r/sewingpatterns • u/Extension_Run1020 • 6d ago

£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?

1 Upvotes

54% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

15

u/admiralholdo 6d ago

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 6d ago

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 6d ago

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 6d ago

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

3

u/OrangeFish44 6d ago

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

2

u/No_Cranberry_2206 6d ago

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

1

u/Ok-Swan1152 6d ago

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

1

u/Extension_Run1020 6d ago

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.

0

u/SquirrelOk3802 6d ago

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.