as patterns. (Obviously there are no instructions, but it`s not rocket science!)
This has worked for me.

givememoney

thriftwizard wrote: »

Something like this one? Or is that too old-fashioned?

That would be great but how much is it and where do you get it from.


I have only had a quick look so far.


Thank you everyone for your suggestions, will pursue when I get a chance.

thriftwizard

That would be great but how much is it and where do you get it from.

PM'd you! Just so happens that that's what I do...

jackyann

It may seem a horrendous price, but when you allow for inflation, I don't think they are any dearer than they used to be.
Late 60s, when my dad earned £20 / week, and my mum 7 shillings an hour, good sewing patterns were 5 shillings.

My mum would very carefully trace on to brown paper so that they could be used over & over. I find a quicker way is to iron on to fusible facing (which I buy by the metre)

With good basic patterns, you can embellish & change as you like. For a complicated pattern, I would pay the price anyway.

Warning about ebay /Etsy - check the age of the patterns and therefore change in sizes.

happy35

Emm-in-a-pickle wrote: »

I`ve recently started sewing again, (semi-retired now so have a bit more time) and I have sadly noticed that the paper patterns are not what they were a while ago.

My solution, after some disappointing searches -
charity shop items in the size and basic style you want, unpick carefully and use as patterns. (Obviously there are no instructions, but it`s not rocket science!)
This has worked for me.

Hi, this is how I was taught how to make things. \i havent done it now for years but sewing is something that I would like to start again one day when I have more time

purpleivy

The reason dressmaking patterns are so expensive is because they are expensive to design, draft, grade and manufacture. I have heard it said that it costs 40000 for one of the 'big 4' to develop a pattern!

If you want to copy a garment, it's better to do it from a garment that is already made up. As soon as the seams are released the shapes of the pieces are unstable and stretch out of shape, so you don't get the same fit as the original pattern.

oystercatcher

Jaycotts often have half price sales on patterns. I have bought an assortment and am gradually using and adapting them. Some of the big brand patterns seem to have a dress or top and a skirt and trousers all in the same pattern , I've found with a bit of common sense the sleeves and necklines can be transferred from one pattern to another and make endless variations.