45+ Free Vintage Sewing Patterns
This collection includes the cutest home decor, accessories, kitchen, clothing and our favorite free retro dress patterns.
Retro and vintage patterns are all the rage, so get in on the trends of yesteryear with these 45+ Free Vintage Sewing Patterns to wear, decorate your home with, or give as gifts. If you love simple retro patterns from past eras, this collection is going to be a must-see.
First, make yourself a new wardrobe that hearkens back to simpler times with these vintage clothing patterns. Next, add fun retro accessories to finish off the look. When you're done adorning yourself in homemade vintage gear, it's time to outfit your kitchen.
These retro vintage sewing patterns for the kitchen would make Betty Crocker herself jealous! Finally, give friends and family a blast from the past by gifting them with handmade knick-knacks to remind them of their glory days.
These vintage-inspired patterns are great for the whole family and let you channel your favorite decade. Real vintage clothing can cost a fortune, so these easy sewing patterns and projects are the perfect way to give your wardrobe a blast from the past without breaking the bank.
Whether you love the feminine silhouettes of the '50s, the flower child look of the '60s, or the classic glam of the '40s, there's sure to be a pattern you'll love!
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PLUS! Click the play button on the video below to learn how to make a retro-style Hanging Kitchen Towel Pattern. We all remember this type of towel in our grandparent's kitchen and they are still the best.
Table of Contents
Love the vintage look? To get even more retro clothing patterns, download our free eBook,11 Vintage Patterns: How to Sew Retro-Inspired Clothing for Ladies Free eBook
Vintage Clothing Patterns
If you love a retro vintage look, you'll love these authentic vintage sewing patterns. You can make an entire vintage-inspired outfit with these free sewing patterns, straight from your grandma's generation! Before you head to an expensive vintage clothing store, check out these free retro patterns that will transform your closet. Featuring free vintage dress patterns and more, this section will make you love your new retro look!
Follow this free sewing project to make a petticoat, which can be used to add volume under another skirt or worn by itself. The ruffles make a major fashion statement!
If you're in the market for a pair of voluminous zoot suit pants, then you're in luck! This free sewing pattern for vintage-style pants is a great way to work on pleating and play with proportions.
This project features a gathered mini skirt inspired by a traditional German costume. Choose your favorite print and apply it to a traditional style that still looks cutting-edge with today's fashion.
You can use this ruffled collar tutorial to add a unique touch to any blouse. This easy, free sewing project is versatile and unexpected, perfect for the stylish sewist.
Vintage sewing patterns don't always have to look classic or conventional. This pattern turns a vintage handkerchief into a jaw-dropping shirt!
Elizabeth Taylor's Favorite Lace Skirt
Create this vintage look from merely a thrifted tee shirt, an elastic band, and your sewing skills. You determine the fit of this golden-age skirt based off of the size tee you refashion, making you the star of this sewing project.
Learn how to sew a skirt that has a vintage flair to it. Dress it up or down, with or without tights, with a tucked-in shirt or a belt. This simple skirt pattern promises versatility.
Sweet and Simple Vintage Pillowcase Dress
This dress tutorial follows tradition both in style and technique. Revive the thrifty practice of transforming everyday household items into clothing like this dress.
Learn how to make a dress for girls that will be passed down for years to come. Inspired by vintage designs and fabric, this piece includes a tiny bodice embellished with buttons and a cute collar.
Make this throwback pattern for practically nothing! Just use an old white bedsheet and a vintage crochet tablecloth (yes, they actually work together!).
This sweater upgrades a casual sweatshirt to a Victorian-inspired piece that you'll be happy to wear around town. This DIY clothing pattern will completely refashion your old, stained sweater by replacing the front with lovely lace.
'50s Dress with Knotted Shoulders
Check out this pattern for a gorgeous 50s-style tea dress with knotted shoulders and a retro Hawaiian print. The tutorial includes the free sewing pattern and tips on fabrics and styling.
This free dress pattern is the perfect combination of vintage-inspired style with a modern edge. Inspired by 50s shapes and silhouettes worn by Princess Grace, this A-line dress is a fashion-forward pattern that can be worn any time of year and is great for any working woman.
Your daughter won't want to take off this adorable dress! If you have the few materials the project calls for, you can easily make this vintage-inspired dress by following the simple tutorial.
High Waisted Skirt From Vintage Sweater
There's no need to spend a ton of money to be able to sport the sweater-skirt trend. This free skirt pattern will show you exactly how to make a skirt that looks straight from the racks of the hottest local, high-end boutique.
Make a comfy cardigan just like the kind grandpa used to wear! Whether you're looking for a way to stay warm under your coat all winter or for a free sewing pattern you can use as a sewn jacket pattern this spring, you're going to love learning how to make a sweater with vintage sewing flair.
