VV Free Patterns & Tutorials
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Copyright information: The pdfs posted here, my photos & illustrations, how the instructions are worded and the pattern diagrams are all under my copyright. Please be respectful of my authorship and do not hotlink or re-post my PDF patterns or photographs elsewhere.
If you’d like to share anything from this page this is the link: https://wp.me/P4NGNF-46
Further information about usage can be read in my Terms & Conditions.
PRINTING PDFs: Print at 100% scale. Do not let your printer ‘auto-scale’, ‘auto-rotate’, ‘shrink-to-fit’, ‘it to paper’ etc.
A4 is- 21cm x 29.7cm / 8.26″ x 11.69″, US letter is 8.5″ x 11″, A0 is: 84cm x 118.9cm / 33.1″ x 46.8″
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Up-cycle a plain shirt: June 2016
How to create this applique
Download the 3 page Appliqué tutorial and template HERE
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Reversible Stole Redux Dec.2015
It was about time I updated this pattern and tutorial as it is one of the earliest I posted so here it is:
Download new A4 tiled pattern and instructions
Download new US letter tile pattern and instructions
pattern size- UK 10/12 US 8/10
(around-shoulders measurement 42″-43″)
Totally simple to make larger or smaller
skill level- intermediate
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Box-pleated Skirts July 2015
*please note- this is a POST with a formula for working out number of pleats and fabric amount to your waist size, it is NOT an actual pattern*
Click the pic to be taken to the instructional post.
any size
skill level- easy
box pleat skirt drafting instructions
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Sweetheart Halter Dress July 2015
UK 12/ US 8 36″-37″ bust/ 29-30″” waist
Skill level: Intermediate
A4 Bodice tiled pdf & A4 1/2 Circle Skirt tiled pdf
US Letter Bodice tiled pdf & US Letter 1/2 Circle Skirt tiled pdf
make a playsuit or ‘wiggle’ dress too.
See my French Knicker pattern further down the page which can be used for shorts
and
there is also my Skirt Drafting tutorial to make a pencil skirt in your own size.
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Mock-Wrap Jersey Dress
April 2015
UK10-12 /US 6-8 35″-37″ bust
24 page pattern + instructions (27 pgs to print in all)
!! It has just come to my attention that half of the sewing instructions in the full pdfs below are missing 😲
I will fix it asap (mid May) but in the meantime
you need to download the separate instructions as well as the pattern.
SEWING INSTRUCTIONS
USA letter tiled pattern A4 tiled pattern
Full Size Pdf (A0+ 84.1cm x 166 cm)
Skill level: Intermediate
For jersey/knit fabrics only!
Pussycat Bow blouse
Feb, 2015
Blouse size UK s/m: bust 89cm-93cm/ 35″-37″bust
Similar to the pattern for the blouse below it’s a a front buttoning bow tied round neck blouse- a simple kimono shape with tucks at the hip to shape.
I’ve included a little diagram in the pdf showing how to do a FBA to the pattern.
USA letter tiled pattern and sewing instructions
A4 tiled pattern and sewing instructions
Skill level: easy
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Keyhole Neck Blouse
feb. 2015
A simple magyar/kimono style blouse. Worn with or without shoulder pads depending on what decade you are aiming for.
NB: My sample blouse has 2 keyhole cut-outs, the pattern has 3.
Change as you like.
Blouse size UK s/m: bust 89cm-93cm/ 35″-36 1/2″
15 page download including the 12 page pattern, a pattern assembly guide, measurements, cutting and basic sewing info.
See the pictorial on how to make simple shoulder pads -here-
skill level: intermediate as the sewing instructions are basic and assume prior sewing knowledge. But you won’t know unless you have a go!
