Vintage patterns are easy to locate on ebay, with a number of sellers offering the most unique, as well as popular, patterns of the day.  Surprisingly, the majority of vintage pattern buyers buy them to sew with, not to collect!  If you have a favorite pattern that your mom or grandmother made for you, or if you want to find the pattern from your prom or wedding, it's likely you can find it on ebay!

Vintage patterns started in the late 1800s, with the original patterns being offered by Butterick.  Patterns, at that time, were easy to get, with listings of pattern numbers being listed in such magazines as Pictorial Review, McCalls, Good Housekeeping and of course, VOGUE.

The earliest patterns were unprinted tissue paper, and required the seamstress to match up notches and holes, in order to make the garment.  Instructions were absent, or very limited, as most women knew how to sew, and didn't need extensive help.  The envelopes in early patterns were in black and white, with simple illustrations which featured models whose features were softened for the photo, and bore only minor resemblance to a real person.

In the late 20s and 30s, color was added to the illustrations.  The patterns of this time period featured beautiful details, and are truly works of art, and came from companies like Simplicity, McCall (no 's yet!), Butterick, Vogue, and Advance.

The forties were the true heyday of fashion, in many people's opinion, and the patterns reflect this.  Gorgeous colors, styles, and ultra feminine dresses were the style of the day.  Mailorder patterns became increasingly popular, from companies such as Anne Adams, Sue Burnett, and Marian Martin.  Hollywood patterns featuring movie stars were all the rage, and are still very popular amongst collectors.

In the fifties, patterns began to routinely have pieces with printed markings.  McCall's also added their 's to their name during this time. The fifties brought lots of rockabilly styles, as well as the famed halter dresses that Marilyn Monroe made so popular, wiggle dresses, full circle skirts and more.  Some of the most popular patterns of this era are the Vogue Special Design and Vogue Paris Originals, Vogue Couture, and Simplicity Designer Originals:

The sixties brought with it Jackie Kennedy and her signature style, with MOD styles appearing later in the decade.  Patterns in the 60s began featuring photographs instead of illustrations:

Seventies hippie styles are so fun to look at!  Patterns now frequently featured such stars as Marlo Thomas, Christie Brinkley, and other famous models.  Pants were much more commonly seen, as styles became less dressy (and required less foundation garments!):

The eighties brought big shoulder pads, and overly embellished styles in every corner!  Think Madonna, Flashdance, and MTV:

Each vintage pattern carries with it its own history, and the ultimate selection is available on ebay!  It's fun to see the notes that seamstresses from years past have added to the envelope, fabric samples found inside, newspaper clippings, or even the unused, factory folded pattern that's just been waiting years for someone to come alone and use it!  Some sellers, such as Macojero, Chez Cemetarian, and Miss Helene's (that's me!), specialize in the sales of vintage patterns, and are happy to search unlisted stock and list your long sought after pattern for you.  We pride ourselves in our selection, as well as excellent customer service -- check out our stores soon!