About the Site

Welcome!  This website is the home of Wearing History sewing patterns- specializing in vintage and historical clothing styles.

About Wearing History Patterns

Wearing History offers new patterns to home sewers who are interested in historical or vintage style patterns.  Patterns are inspired by or based on historic period originals. When using a Wearing History pattern you do not have to be afraid of harming a delicate original vintage pattern and they cost a fraction of the price of purchasing an original rare vintage pattern.

Original Vintage Patterns Compared to Wearing History Patterns

Even though some Wearing History patterns are often called "reproductions", the pattern sheets are clarified and updated to make the pattern pieces more understandable for modern sewers.  Historical home sewing patterns were originally available in one size per packet and were most times precut from tissue paper with holes (called dot perforations) for markings, not printing like modern patterns. in many cases with pre-1920s patterns, home sewers enlarged patterns from a diagram or transferred overlapping dotted outlines of pattern shapes from books and magazines to create single size patterns without any markings as we now know them, and without seam or hem allowances.  It's a world of difference from the home sewing patterns we have come to know today!

  Wearing History patterns are printed on nice hearty bond paper that you can use and reuse without worry.  Most patterns are available in a variety of sizes, with three sizes per packet.  Instead of holes for markings, or no markings at all, Wearing History patterns have printed lines and dots indicating sizes, grainlines, darts, and sometimes written tips pointed directly on the pattern itself.  Seam allowance and hem allowance are included on all pieces.

About Pattern Fit

Most patterns are based on a vintage block or historical original or in order to retain the historic look of the garment (for more information about vintage block vs modern block, please see the F.A.Q. page).  Some patterns are based on our modern block and altered to a period shape, but retain period fit and styling.  Very little ease is included in comparison to modern standards, and most run true to size or a little small- so if you would like more ease you should purchase a size larger.  In addition, armholes and sleeves with historical and vintage fit will fit higher than tighter than modern standards, so you may need to alter your sleeves and armscyes if you prefer a more modern fit with more ease.  Patterns from the 1910s and before are meant to be worn and fitted over period foundation garments or corsetry.  Seam allowance can vary from pattern to pattern, so be sure to read all instructions carefully before use and make a muslin mock up to check fit and construction before cutting into your fashion fabric.

Instructions

Wearing History patterns vary with their instruction packets depending on release date.  The older releases are based on historic originals and include period cutting charts for vintage fabric widths. Historic patterns instructions were very minimal and sometimes text only, so at least an intermediate dressmaking knowledge and understanding of garment construction is recommended.  Newer patterns, or patterns starting with "1" have new instructions with computer or hand drawn illustrations and cutting charts for modern 45" or 60" fabric. Please check your item's description before ordering to see which is included with the pattern you are interested in.  All construction is based on vintage techniques in order to create a more accurate looking finished garment. Modern methods can be substituted, if you so desire, but generally instructions are not included for modern sewing methods.

Packaging
   Patterns come to you in a clear plastic resealable bag for ease of use and storage.  There is plenty of space to store your cut pattern and even include a swatch of your fabric and inspiration pictures if you choose.  The cover is printed in color on glossy paper or card stock and the instructions are a packet of black and white print out instructions that follow period construction of the garment.  Some of my patterns are available in one size only that you can resize yourself if needed- links are provided on my blog to how-to resources.  Multisize patterns are digitally drawn and you can follow the corresponding dotted line for your size, with three sizes per size packet.

"Reproduction" or "Vintage Inspired"

Wearing History offers both new patterns and patterns that are often called "reproductions." 

Wearing History started by making "reproduction" type patterns which follow the original vintage shape, with only minor changes in size proportion or seam allowance (if any changes were made) and include instructions based on period originals.  Please read above for more about the difference between Wearing History patterns and original vintage patterns.  Some "reproduction" patterns do include updated cutting charts for modern fabric widths and clarified instructions (see paragraph above for more information on instructions). 

"Vintage Inspired" patterns are new patterns based on original period sources or brand new designs with new step-by-step illustrated instructions, improved fit, and new cutting layouts and yardage requirements for modern fabric widths.

Please read each individual item description carefully before purchase,  as newer pattern releases generally have more changes to the original historic source material than those done earlier in the history of WH patterns.

Pattern Guide

The following is a guide to Wearing History patterns, to simplify for you which are newer releases and which are closer to original source materials, as described above.

Vintage Inspired Patterns

1001- Sunkissed Sweetheart

1002- Smooth Sailing

1003- Palisades Wrap Dress

1005- 1910s Blouse and Guimpe

4001- 1940's Sailor Girl Seperates

4007- 1940's Apron

"Reproduction" Patterns with Updated Cutting Charts

3013- Chic Ahoy

3018- 1930's Jumper Dress and Blouse

4006- Victory Hats

"Reproduction" Patterns

3011- Late 1930s Halter Top and Beach Trousers

3012- Sporty Toppers Hats

3014- Ahwahnee Coat

3015- Moderne

3016- Tea at Two Dress

3017- Lounging at the Lido Pajamas

4003D- 1940's Digital Bra Pattern

A Special Note about 1930s and Earlier Patterns

  Original historic patterns from the 1930s and before were very minimal in instruction and markings when compared to modern sewing patterns. At least an intermediate knowledge of dressmaking and a good familiarity with pattern construction is suggested.  You may choose to have a modern or period sewing book handy to help with construction if you are not well versed in garment construction with little to no instruction.  Please remember that fitting a muslin mock up will be required as all garments were meant to be worn over period foundation garments or corsetry.  I believe it is important to preserve these treasures of fashion history for current sewists or costumers to reproduce historic designs for themselves and will try to simplify and clarify these earlier patterns where I am able, but truly believe they are worth the extra work for the sewist to recreate so these designs and methods of construction are not lost to time.  I do offer patterns which were inspired by originals from these eras which have new step-by-step illustrated instructions which I have created in order to make these patterns updated to what we expect from sewing patterns today. Please check the item description to see if you are recieving an unaltered original pattern with original instruction or a pattern which has been updated.

Pattern Use Policy

Wearing History Patterns are for personal home sewing or non profit use.  These patterns are not for commercial use and are not to be used to create clothing for sale.  It takes me a very long time and a lot of work and research to make each individual pattern available.  In order to keep making new patterns available in the future I will need your support!  Please respect the use policy.

Other Places to Buy Wearing History Patterns

Vintage Fashion Library

Nehelenia Patterns, located in Germany.

About Me

My name is Lauren, and I love Fashion History and Design from the 18th century to the 1950s but the Edwardian era and the 1930s are my favorites.  I graduated with honors in Fashion Design and studied costume for film, have done seamstress and styling work for independant film, clients, and theatre.  For more information about me please visit my blog and personal website.

You can also find me online on Etsy and occasionally on Ebay- on both sites I sell vintage items and occasionally some vintage patterns.

I am very thankful to my family and friends who have been generous with their time and talents to be models,  photographers, and makeup artists for the photos you see on this site and on pattern covers.  Big thanks especially to Kathy of GoForKat Makeup Artistry, Allison of Allison Barcenas Photography, and Nicole of Paper Moon Vintage, and Tiera for their collaboration and support!  I am also very thankful for my husband, who is very patient and supportive, and our Lord, who is the guiding light through our lives and the purpose of our being.

For more information about Wearing History patterns please read the Frequently Asked Questions.