About Us

Our mission at Decades of Style Pattern Company is to accurately reproduce original vintage patterns and transform them into easy-to-use working patterns. We believe the beauty and style of bygone eras should be made available to anyone who wants it.

The problem: Fluster, finance and fit

Antique patterns can be difficult to decipher because pattern pieces are simply blank tissue paper and instructions tend to be brief or even baffling and rapidly deteriorate with handling. Worse yet, that exquisite vintage dress pattern you fell in love with (and paid a fortune for), is almost never in your size - or even close to your size.

We work to jump the hurdles of access and usability to bring these lovely pattern designs to you - usable, understandable, reasonably priced, and in your size.

The solution, part I: Creating clarity and usability

We strive to make a better 'original.' We've worked hard to make our patterns look like modern patterns, removing much of the mystery of sewing vintage designs. The pieces are clearly labeled and have construction information, reference symbols and finished dimensions printed directly on them.

Select patterns are printed on 18 lb. translucent bond paper making it easy to see through the pieces when working with stripes or plaids. At the same time, the paper is heavier than the standard tissue used for modern patterns, making it sturdy enough for multiple uses. Other patterns in the line are printed on regular tissue.

While we reproduce the content of the original instructions, [including illustrations] we edit and add information to clarify instructions for the specific pattern as needed. To further improve usability, where necessary, we explain vintage sewing terms and techniques used in the pattern construction.

The solution, part II: Creating accessibility - just your size

Really? It's in my size? * Even if you are an expert, it is work to change a design more than an inch or two. And for those of us who are not experts, modifying a design with a 32" bust to a 44" is daunting, if not simply out of our reach. Each Decades of Style design is available in 9 different sizes ranging from bust size 30" through bust size 46". Certain patterns are available is sizes up to a 55” bust.

Making the patterns available in all these sizes is just as important to us as reproducing the patterns. No one at Decades of Style Pattern Company has a 30" bust and we want every size woman to feel welcome here. Decades of Style patterns include three sizes (original patterns have only one size per pattern) making it even easier to accommodate someone who doesn't exactly fit the measurements of standard sizing (is there anyone who actually has standard measurements?).

* As with any project, we recommend making a mock-up from an inexpensive fabric to adjust for fit. Please remember that clothing from the first half of the 20th century was worn with foundation garments and had a closer fit than we are accustomed to. The finished dimensions of the garment are printed on the pattern pieces for bust, waist and hip.