I have been selling Vintage Patterns and all sorts of needlecraft items on eBay for almost 10 years!  I love all antiques but have a particular fondness for old patterns.  I have been quite successful in selling vintage patterns and I feel that using the right "keywords" in your auction listing Title and Description can make all the difference.  I decided to share a few of my favorites.

First and foremost the number one word for selling vintage patterns is . . . . DUH . . . . VINTAGE!  Don't leave that word out if your pattern is pre-1980s.

Stating the year or decade of the pattern in your title will greatly help drive interested bidders to your auction.  I know may collector's who are only interested in one era.  I always try to list the decade such as:

"50s" or "1950s" or  "dated 1953"

"20s" or "1920s" or "about 1927"

Try to include a broad descriptive word such as:

dress . . . . suit . . . . jacket . . . . bikini . . . . pajamas . . . . coat

Then you will want to add the perfect KEYWORD.  Try some of these:

hippie . . . . frock . . . . cocktail . . . . disco . . . . sexy . . . . boho . . . . party . . . . formal . . . . rockabilly . . . . babydoll . . . . tailored . . . . designer . . . . halter . . . . elegant . . . . glam or glamorous . . . . swing . . . . flapper . . . . circle skirt . . . . daydress . . . . prim . . . . sundress . . . . prom . . . . city . . . . uptown . . . . gypsy . . . . beach . . . . mod . . . . retro . . . . peasant . . . . chic . . . . frilly . . . . darling . . . . adorable . . . . charming . . . . rodeo . . . . cowboy . . . . western . . . . wedding . . . . lovely . . . . sweet . . . . ethnic . . . . flirty

It also helps to describe a desirable feature such as:

strapless . . . . off the shoulder . . . . wrap around . . . . backless . . . . full skirt . . . . fitted bodice . . . . mini skirt . . . . wide leg pants . . . . a-line . . . . string bikini . . . . semi-fitted . . . . low cut . . . . bat-wing . . . . super tight . . . . loose fitting . . . . shirred . . . . wiggle skirt . . . . layered . . . . drop waist

Stating size or measurements in your title is also helpful to the buyer.  Although if I don't have room, I don't make this a priority.  In my opinion there are plenty of fabulous seamstresses out there who will alter the right pattern to fit their proportions.

Finally if your pattern is unused or uncut it helps to state that in the title if you have room.

I hope you have found some of my information helpful.  If you have enjoyed my guide I would appreciate your letting me know.  Please rate my guide at the bottom of this page!  Thank you!!

Good luck and HAVE FUN! 

If you have a moment why not read my About Me page and check out my current auctions!

Lisa's ABOUT ME Page and Current Auctions