Skill level: easy
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Cardigan/Kimono Coat
Slinky Bias Slip
(and nightgown)
3 sizes included on the pattern:
84cm-99cm bust / 89cm-104 hip (33″-39″ bust / 35″-41″hip)
Tiled patterns links:
Click here for tiled A4 pattern and instruction pdf (24 pages)
Click here for tiled US Letter pattern and instruction pdf (24 pages)
For those of you fortunate to have access to large format printing here is the full non tiled pattern:
A0 Full Size pattern LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS ONLY
Slip Sewing instructions only (4 pages)
skill level: intermediate-advanced
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50’s Style Dress
A project I recently created for the Dec.2013 issue of Making magazine:
A sleeveless 1950’s style dress with full box pleated skirt
UK size 10 : to fit approximately 34″ bust-27″ waist
Download tiled A4 dress pattern and instructions
Warning : 33 pages to print
For those of you fortunate to have access to large format printing here is the full size non tiled pattern:
Dress Bodice A1 LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS ONLY (59.4 cms x 84.1 cms / 33.1 inches x 23.4inches)
Dress Skirt A0 LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS ONLY (84.1 cms x 118.9 cms/ 33.1 inches x 48.8 inches)
skill level: intermediate
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Dinky Little Handbag Dec. 2013
I’ve combined the instructions and template from the magazine with a home printable version of the bag pattern.
download US letter tiled format
skill level: intermediate
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Sundress Bodice UPDATED May 1 2014
A little something for the hot weather: a Sundress bodice that can be added to many styles of skirt…or added to shorts for a playsuit.
Updates: A couple of small notch corrections and more sewing instructions so hopefully easier for beginners 🙂
Sized for a 35-37″/89-94cm bust
Download: US Letter tiled Pattern
Download: A4 tiled Pattern
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Draft a circle skirt to your own size waist
Circle skirt tutorial- drafting to your size & sewing instructions
Tutorial: Make a circle skirt to your own waist measurement.
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Little Bias Dress (LBD)
LittleBiasDress free pattern
skill level: Advanced
An original pattern drafted by yours truly to make this little bias dress
UK size 10/12 US 8/10 ( Bust 36/37″, Full Hip 36″-38″)
with instructions on how to adapt the pattern to turn it into a 30’s style nightgown .
To download first there is a 4 page pdf which covers fabric, sewing the dress and adapting the pattern for the nightgown:
LBD Pattern info & Sewing Instructions
Then download one of the tiled pattern pdfs:
Download LBD A4 tiled pattern
Download LBD US letter tiled pattern
!!Warning- the tiled pattern pdfs are 28 pages!!
Alternatively if you are able to get an A0 or 33″x47″ sheet printed at a printing service and would like the full sized pdf to send to them to be professionally printed rather than stick 28 pages together with tape 🙁 just send me a message using my blog contact form and I will send you one 🙂
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Skirt Drafting Tutorial
Draft basic skirts to your own size!
A Skirt drafting tutorial, mainly for the green 30’s style pictured but also covering a basic Pencil Skirt pattern and A-line skirt
March 2013
Pattern Pieces for 50’s Style Bucket Pockets
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French Knicker Tutorial
(given a slight rewrite July 2016)
Download: Sew-Along pdf
Includes very detailed sewing instructions on cutting slippery fabrics, french seams, pin hemming appliquéing lace and more.
Slightly flared 1940’s style French Knicker
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1930’s style PJ Top Pattern
March 2013
Download A4 tiled pattern 30’s style PJ Top pdf
Download US Letter tiled pattern 30’s style PJ Top pdf
Full pattern and basic sewing instructions in the PDF
Fits a 34″/35″ bust and with a little added to the side seams would easily fit a 37″bust)
See this Threads Magazine article on basic pattern grading.
Sewing level -Intermediate
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50’s Style UnderPants
An easy to make“Grannie-Pannie” 50s style big knicker pattern in .pdf format
Download USA letter tiled pattern
The pattern is UK size 10-12 but easy to grade up or down following the Threads Magazine how-to in my links.
For one or two way stretch fabrics. The sample pictured was made from a 1-way stretch silk.
The sizing will vary based on the stretch of your fabric…. I recommend that you make a practice pair first to get an idea of the fit!
sewing level-Easy
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1940’s Style Mini Cape
Download 30’s/40’s Retro style mini cape pattern pdf
This is for the pattern only, there are no sewing instructions.
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Circular French Knickers
tutorial to draft and make to your size
At long last the newly corrected Circular Knicker tutorial returns 🙂
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Pretty Beaded Edging Tutorial
Technique to make a hand beaded edging on an existing collar (or neckline, cuff etc.)
