Needlework patterns from sewing patterns, knitting and crochet leaflets, cross stitch books have skyrocketed in price over the past few years.  However, some companies keep these products in their inventories year after year.  This is true especially of Hallowe'en costumes, home craft sewing, knitting patterns that remain classic ones.  Doll clothes patterns and historic costumes do not ever really age.  So it is no longer necessary to buy new patterns at a high cost.

When the price goes up and the company has to reprint their paper product  to be consistant with their inventories and pricing advertising, then the older patterns  (though they may remain the same) have to be changed.  Sometimes so does the number, but mostly just the price.

One should start by deciding what it is you want to do and then rummage through the sites that sell the new products  (Simnplicity, Vogue, Butterick, Lion Brand Yarn, etc.).  Sometimes even the number on the product remains the same.  Then go to eBay and search.  Many times that product or a similar one is there at a fraction of the price. 

Vendors often have bought from auction houses, odd lot stores, estate sales,and the buyer is fortune to be able to find  just what they are looking for.on eBay,

If you have not a definite number in mind, the use of the word LOT is useful.  Sometimes vendors offer dozens of patterns in a LOT and it is amazing the bargain.  Search for a size 8 child's pattern by just "sewing pattern 8 lot"   Then adjust the search accordingly sometimes at the prompts that eBay offers or just   by trial.  "Sewing Pattern child's",  "Pattern Childlren's lot."  "Baby knitting"  A real treasure hunt to be sure but instead of traditional shopping at the mall and coming away with one new pattern, there will be the opportunities to buy many patterns at a price less than ONE single pattern or booklet.

It is fun to know that if  you have  pattern in a particular size you like, you do not have to buy a 12.00 pattern to have it in the next size, too.  Check eBay.

I was able to buy a hardback book recently called Guide to Vogue patterns.  After I got it, I read that this was further instructions on particular vogue patterns.  So I proceeded to buy each of those patterns: A cloth doll pattern, fabric bandboxes, kitchen objects (placemats, etc.).  What an expensive undertaking that would have been without eBay.