Pattern Rescue home page


Restoring and preserving vintage sewing patterns


 Restore    Preserve   Recycle     Trade     Post     Donate     Pattern Points 


Preserve  ( Current projects )    Success Stories       Request pieces for your incomplete pattern   

Some incomplete vintage sewing patterns donated to Pattern Rescue cry out for a second chance. Just as the donor couldn't bear to throw them away, we're having a hard time tucking them in a file, hoping that someone -- someday -- will be able to use the pieces still left. So we're highlighting some of the extra-special ones here and asking for your help.

You're also invited to use the links below to scan through our photo gallery of misfits waiting to serve a new purpose -- either as refurbished patterns or replacement pieces to our members. No pattern -- or part of a pattern -- ever gets thrown away once donated, and patterns are refurbished whenever possible. Use the link above to see some of our Success Stories.

Successfully restored patterns are either returned to the original donor or moved to the Trade or Recycle area, as appropriate.

Waiting list:      Butterick       McCall       Simplicity       Vogue       Mail order       Defunct Companies       Misc    



Here's what YOU can do to help:
  • Send us a copy:
    Some needed pieces may be quite large, but if you can accurately scan, photocopy or trace out the piece from your original, that's the best way to go. (Don't forget the pattern markings, too.) Each listing tells you how many Pattern Points you get for making the copies -- it varies based on the pattern rating, how many pieces are needed, and how big the pieces are. Just fill in your registered email address and we'll get you all the info you need.

  • Lend us your pattern:
    No time? If you'll lend us your pattern, we'll make the copies and return your original pattern to you unharmed. We do the work, and you get extra bonus points. Check the Lend option and fill in your registered email address for details and instructions.

  • Report a sighting:
    Hey - we're not shy. If you spot one of these patterns while surfing, copy and paste the URL into the box provided and send it to us. We'll contact the owner or seller and see if they'd like to help. You don't ask, you don't know....
    (No Pattern Points, just a nice warm glow from helping.)

  • Send your spare tissue:
    Ideally, reproduction pattern pieces should be on the same kind of tissue. You may have some tucked away -- excess trimmed from a newer pattern, an old folding tissue from a vintage pattern, or a torn or cut-off pattern part that just can't be identified. See the Donate page if you have some to spare - especially in the size needed. (Pattern Points vary - probably 1 or 2.)

1940s toddler playwear pattern - McCall 1405
McCall 1405 pattern
Another absolutely darling toddler's overalls pattern with dog applies and matching toy. Unfortunately, this one is missing the applique and toy pieces. It's a size 2 but any size should be ok.
ALMOST restored!

One of our volunteers has very kindly offered to provide the needed pieces on this (thank you, Debra!). Then we'll check with the original donor to find out if she wants it back. If not, it'll be headed to the Trade area shortly!


1950s skirt pattern - Butterick 6265
1950s Butterick skirt pattern
Gathers just below the collar make this darling 1952 teen dress pattern worth a second look. It's just missing the instruction sheet, so any size will work.
How can you help?
I'll make the copies - tell me how (3 Pattern Points)
I'll lend you my pattern - get in touch (5 Pattern Points)
I'm sending you spare pattern tissue
I saw this pattern here (enter web address):


Your email address (enter if volunteering to copy or lend)
   
1950s skirt pattern - Butterick 5399
1950s Butterick skirt pattern
Day or evening skirt pattern from 1950 in timeless style. We've got the skirt pieces, but the waistband piece is missing. Size 12 would be perfect!
How can you help?
I'll make the copies - tell me how (2 Pattern Points)
I'll lend you my pattern - get in touch (3 Pattern Points)
I'm sending you spare pattern tissue
I saw this pattern here (enter web address):


Your email address (enter if volunteering to copy or lend)
   


1950s dress pattern - Simplicity 1714
1950s Simplicity dress pattern
This juniors one-piece dress pattern sports a high neckline and pocket welts -- or it would if we had the pocket welt pieces. Looking for upper welt (B) and lower welt (G), preferrably in size 11.
How can you help?
I'll make the copies - tell me how (2 Pattern Points)
I'll lend you my pattern - get in touch (3 Pattern Points)
I'm sending you spare pattern tissue
I saw this pattern here (enter web address):


Your email address (enter if volunteering to copy or lend)
   
1930s dress pattern - Simplicity 1689
1930s Simplicity dress pattern
This stunner from the mid-1930s is only missing two pieces, but they are both parts of the skirt. Each piece will be about 36 inches long and perhaps 12 inches wide. This one's a bust 34, but we can adapt another size.
How can you help?
I'll make the copies - tell me how (10 Pattern Points)
I'll lend you my pattern - get in touch (20 Pattern Points)
I'm sending you spare pattern tissue
I saw this pattern here (enter web address):


Your email address (enter if volunteering to copy or lend)
   


1950s skirt pattern - McCall's 3632
1950s McCall's skirt pattern
Skirt and cummerbunds patterns are not so hard to find, but this one with four delightful cummerbund variations is something special. All we need is the whole skirt waistband in waist size 24.
How can you help?
I'll make the copies - tell me how (2 Pattern Points)
I'll lend you my pattern - get in touch (3 Pattern Points)
I'm sending you spare pattern tissue
I saw this pattern here (enter web address):


Your email address (enter if volunteering to copy or lend)
   
1940s play suit pattern - New York 697
1940s New York play suit pattern
Boys size 2 play suit with an unusual top. It's only missing the instruction sheet, but the lapped yoke construction may be tricky without it - especially because it's an unprinted pattern. Instruction sheet from any size of this cutie will do.
How can you help?
I'll make the copies - tell me how (3 Pattern Points)
I'll lend you my pattern - get in touch (5 Pattern Points)
I'm sending you spare pattern tissue
I saw this pattern here (enter web address):


Your email address (enter if volunteering to copy or lend)
   


Site Info:   Home    About Us    Privacy Policy    Links    Contact Us    Info for Sellers    Site Map


Page last updated    9 Nov 2008 Portions of this page © 2005-2008 All rights reserved.