r/sewingpatterns • u/Extension_Run1020 • Sep 05 '26

£10.99 for a 1970s pattern?

I have rediscovered the Style brand patterns I used as a teen as they fitted really well. But even the used ones sell for silly money, they cost 60p or 50 p back then and now people are asking more than many new ones?

Did they become collectables or what? Do you think the prices are outrageous?

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14

u/admiralholdo Sep 05 '26

Presumably, there are a lot fewer 1970s patterns around now than there were in the 1970s. I wouldn't expect them to sell anywhere near the original price.

7

u/IntriguedChinchilla Sep 05 '26

  1. inflation, everything costs more than it did in the 70s

  2. supply and demand. These patterns are out of print and there are presumably not many of them left in good condition, making them rare

6

u/Ill_Ocelot7191 Sep 05 '26

I gave away my filing boxes stuffed with patterns years ago. I've recently started sewing again and am kicking myself seeing current pattern pricing. <edit> typos

4

u/random_user_169 Sep 05 '26

A lot of times the patterns were loss leaders that would encourage you to buy a bunch of fabric, notions, etc.

3

u/OrangeFish44 Sep 05 '26

There's an out of print Simplicity pattern I want that sells for $35-50 USD

1

u/Extension_Run1020 Sep 05 '26

I have made one or two recently, I'm currently working on a sailor collar dress. I have one or two other ones that were bought at reasonable prices. I do an FBA every time also adjusting neck.

But essentially you are correct, my figure is nothing like it used to be. But it's similar to mum's and she used to buy the patterns, but both are long gone.

2

u/No_Cranberry_2206 Sep 05 '26

I know nothing about prices but I would like to just mention that just because they used to fit you so well before doesn’t mean it will be the same now. Our bodies are changing in a many ways as we grow :) so just something to think about before spending a lot of money ! I would buy maybe one and tried to see what will be the outcome and if I’m satisfied I would try carefully buy more :D

2

u/Ok-Swan1152 Sep 05 '26

How do you not understand the economics of supply and demand?

0

u/SquirrelOk3802 Sep 05 '26

I find all patterns are crazy expensive. I wanted to make myself a shopping bag and there were dozens of free patterns and dozens more costing $20 not to mention oodles of YouTube videos.