Adapting vintage pattern sizes--how?

20 years ago

I have quite a few vintage patterns of all sorts of garments from the 20's to the 50's that I have collected over the years that have never been cut. In many cases the sizes are way off--for example, wanting to sew a size 16 and it's a vintage 8. Or vice versa--pattern is over size.

Where can I learn how to construct appropriately re-sized accurate copies of the pattern pieces from the vintage tissue?

( I just found this sewing forum on Gardenweb--usually I'm posting on the "Other Side"!)

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Comments (3)

User
20 years ago
There was a major re-sizing in the 1970s, but I don't know

I would get some used modern patterns in a similar style (sheath, shirtwaist, etc.) at a thrift store and compare the measurements.

Did a search for "vintage pattern size" chart ...
http://www.evadress.com/Size.html might help
http://www.grandmashouse.ws/patterns/Ladies.html
http://www.grandmashouse.ws/patterns/Vintage.html

Here is a link that might be useful: ebay size guide
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
20 years ago
When I buy vintage patterns, I look for the size that corresponds w/ my measurements - I'm usually a 14-16 in the old sizing(40s-70s). I still recall that I was taught to check the measurements on a sewing pattern anyway, & not to go by a number size alone.I've also bought many that are just so cool I couldn't pass 'em up - no matter the size = )

What you're talking about is pattern making & I think would be a pretty big job for a novice & tough to learn on 1's own - you might check for schools/classes in your area.

If you can get hold of some size charts(or if the patterns have them on the back) you might compare the sizing for different eras' - vintage pattern catalogs might be of use for that.Are you aware that fit & style vary from era to era as well?I find the sleeves & armholes of many vintage patterns way to tight for my modern tastes.& those super pointy bustlines of the late 40s-60s can be very problematic too = S

That said, I love old patterns too, but hesitate to use the older 1s for fear of damaging them - I have nothing older than the late 30s tho.

HTH
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sujiwan_gw 6b MD/PA
Original Author
20 years ago
I guess it would be a kind of pattern making--one just would need to know how to redraw the pieces on pattern making paper in order to (in my case *enlarge*) adjust.

I collected a number of these patterns because I really liked the look and figured it would be possible to get the size I need by someday redrawing the pattern somehow. I always have a problem with buying off the rack or making patterns without adjustments due to my above average height and arm/leg/waist lengths anyway. I'm not likely to find the specific vintage patterns I like in a plethora of sizes nevermind one close to what I'd need nowadays!