Guest Post: The Best Vintage Sewing Patterns: Free PDF Downloads

Today, I have Lisa Arbury guest posting. Lisa  is a freelance fashion writer from London. When she approached me with a guest post idea for Vivat Veritas blog, I asked her if she could write something about free vintage sewing patterns and she came up with a great post with resources. I hope you enjoy! Here is Lisa:

The Best Vintage Sewing Patterns: Free PDF Downloads

Many people now are turning to handicrafts and making their own clothes in an attempt to not only save money but to relearn skills that their Grandmothers and Mothers had in their own childhoods but have been sadly forgotten.

Not only that, but with strong interest in vintage glamour and fashion, brought on in part by the success of films such as “The Artist” last year and the forthcoming excitement of the remake of “The Great Gatsby” more and more of us want to make ourselves something that is just “that little bit different” and unlike anything that can be found in department stores and boutiques.

There are a wealth of sewing sites out there, but many charge a fortune for patterns or even to join. Here is a simple list of a few of the best sites out there and what you can expect from them, with accompanying pictures so you can see the types of pattern available. What are you waiting for! Needle and cotton at the ready and happy sewing!

Sewing.org

Sewing.org has some lovely PDFs, all you need to do is log onto the main site and then on the left hand side click on the “Fashion Sewing” link. You will have to search a little to find the PDF files, the patterns available are all marked with a little “PDF” sign. However, there are lots downloadable files for patterns to make vintage inspired shirts, skirts, jackets, shawls, pyjamas and accessories such as these:

 Simplicity Paris Pajamas
 Embroidered Boots tutorial
 Bordered Jacket tutorial
 No Pattern Sundress, Skirt and Beach Bag tutorial

BurdaStyle.com

Burdastyle is a great, very professional looking site and offers free downloads, including a “Pattern Of The Day” which, as you would expect changes every single day. Here are some other examples of lovely vintage clothes which are free PDFs available right now. At the present moment there are around two hundred and seventy four patterns there all waiting to be downloaded and made, and some of the patterns are free!

Circle skit and jacket
 Sleeveless flared top

Vavavoomvintage

This is a cute blog run by Brittany Sherman, a mom of two and a vintage lover. While there aren’t any PDFs for download, her fashion is all vintage inspired and comes with extensive instructions that you can print and plenty of pictures. It covers a variety of eras and styles and there truly is something for everyone, from novice to experienced sewers alike. Well worth a visit. It’s a nice, fun, relaxing site too. Very well set out and has obviously been created by someone who has a lot of love for her subject. It’s the perfect site for a leisurely browse on the laptop while you recline on your sectional sofas and decide what you’re going to make next.

Modern Sewing Patterns

This site looks a little plain by comparison to the others, there is a lack of photographs (though there are some good illustrations) which is rather a shame as there are some great PDFs for download including coats and vintage dresses, such as these:

Shorts with patch pockets
Blouse with chiffon sleeves
Sundress with shaped relieve

Hopefully this will give you in the inspiration you need to start planning and making all your own wonderful vintage clothes!

Lisa Arbury is a freelance fashion writer from London. As a bit of a retro-chick herself she’s very excited to see the comeback of traditional styles and fashions.

Interested in free pattern? Download scallop waist skirt pattern for free here!