It's thin, yellowed, crinkly and translucent, and if you've ever sewn a piece of clothing, you probably have one somewhere at home. I'm talking about old sewing patterns, whose tissue-paper-like quality has a unique look and feel all its own. The neat thing is that these patterns can be upcycled into something new, and they give craft projects a great vintage vibe.
Another thing that is great about old sewing patterns is that you can find them just about anywhere, and usually for pennies. I see them all the time at thrift stores and rummage sales, so if you don't have any at home, they're relatively easy to find and usually cost less than a dollar. Do you have a sewer in your family? Ask them, and I bet they'll have an extra old pattern or two that they'd gladly part with.
Once you have your patterns, make sure that they aren't valuable - meaning, make sure they aren't an antique that shouldn't be damaged, or a pattern that is brand new that someone could use. Old, used patterns are the best for crafts.
Now, what to do with them? Paper flowers are an obvious choice, but sewing patterns don't have to be a one trick pony! Here's a hint: Mod Podge just may be your best friend! You can decoupage the tissue paper patterns to wood, plastic, and many other surfaces. Some great ideas are lampshades, photo frames, and large wood beads and jewelry. And anything where light shines through is perfect (like the lamp shades), so think of ways you can use it to take advantage of it's transparency. And don't forget to repurpose the pattern envelopes too!
Check out these creative ideas for what to do with old sewing patterns and be inspired!
Now, what to do with them? Paper flowers are an obvious choice, but sewing patterns don't have to be a one trick pony! Here's a hint: Mod Podge just may be your best friend! You can decoupage the tissue paper patterns to wood, plastic, and many other surfaces. Some great ideas are lampshades, photo frames, and large wood beads and jewelry. And anything where light shines through is perfect (like the lamp shades), so think of ways you can use it to take advantage of it's transparency. And don't forget to repurpose the pattern envelopes too!
Check out these creative ideas for what to do with old sewing patterns and be inspired!
Create a dress pattern bouquet
Sewing pattern decoupaged wood bangle bracelets
Sewing patter covered sketchbook
Framed pattern and pattern envelope in memory of grandma from mommyto1
Sewing pattern twinkle lights by Velvet Strawberries
(I would use caution with this one and would not plug them in due to not knowing the safety of paper+the lights)
Lamp shades with vintage pattern envelopes
Tags made with old sewing patterns
Sewing pattern lampshade from BHG
Paper dolls from vintage sewing pattern bags from Abbies Paperie
Sewing pattern wreath by I'm Just Sayin'
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Article and images copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2018 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from quaifying purchases.