Sewing level-Easy
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Copyright information: The pdfs posted here, my photos & illustrations, how the instructions are worded and the pattern diagrams are all under my copyright. Please be respectful of my authorship and do not hotlink or re-post my PDF patterns or photographs elsewhere.
If you’d like to share anything from this page this is the link: https://wp.me/P4NGNF-46
Further information about usage can be read in Terms & Conditions.
Thank you and enjoy.
Sep 27, 2016 @ 04:49:28
Wow what fun! I look forward to sewing one of your creations soon – they’re all so lovely! Thank you so much for sharing. <3
Sep 15, 2016 @ 05:35:59
Thank you for the patterns…
Sep 06, 2016 @ 19:01:11
So many lovely patterns! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sep 09, 2016 @ 11:23:42
🙂
Sep 01, 2016 @ 00:15:33
I made the keyhole blouse and LOVE the way it turned out! I had to make slight adjustments to bust and waist.
Sep 01, 2016 @ 09:06:28
🙂 Good to hear!
Aug 29, 2016 @ 14:14:16
your site was referenced on pattern review.com in a pattern review writeup. What fun! I hope to start with your grannie panties. How nice of you to share your talents.
Aug 30, 2016 @ 08:20:41
I hope you like them and if you need a different size the Threads article linked to in my side bar will have you sizing them up or down in no time.
Aug 27, 2016 @ 20:01:12
While I want to thank you for sharing your patterns and DIY’s, I’m super discouraged. I tried using your instructions for drafting my own 1940’s French knickers and it was a disaster. I don’t get where some of the numbers used came from as they didn’t seem to come from the measurements I took. My toile came out way too big everywhere except the waist. They were almost to my knees, the crutch was halfway down my thighs,and the hips didn’t lay smoothly at all. I think making a straight legged boxer/shorts pattern and simply slash-and-spreading the legs wider would work better for me. I just had the hardest time understanding the directions, even with the sew along. 🙁
Aug 27, 2016 @ 23:41:51
Don’t be discouraged, it’s more productive to consider projects that don’t work out quite as you hoped as a learning experience. Many have used my tutorial and been happy with their results, some didn’t get what they expected ‘straight out of the box’ as it were. The resulting draft of course needs fitting after it is done- to the length you like, lifting the crotch to a preferred height etc. That goes for any pattern that is drafted from scratch and even when drafting is done with ones own measurements you will still need to adjust it to your personal body contours and ease preferences. If you felt the amount of ease given in the pattern was too generous then where it says +2 try again with +1 instead which will give you a neater fit. As a pattern to buy Colette patterns has a french knicker pattern which may be more what you are looking for in a flared boxer short type of fit.
Aug 14, 2016 @ 21:50:28
GORGEOUS PATTERNS! As I too am too large size 16 for the patterns I still downloaded them for a friend or family member to make for. I love, love, love the Keyhole blouse and I know my daughter would be perfect for it. She loves silk like fabric in a deep plum color. I can see it now! Thank you so much for your public consideration in offering these free patterns as I cannot afford store bought patterns on a limited income. You are a doll and I will follow your site for sure.
Aug 15, 2016 @ 11:24:21
Hi Susan, you are very welcome. Do have a look at the Threads resizing guide I have a link to in my side bar. Honestly it would not be difficult for you to resize a pattern like the Keyhole Blouse to your own size! I hope you will try 🙂
Aug 09, 2016 @ 13:55:33
Have just discovered….late at night in Oz and can’t decide what to make first. Thank you so much for your generosity and use of your amazing patterns. I am inspired afresh. Bring on the sunshine woohoo
Aug 15, 2016 @ 11:29:52
🙂
Jul 09, 2016 @ 15:37:45
how do I print on a pdf file?
Jul 09, 2016 @ 16:21:53
I figured it out…google chrome was needed….love the patterns….thank you
Jul 04, 2016 @ 19:06:52
What a lovely selection of patterns – the only downside is that I am too large (size 18) for a lot of the patterns have a tiny waist and I haven’t got one!!!
