There are a few tips that I can offer to anyone interested in caring for their pattern if you have purchased one of my original vintage paper sewing patterns or received one from someone else.
make a copy
always make a working copy – this is best for fitting and alterations, while protecting the original pattern. Tissue paper or regular drawing paper on a roll is good for this.
scan it
it is advisable to scan or copy the information sheet for use, these often fall apart first. Vogue Instruction sheets of the 1920’s-30’s are often missing or crumbly.
store it
please keep your pattern in its plastic bag or sleeve when not in use, the paper is old and needs to stay hydrated .1
iron with steam
iron pieces gently and with steam – this helps prevent tears.
lavender helps
steam ironing with lavender water can remove musty smells of improperly stored patterns.
old plastic tape
avoid melting tape when ironing, in the case of old plastic tape on pieces, place plain tissue paper between iron and piece.
plastic tape residue
baby powder can reduce sticky residue from old plastic tape, just sprinkle some on the paper rubbing it in with the palm of your hand, then brushing off the excess.
tape
taping a pattern is sometimes necessary. If tape is needed, archival tape for books should be used – Filmoplast P | Neschen AG is optimal. you can iron over this tape without discoloring or destroying the paper underneath.
sunlight
to keep the pattern envelope and illustration bright and pretty, it is advised to store it away from sunlight. Make a copy of your cover & displaying this, is a better choice.
a few extra tips
perforations
unprinted patterns have perforations as guides, you will find them explained on the information sheet that came with the pattern.
seam allowances
seam allowances are included on US patterns, each pattern has its own specifications, pls check the information sheet that came with the pattern.
research
for style research & vintage fashion pattern illustrations visit: https://vintagepatterns.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page
- rehydrating: To rehydrate the paper, store it over night in a humid environment. dampen a scrap of material or toilet paper with clean water, place it in a small bowl. using a XL ziploc bag as a container, insert the bowl with damp material, making sure the bowl is completely dry. then add the brittle pieces. seal it & let it sit flat overnight. it should be less brittle in the morning & easier to work with. ↩︎