How to use a VINTAGE pattern || A Beginner's Guide to UNPRINTED sewing patterns (ALL the brands)

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, "How to use a vintage pattern?" Specifically the unprinted kind. Before printing became ubiquitous on sewing patterns around the mid 1950's, the unprinted pattern ruled the market (mainly because McCall's had patented the printing aspect, but that is for another video). Using an unprinted sewing pattern has its challenges, but no more so than the first step: What do all the marking on a vintage pattern mean?
So today, I am going through every large company's pattern that I own and sharing my pattern tips and tricks with you, on how to use an unprinted pattern and why unprinted patterns aren't so scary after all. All of my examples today are either 1930's, 1940's or 1950's vintage patterns.
If you have a company that you find particularly difficult the time stamps are below:
Advance patterns - 4:15
Anne Adams patterns - 6:09
Butterick patterns - 7:32
DuBarry patterns - 9:06
Hollywood patterns - 10:15
Mail Order patterns - 11:38
Marian Martin patterns - 12:31
New York patterns - 13:30
Simplicity patterns - 14:32
Vogue patterns - 15:33
Retro Claude's Vintage Pattern video: • Demystifying Vintage P...
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Other videos you may enjoy:
How to tell if a vintage pattern is factory folded: • HOW to tell if a vinta...
Why are vintage patterns so small?: • Why are vintage patter...
Exploring a 100 year old vintage pattern: • Exploring a 100 year o...
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Products I use to trace or repair patterns:
Document Repair Tape - bit.ly/DocumentRepairTape
Pellon 815 - bit.ly/PellonRedDot815
Frixion Pens - bit.ly/7packFrixionPens
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Wardrobe: Trashy Diva
Makeup: Mac & Nyx
My info:
My website: www.backroomfinds.com
IG - / backroomfinds
Twitter - / backroomfinds
Facebook - / backroomfinds
Music provided by Epidemic Sound
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I am an affiliate to the links provided above and do receive a small commission on some items that helps to support me and my channel.
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#backroompatterns #vintagepatterns #patterntipsandtricks

[@elizabethsloan3192]

I think I would love the holes when transferring dart markings.

[@WithLoveKristina]

The opening sequence gets me giggling every time . THIS WAS ME WITH THE SHERLOCK DRESS

[@StephanieCanada]

I had a WHOLE other intro, but scrapped it two days ago because nothing worked and I was wearing my Wonder Woman shirt. Sometimes inspiration just hits you!

[@madelynl.5351]

Brilliantly done! I knew absolutely nothing about unprinted patterns until now. I’m good with languages and it just seems like you taught me a new one! I can see why people would prefer them. Great job Steph!

[@courtneydebian]

I was scared when I opened my first hollywood pattern, but I can't wait to get to work now that I've watched this video!

[@StephanieCanada]

This warms my heart, because this is EXACTLY why I made this video! Good luck! And if you ever want to ask a question, I am on IG (backroomfinds) and am happy to try and assist via DM.

[@leigh2e200]

FAscinating. I've only ever used marked patterns but the three dots for straight of grain - my mother taught me to measure three places, where those dots would have been. So many things I do automatically even on printed patterns is because of the marking on unprinted patterns!

[@cutehollygolightly]

I was afraid of patterns in general. But I didn't know there were unprinted ones!!! I felt patterns were too complicated and that seam allowance was dificult to find. I never tried them also because I've always felt I don't have the standar body, so I would have to modify the patterns, so I prefered to make my own and that works great. But with your video, patterns don't seem that scary anymore! Thank you! 🌻

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh I am so glad to be helping them seem less scary! That is my main goal with these videos. Help folks make sense of vintage patterns!! Let me know how it goes when you do try it out.

[@lynn858]

This is a fascinating overview of technical writing, and instructional layouts. I'm glad I have the at home tech to so easily take a photo of anything precious like this, and print it out, or mark it up digitally with colour coding and extra lines and arrows.

[@StephanieCanada]

I am so glad you found it useful! I tried to jam as much info as I could into the video.