Jul 04, 2016 @ 19:26:13
Hi Jenifer, learning to size patterns up/down to your own measurements really isn’t all that difficult once you have a go. The Threads guide (link in my sidebar) is a good starting place and if you do a search a decent number of blogs should come up that will give you help too (though honestly most do seem just to be elaborating on the Threads guide anyway) Take the plunge! The fact that neither RTW clothing or sewing patterns fit me well was what got me into learning to first alter then completely draft my own patterns in the first place many, many moons ago…. and even if I hadn’t turned it into my profession I would have been glad of the knowledge of how to resize and fit just to be a better dressmaker for myself.
Jul 02, 2016 @ 15:24:17
amazing website thank you for sharing your patterns 🙂 i hope to make the 1950s style dress, have you any tips on how to make it fit a size 8?
Jul 04, 2016 @ 08:45:15
Hi Roisin and 🙂 So to make the 50’s dress pattern bodice into a size 8 have a look at the Threads grading guide that I have a link to in the side bar on the right…. it is a pretty straight forward method for sizing up or down. For the skirt-I would cut it the same size as it is but simply make each of the pleats a little deeper to get the total waist measurement down to the size you want. Hope that helps!
Jun 27, 2016 @ 01:22:36
I just finished making the 1950’s frock. This is the best pattern I’ve ever sewed with! Everything matched and was even and the pleats are perfect. I used a really heavy cotton/canvas material that was cheap, it’s pink and black. I wanted to practice before buying expensive material but I absolutely love it. I have it on my sewing model and I can’t stop looking at it. THANK YOU for a wonderfully crafted and easy pattern. I also made the vintage slip but that will take more practice.
Jun 27, 2016 @ 09:01:46
Hi Kirsten, what a lovely positive comment to start my day with, thank you! 🙂 Do you have a pic I could share on my VV Facebook page??
If you would like some making advice on the vintage slip just drop me a line via my contact form… in essence it is a simple pattern but working with fabric on the bias certainly can be tricky if you are new to it.
Jun 17, 2016 @ 09:33:33
Thank you so much for the patterns. I have been looking for a good pattern for French knickers and your circular one looks so comfortable while the pattern for 40s pyjamas is the exact one my daughter has been nagging me to draft and make. Will draft in her measurements and she will be over the moon. Thank you so much.
Jun 15, 2016 @ 16:02:44
Gorgeous patterns, so inspiring!
Jun 14, 2016 @ 21:45:17
Thank for the 50’s big knicker pattern. Gonna have a play and hopefully adapt it to a shape wear type knicker. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. X
Jun 15, 2016 @ 08:22:35
I made myself some shape-wear from this pattern with a medium heavy power mesh, turned out better than some I’d bought!
Try making a double layer panel about 6″-8″ wide in the front just zigzagged onto the inside, use wider elastic on the waist if you want more compression there and use soft elastic on the leg openings and don’t pull them in too much as it’s really un-comfy if they dig in. Soft fold-over elastic may be all you need on the legs.
Jun 14, 2016 @ 21:00:34
Thank you , it’s been years since I’ve sewn and now I’ m back to making my own clothes for better fit. Your truly amazing to let us use these PDF patterns
Jun 15, 2016 @ 08:11:29
You are very welcome. I hope you are enjoying your return to sewing!
Jun 02, 2016 @ 17:17:04
Best site of its type I have seen. Thank you.
May 11, 2016 @ 15:41:05
What a wonderful, generous and kind soul you are. I love o many of your patterns but especially the slip. I was looking for a gown pattern and is will work for me just beautifully. You must think of some way that your many fans can repay you.
May 17, 2016 @ 17:06:33
I’m glad you found a pattern here which will be useful…. and honestly, leaving me a comment as you have is a very much appreciated way of ‘repaying ‘me!
May 02, 2016 @ 12:02:18
Thanks for sharing your hard work Vera. I have an antique, bias cut silk slip which is a tad simpler around the bust than yours (no diamond insert). Now I know how to reproduce it without pulling it apart. I’m sure it would be perfect under your LBD. My 15 year old daughter is just getting interested in working with fabric for art and the Threadful Truth link is going to be so much more helpful than a tiresome mother. 🙂 Btw, I came across your site through Pinterest.