With its unique cinched waist, classic cut, and hint of vintage style, this free skirt pattern is perfect for the office. You'll feel absolutely cute and quirky when you wear this unexpected idea.
Learn how to make vintage-inspired pants for your boy. The design is a simple pants pattern with a few alterations to achieve a retro look.
This project features a vintage look that you'll love to show off on your next outing to the beach. You'll be sure to turn heads when you sport this comfortable and fashionable DIY bathing suit.
Add some retro fashion to your wardrobe with this top. It's easy to make your own clothes with this free sewing pattern. Just add a strip of lace tape for a chic embellishment.
Sew Retro Accessories
If a retro vintage wardrobe isn't enough for you, try these vintage accessories on for size! The best way to look authentically vintage is to pull out all the stops, and that means making vintage accessories like belts, headbands, and more. Learn how to sew retro, then finish off your look with an adorable, feminine accessory from a distant time with these free vintage sewing patterns.
Keep your legs happy with these adorable leg warmers! This free sewing pattern is fun and functional. Give them as a gift or keep them for yourself.
This 50s headband is one of the easiest, most authentic vintage sewing patterns you'll find! Stitch one up quickly and you'll be transported to the 50s in no time.
Learn how to sew a stunning, chic, absolutely feminine veil with this wedding sewing project idea. You’ll have something borrowed, something new, something blue, and something DIYed when you walk down the aisle.
This is a classic look for the books. By learning how to sew a hat like this one, you'll revive the style immortalized by an iconic American.
10 Minute Sixties-Inspired Bow
Simple sewing projects that involve a retro flair are definite winners. Making bows from fabric is a skill you'll want to adopt if you have a frumpy top or dress that could use a little lift.
DIY Vintage Faux Leather Bow Belt
This vintage sewing tutorial will show you how to make a vintage-inspired bow belt that looks adorable when paired with skirts, tops, or dresses. This belt hits right at your natural waist, making it a fantastic way to accentuate your figure and highlight your curves.
This vintage-inspired apron tutorial will show you how to quickly make this free apron pattern, complete with all the adorable bells and whistles you could want. With retro fabrics and a vintage flair, you will have an adorable and practical new sewn apron idea to wear every time you cook.
Retro Vintage Kitchen Patterns
If you're a fan of the vintage look in your home, your kitchen is definitely where you should start decorating first! Transform your kitchen into a sew retro retreat with these vintage sewing patterns for curtains, aprons, and more! If you love retro vintage home decor, it's time to get sewing with these free sewing patterns. Use this section of retro vintage ideas for the home to take your house back to the true glory days of home decor!
Vintage Button Kitchen Curtains
Sewists who love a vintage look will be especially endeared to this DIY home decor idea. If you're not big into the kitschy retro feel, you could easily make this project out of plain fabric.
Make a vintage table topper to decorate your coffee table or other small table for a festive holiday gathering. Use this free sewing project to make your own patchwork table topper.
Kitchen Curtains with Gingham Bows
Make these easy retro kitchen curtains with gingham bows to hang in your windows, and watch your home instantly transform! This tutorial shows you how to sew curtains if you're a beginner.
Thanks to this simple sewing pattern you can create a kitchen look that mimics your grandma's. Reminisce while you sew an apron that has definite vintage appeal.
Vintage Inspired Dinner Roll Holder
Serve dinner like Grandma used to with this retro geometric bowl with a slot for each roll! Sew and serve with this classic dish at your next dinner party for a look that takes you back in time.
Vintage Embroidered Thanksgiving Bread Cloth
Follow this free sewing pattern to create delicate, fancy stitching that harkens back to the beauty of a bygone time. The autumn shades will subtly complement your other Thanksgiving table decor without being too flashy.
Grandma's Secret Recipe Pot Holders
This tutorial will teach you how to make pot holders that will preserve the ingredients and instructions for all those precious cooking secrets forever. Functional and sweet, these handy kitchen accessories will be in the family for generations.
Try adding a little yee-haw to your space with these country curtains. This project is made from refashioned bandanas, so you won't have to spend a dime to instantly make your kitchen look more rustic.
This is a sewing project for beginners that is so old-school, you'll feel like Laura Ingalls Wilder when you wear it while cooking. This vintage sewing pattern was designed to look like the long apron patterns of the pioneer days and is surprisingly easy.
Learn how to make a pot holder that'll add a cute and vintage flair to your kitchen when you learn how to sew this adorable idea. You'll feel like you are on the road in 1965 when you check out this surprising vintage sewing pattern.
Reversible Breakfast Tablecloth
With this retro-inspired tablecloth, the benefits are twofold, literally! Each side includes a bold and unique pattern, so you get two tablecloths for the price of one.
Gifts From the Past
Don't keep all that retro vintage style to yourself! Make these adorable blasts from the past to give to friends and loved ones for Christmas, birthdays, or any special gift-giving occasion. A fellow sewing enthusiast would love to receive one of these old-school DIY gifts, made with authentic vintage sewing patterns. You'll fall in love with these free vintage patterns for gifts, and so will your loved ones!