[@lauracarrier6158]

I appreciate that you took the time to produce another great quality video. I’m sure I will be referring to this video many more times.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Laura! I am glad it was helpful as I had hoped. 😀

[@CyberMercy]

Unrelated comment: I notice many of my fave youtubers are going F* ittol! and not hiding their mike. I think this is great! gives an Olden Tymes is now feel to content, and considering what those things cost, heck ya flex!

[@StephanieCanada]

It is also like, recording in my kitchen is echoey as F**k! So I don’t want folks to click away because I sound awful.

[@CyberMercy]

@@StephanieCanada I find I listen more than watch even when youtube in on the Big screen so good call, good night, and good luck 🎙😎

[@BeverleyButterfly]

These sound scary my dude but as always this was so interesting your noggin has so much information

[@StephanieCanada]

I promise they aren't scary, but that is why I made this. So if they feel overwhelming you can refer back to it.

[@BeverleyButterfly]

@@StephanieCanada this is why you are a treasure xx

[@gabriellebaalke6704]

Hot dang! I love this.

[@StephanieCanada]

I am so glad to hear! I want these amazing vintage patterns to be less scary to folks.

[@josephinehogg3629]

Loved this video Steph. When I first starting sewing back in the early 1950's, I never saw a pattern with printing on it! ever! it was the 1960's before I came across a printed pattern. You perfectly explained the print-free pattern. Thank you

[@TonyWoodhams]

Thank you so much! I’ve just bought a vintage pattern for a men’s dressing gown (“Style” 4725) and needed some hints for the markings… Though I think I might copy them onto some less fragile paper as a little worried it might turn to dust!

[@wearinghistory]

This is awesome! Well done! When I first opened an unprinted pattern I thought it was flawed 🤣

[@StephanieCanada]

Right! My first time I did the same thing!!

[@esmesvintagecloset]

I learnt to sew using old patterns, so when I encountered modern ones covered in markings for 50 million sizes, I was all like "what fresh f**kery is this?!?!?" Slung it to one side and went back to my old ladies!

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

I didn’t know unprinted patterns even existed, so I’m watching this video with great interest. I am a breed scared of unprinted patterns!

[@crystal8160]

Perfect timing since I just received all my new/old patterns. I'll admit I sort of fall into the its never been used and I don't want to ruin it.

[@StephanieCanada]

You got this Crystal! I believe in you!! You won’t hurt them, they were meant to be used.

[@Gryffindame]

I often trace the old ones on to other paper to use :) and then I use the copy I made (which also means I can adjust it too)

[@louisegogel7973]

@@Gryffindame Smart!

[@katwitanruna]

Because of course you have one! Yay pattern library!

[@cmg565]

Thank you, I'm very new to garment sewing. I heard about unprinted patterns and they sounded scary, now I'm looking forward to trying one.

[@alfredm9763]

Hi. I have just started and really appreciate your channel info 😀

[@aquaaurora2747]

Thank you for this, I have been hesitant to try unprinted patterns until watching this.

[@StephanieCanada]

HOORAY!! I am so glad it was helpful!

[@StephanieCanada]

I hope you enjoyed my SUPER nerdy pattern video! If you did here is a whole playlist of pattern content: kzbin.info/aero/PLaG2bBTXx7U74Wmx6LkyCC1NVgw6a1PqU

[@louisegogel7973]

Loved it

[@alisonfarrow66]

Thank you so much for this. I'm now feeling confident to cut out my 1943 Hollywood pattern. So many circles lol

[@mauimedows]

I absolutely love your videos !!! About to receive two vintage 1930/40s dress patterns !!! So excited!! Every time I see a bust 36-38 I have to grab them . Can’t wait to start sewing those babies 👏👏👏sewing 🧵 🪡!!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh my goodness that IS exciting! Happy sewing and I hope the projects turn out great!

[@madelynl.5351]

“every time I see a bust 36-38 I have to grab them”! Oooh, you have no idea of the self control it is taking for me to not respond with my usual irony to this comment! It is taking all the self restraint I have. The impulse of snark and sarcasm are simply rolling over me in waves!😂😅

[@jessrobson3029]

You're hilariously informative. Love your channel.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Jess! That means so much to me!