May 03, 2016 @ 00:05:48
Hi Ankri, that is exactly why I developed the pattern…. I too have a vintage slip in a similar style and wanted more the same. Wishing your daughter success in her sewing efforts !
Apr 24, 2016 @ 22:41:40
I just wanted to thank you for your patterns. I’ve just made the slip in a synthetic fabric before buying a luxurious and expensive silk. It turned out well!
I’ve found your instructions easy to follow with great tips for success.
Apr 25, 2016 @ 20:16:53
Thanks so much Jill, happy to hear that
Apr 18, 2016 @ 15:22:18
umm all the pdf patterns should print in actual size?
Apr 18, 2016 @ 15:40:12
yes! If they are not printing at full size for you then check the settings on your printer. Do not let your printer ‘scale’ or ‘fit to page’ . Printing should be set to %100.
Apr 15, 2016 @ 02:04:30
I loved the 50’s dress and hope someday to hone my skills enough to make it!
Apr 15, 2016 @ 16:47:51
Its quite an easy pattern Sue, take the plunge! Try it out on some cheap cotton first to fine-tune fit and to make sure you understand all the steps. You’ll learn by doing! 🙂
Apr 14, 2016 @ 19:01:18
You are seriously awesome for posting all of these PDF patterns for free. It is a huge deal for those of us who love these styles but can barely afford fabric much less pretty patterns like these!
Apr 12, 2016 @ 13:27:46
thank you
Mar 28, 2016 @ 02:24:01
Thank you so much for being so generous with your patterns. I have just downloaded you french knickers pattern and am hoping to start sewing soon. Its great to have such detailed instructions as well. Many many thanks
Mar 25, 2016 @ 20:58:13
I love your vintage style patterns and instructions.
Mar 21, 2016 @ 00:55:47
This post has absolutely made my day. You have a great collection of patterns and I’m now armed with everything I need to flesh out my vintage wardrobe! Thanks so much!
Mar 19, 2016 @ 13:52:30
you have some great and nice patterns I like them all
Mar 17, 2016 @ 13:56:52
Absolutely love your patterns and the fits are spot on which is rare – Thankyou you have awakened my passion for “vintage” clothing! I now have a drawer full of comfy and fabulous “big” knickers. I made your slip into a “flamingo” print cami top with matching pants and in the process of making the halter neck sundress in a lemon fruit print cotton 🙂 Bring on the sunshine.
Mar 17, 2016 @ 18:10:42
That all sounds fab Jeanette, thanks very much for stopping in to let me know…. it is so encouraging when I hear someone really likes the fit of my patterns!
Mar 17, 2016 @ 06:33:45
You are exceptionally generous and I thank you so much for that. It’s so great with times being as they are to find joy where least expected…surfing the web for style, patterns, materials, etc. This is so great, Thank you again
Mar 17, 2016 @ 18:14:24
You are very welcome Delicia.
Mar 09, 2016 @ 02:09:11
Thank you once again for posting these terrific patterns and tutorials! You’re amazing!
Mar 09, 2016 @ 08:59:49
🙂
Mar 07, 2016 @ 21:45:45
Thank you for sharing your wonderful patterns. Happy drafting all times!
Mar 07, 2016 @ 18:29:42
Absolutely Wonderful!! & thank you for sharing! I appreciate your kindness very much. Have a wonderful day & keep sewing & posting your new items ))
Mar 06, 2016 @ 08:38:36
Thankyou for sharing your lovely patterns.x
Mar 02, 2016 @ 02:07:03
Wonderful site. Can’t wait to make the 1/2 circle knickers/tap panties! I found some yummy lace at a 2nd hand/vintage shop and just can’t wait to sew these!
Mar 09, 2016 @ 09:01:13
Have fun!
Feb 29, 2016 @ 15:30:28
merci pour m’avoir accepter vous avez des modèle extra
Feb 27, 2016 @ 20:11:34
Merci pour votre partage !!
Feb 28, 2016 @ 09:42:25
Je vous en prie!
Feb 26, 2016 @ 08:14:02
Extra j ai adoré merci pour les patrons gratuit j aime merci
Feb 28, 2016 @ 09:44:59
De rien,J’espère que vous faites quelque chose de beau !