KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE

HOW TO SEW WITH VINTAGE UNPRINTED PATTERNS

Working with vintage unprinted patterns is actually a snap once you know what the little punched perforations mean.  A quick  overlook:

Large circles lined up in pairs with a few inches between them typically indicate the grainline. Large circles alone typically indicate stop-stitching points, button positions, center fronts, or seam allowances with a let-out.

Small, individual circles around the edges of the pattern indicate the seam allowance, and small circles in a series of two or three close together indicate matching points.

Two small circles placed a small distance apart indicate buttonhole placement and length.

Square perforations, typically refer to the placement of buttonholes.

Triangular perforations, indicate where to match one part of a pattern piece to another.

For a more comprehensive explaination  as found in Butterick Patterns own book 'The Art of Dressmaking'  here are the excerpts for your use.  Make sure you click on the image to get the  informational text.

Enjoy and feel free to print out the instructions  and share links to this resource for altering vintage patterns.Please note if you own a website or are a seller please give the proper CREDIT to our shop, either  by using a link or in full website name.