How Tos & More

This page is a collection of links for tutorials, videos, free patterns, and much more from around the web to help you with all you costuming and collecting needs! 

General Information

Museum Textile Services - Advice on storage, display and care of textiles. Plus a whole lot more!!

How To: Sizing Up Vintage Patterns For Modern Wear

From Threads Magazine, Tips on Grading Patterns

Ironing Paper Patterns

Tips for Using Non Printed Vintage Sewing Patterns

Making a Workable Dress Form 

Fabric Burn Test Chart

Cleaning and Repairing Vintage Patterns - Part 1, Part 2, and Pattern Care

Helpful Hints For Working with Stripes and Plaids

18th Century

Making an 18th century shift 

18th Century Petticoat Tutorial

Pocket from the V&A

The art of cookery, made plain and easy by Hannah Glasse

Experimental Pattern for a Calash

19th Century

Peterson magazine v.35-36 1859 - Patterns of all kinds

Men's and Women's early 19th century patterns - scaled drawings of originals

Drafting a Shirt Waist from a Vintage Guide 

Online patterns from Missouri and Ohio Historical Societies

Man's shirt pattern - early 19th cen

The Sewing Academy - Great info on sewing your own Civil War era clothing

Making Civil War Era Shoes

The Graceful Lady Clothing and CDVs Gallery

20th Century

Make Your Own Seamed Stockings from the Dreamstress

Reconstructing a 1910's Corset with Free Pattern from Festive Attyre 

1919 book A Complete Course in Millinery by Julia Bottomley

Draping 1920s dresses from Dress Making Research

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s (Tips by Ruth Wyeth Spears)

Tutorial for a 1920s Two Toned Hat

Making a Felt Hat - 1928

1920s Step-Ins, Teddy, or Combinations Tutorial

1920s Envelope Chemise Tutorial 

1920s Step In Combinations, Free Pattern

1920s Hoop

Art Deco Blouse Tutorial from the Dreamstress 
Practical Millinery by Florence Anslow (Book 1922)

1930s Blouse

Lingerie Guards

Bestway 1320 Free Pattern

How to make hats; a method of self-instruction using job sheets--fully illustrated (1931)

Jaunty Hats from 1935

Pattern for a Fabric Hat 1937

A Smart Dusting Cap (from 1938)

Tutorial for a make your own 40's inspired topper

A 1940's updo tutorial - Victory Rolls

Make a 1940s Turban, Free Pattern Download 

How to Make a 1940s Pillbox Tilt Hat

1940s Knitting Patterns from the V&A

Winter Woolies Knitting Pattern - 1945

Smart dusting cap, 40s style by Vintage Follies

Video - Pattern for Smartness (1948)  

Your millinery (1949)

Free Pattern for Mid-Century Gloves

1950s/Vintage Style Wrap Top

Free Pattern for a 1950s Petticoat

Drafting a Circle Skirt 

Circle Skirt and Accessories - Courtesy of Friskyscissors

Free Pattern - 1950's One Yard Hostess Apron

Smart Quilted Slippers from "Pins and Needles'" magazine, 1953

How to make a bow belt 

Authentic 1940s Hair Tutorial 

 

And More!

How To Refresh Vintage Hats and Veils

1930's Copy of "Australian Home Budget"

List of free sewing patterns and books from Va-Voom Vintage

How to Refill a Vintage Lipstick Tube

How to Refill a Vintage Compact 

Vintage Holiday Decor - Vintage Tree Bling

Wedding Planning, Budget, and DIYs

I will continue to update this page as time allows. If you know of any great resources not listed please let me know and I will be happy to add them!

Thanks!