One of the best easy sewing projects you can create for yourself is a DIY pin cushion pattern. Whether you are an experience sewists or brand new to the art, you are going to be in dire need of a pin cushion. The Easy to Make Pin Cushion is a necessity for any sewing kid. Use this free pincushion pattern to make a classic tomato pincushion to hold all of your spare pins. It is about as easy to make as it is adorable!
One of the best easy sewing projects you can create for yourself is a DIY pin cushion pattern. Whether you are an experience sewists or brand new to the art, you are going to be in dire need of a pin cushion. The Easy to Make Pin Cushion is a necessity for any sewing kid. Use this free pincushion pattern to make a classic tomato pincushion to hold all of your spare pins. It is about as easy to make as it is adorable!
One of the best easy sewing projects you can create for yourself is a DIY pin cushion pattern. Whether you are an experience sewists or brand new to the art, you are going to be in dire need of a pin cushion. The Easy to Make Pin Cushion is a necessity for any sewing kid. Use this free pincushion pattern to make a classic tomato pincushion to hold all of your spare pins. It is about as easy to make as it is adorable!
One of the best easy sewing projects you can create for yourself is a DIY pin cushion pattern. Whether you are an experience sewists or brand new to the art, you are going to be in dire need of a pin cushion. The Easy to Make Pin Cushion is a necessity for any sewing kid. Use this free pincushion pattern to make a classic tomato pincushion to hold all of your spare pins. It is about as easy to make as it is adorable!
One of the best easy sewing projects you can create for yourself is a DIY pin cushion pattern. Whether you are an experience sewists or brand new to the art, you are going to be in dire need of a pin cushion. The Easy to Make Pin Cushion is a necessity for any sewing kid. Use this free pincushion pattern to make a classic tomato pincushion to hold all of your spare pins. It is about as easy to make as it is adorable!
One of the best easy sewing projects you can create for yourself is a DIY pin cushion pattern. Whether you are an experience sewists or brand new to the art, you are going to be in dire need of a pin cushion. The Easy to Make Pin Cushion is a necessity for any sewing kid. Use this free pincushion pattern to make a classic tomato pincushion to hold all of your spare pins. It is about as easy to make as it is adorable!
If you have any vintage hankies, use them to create these lovely pillows. These vintage-style covers are unique and will dress up any couch or chair.
Vintage Placemat to Clothespin Bag
From vintage to brand new, this sewing project will surely be useful to you. The next time you set eyes on a charming placemat at a thrift store, at a garage sale, or even buried in your cabinet, consider applying it to this refashion project.
For even more vintage- and retro-inspired sewing ideas, check out
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Your Recently Viewed Projects
jyed 8378770
Apr 02, 2017
I should love to have a pattern for a simple shift dress with sleeves.
duncanbeech 774711 5
Dec 16, 2016
We have small hand made business in the UK. Are we ok to make and sell items using these patterns?
Jayne C
Jun 15, 2015
A lot of these patterns are super cute. I would love to try some of the clothing ideas.
irenebridges 08227 67
Apr 09, 2013
rockabilly dress with peek a boo neckline pattern is what im looking for any suggestions?
emhb58
Jun 27, 2012
I woldl ike to see a pattern for the Laura Ingles Wilder Hats that the woman wore on Little house on the Prairie.
leisa911 4138178
Apr 17, 2012
I love this site! So many new ideas. I have been sewing for years but always can use some refreshers and tips.
cchilewski 5068098
Feb 09, 2012
Great..so many patterns and ideas..and at no cost, other than materials..In this day and time..that is the greatest bonus...Thanks
editorKS
Dec 13, 2011
Hi, lesliegross49 6863438. We're happy to hear you enjoy this pattern! The blue blouse you are referring to is actually a dress, and it looks like the pattern designer has a tutorial for that on her site as well! If you follow the link for the Bow Belt, there is a link on the web page that says "The Birthday Party Dress." Click on that to access the dress pattern. Hope this helps! --Editors of AllFreeSewing
lesliegross49 6863 438
Dec 12, 2011
I really like the Bow Belt idea,I also like the Blue blouse,the one that has the Red Bow Belt.Is there anyway I can get a copy of the Blue Blouse?Then I can make the Red Bow Belt to go with the Blue Blouse.Thank You,this was a great idea.
dreamdanswer 52936 70
Aug 14, 2011
I was hoping to find a dinnerware tote to sew. I live in a small town where people often go to potluck dinners and bring their own tableware. Many have asked me if I could make them a tote for their tableware. I have looked and looked but have not found one. Has anyone any ideass?
tomiejo 4726270
Jun 04, 2011
Thank you...do you have a pants pattern from the 80s? Like McCall's 7146, size 8.
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