[@UnpackingtheTrunkCostumes]

Yes!!! Thank you Stephanie! I finally get it!!

[@StephanieCanada]

HOORAY!! I am so happy that this was able to help it click!!

[@Littlecat3100]

Thank you for this!!! I have a pattern that came without instructions and I haven't picked up a same decade book yet to help me along with it, this helps so much. I stared at the center back of the back panel for way to long trying to decide whether or not it belonged on fold. THANK YOU!

[@lyndaroth4763]

This was very helpful. I have recently started investing in vintage patterns. Most of mine are from 50's and 60's and are printed. I recently purchased a couple of Vogue patterns from the 40's and they are unprinted So this has helped me figure out how to read them

[@amysullivan2414]

That was very helpful!

[@user-ko7hk1sh4x]

I have to admit, using vintage printed patterns for wrapping paper is a very cute idea. I would never have thought of this. I promise not to do this, but I wonder if I could find some paper that is close in color and weight that could go through my printer/scanner and copy small pieces or maybe part of the instructions.

[@cherylhuot4436]

Great info! Thanks!

[@lindabeauchamp4596]

You always make sewing so much more FUN! Thank you😊

[@leanneturner3470]

Thanks Stephanie!

[@StephanieCanada]

Welcome!

[@Mrsfalldowngobump]

Awesome video, lots of great information. Thanks!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I really wanted to make sure that this could help folks for years to come.

[@louisegogel7973]

I just love your style of presentation Stephanie! 😁😊💛 tyvm for the awesome education on unprinted, holy patterns.

[@kieraoona]

this is so helpful with my Hollywood Patterns pattern! thank you!

[@lambgaming1347]

Shoot, I'm early! Hey Stephanie Canada!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thanks for being here so early!

[@lambgaming1347]

@@StephanieCanada You're welcome! I love your channel!

[@sharonmolde6658]

Awesome, I learned something today and enjoyed the process, lol.

[@StephanieCanada]

I am SO GLAD to hear that Sharon! i love that this video is still helping folks!

[@Spreklina]

Hiya! Love the fun vibe to all your videos, lots of good content! I've never worked with or even seen patterns like this so Im wondering, is the thing with these patterns that they come pre-cut on tissue paper?

[@StephanieCanada]

Hi there! Yes, they sure do. The all come pre-printed or pre-punched Including seam allowance (unless you get back before 1920's). But I truly prefer them!

[@Spreklina]

@@StephanieCanada sounds like a great time saver! 😅✌ I'll sure be looking into purchasing some soon!

[@nubiansistah5353]

Please explain adding measurements to vintage patterns.

[@pinkdarkboy7127]

Wow, unprinted patterns seem so much more convenient! They should bring them back. Modern patterns need holes.

[@lisahodges8299]

My goodness how old am I? I started with this sort of pattern. Birdy

[@louisegogel7973]

❤❤❤❤

[@katwitanruna]

If I ever got one of those I’d immediately transfer it to butcher paper. I do rather like the connect the dots aspects of them!

[@cometkatt]

whats wrong with factory folded?

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh NOTHING is wrong with factory folded patterns! Just usually makes me nervous to use them, but I am getting over that fear.

[@PamelaSmithakapossbert]

There was a fabulous Australian pattern maker called Madam Weigel (www.madameweigel.com.au/patterns) whose goodies I have been tracking down. The first time I opened up the packet of unprinted pieces my head spun. Cool but scary but cool.

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh yes! I have heard of that brand before, but we don’t find them too often over here in the US.

[@PamelaSmithakapossbert]

@@StephanieCanada I got my hands on another Weigel's pattern this morning - it came with all five unprinted pieces and a bonus two more! So if anybody is looking for pieces G and H of who knows what, I have them.

[@pixiedust7659]

Pamela, they are pretty good to sew. I have a few *cough* (maybe more than a few :D) of her patterns, and I love them!

[@Avotts]

will always prefer printed patterns

[@pyenygren2299]

Sweet Jesus, I could not understand this. I stick to the modern patterns, and let others have fun with this mystery.