Pattern Dating Resources

Below is a collection of timelines showing the various changes made to sewing pattern envelopes over the years. Where possible, these patterns are dated in the captions.

Pattern companies recycled their numbers so in any given decade, there might be a "simplicity 2042", but they will be two completely different sewing patterns. Analyzing not just the pattern number, but the envelope illustration, font style, and often the actual size of the envelope can all help indicate the printing/ manufacturing dates of undated vintage patterns.

It is also important to note that Patent dates printed on pattern envelopes are not accurate for dating sewing patterns. For example, many early 1900s McCall sewing patterns will include a printed patent date of 1908 - but this patent was printed on pattern envelopes well into the late 1910s.

The very best way to date a sewing pattern is to find the numbered pattern illustration in a magazine, store flyer, catalog or quarterly, as these nearly always had a date printed on the cover.