Decades inspiration

Wanting to sew along with this month’s challenge of a pattern from the decade you were born, but don’t own any vintage patterns and not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up a few ideas for you of modern patterns inspired by different decades – all easily accessible for sewing with this month! 😉

1940s

1940s style was heavily influenced by the war years and subsequent fabric rationing. Trim skirts, fitted jackets, and slim dresses featured interesting style lines and often gathering detail. Tops and bodices were worn a little bit loose, before nipping in at the waist. Trousers and skirts sat at the natural waist, and knit tops ended just below the waist.

From left to right: Stockholm jacket by How To Do Fashion, Rua top by Muse Patterns, Tahi skirt by Muse Patterns, 1940s Tea Dress by Sew Over It.

1950s

The 1950s were all about fit-and-flare dresses, circle skirts, fitted sweaters, and also pencil skirts and cigarette pants.

From left to right: Cami dress by Pauline Alice, Cressida skirt by Jennifer Lauren Handmade, Jenna cardi by Muse Patterns, Betty dress by Sew Over It

1960s

The 1960s covered everything from the fit-and-flare dresses of the late 1950s, through to the early mod styles of the late 1960s.

Main image – the Joan dress by Sew Over It.
Top to bottom – Philippa dress by Muse Patterns, Quart Coat by Pauline Alice, Francoise dress by Tilly and the Buttons

1970s

Bring on the boho era of the 1970s! Flared trousers, flowing dresses, corduroy, and summer lovin’.

Top row: Alix dress by By Hand London, Rosari skirt by Pauline Alice
Bottom row: Birkin flares by Baste & Gather, Beverly twisted bikini by Named Clothing

1980s

The 1980s saw the rise of exercise gear as fashion. Bodysuits, fitted tees, oversized tees, sweatshirts, and knit fabrics everywhere. (Even better if made in neon!)

Main image: Nettie bodysuit and dress by Closet Case Patterns
Top to bottom: Geodesic sweatshirt by Blueprints for Sewing, Rua dress and tee by Muse Patterns, Fraser sweatshirt by Sewaholic

1990s

On to the 90s, where teen culture really took off! Clueless, Empire Records, cropped sweaters, mini skirts, denim, Nirvana, tiny floral prints, button-through dresses, combat boots – the 90’s had it all.

From left to right: Cleo dress by Tilly and the Buttons, Moss skirt by Grainline, Rua top by Muse Patterns, Sabrina dress by By Hand London

And there we have it – a quick round-up of patterns inspired by five decades! Which other modern patterns would you suggest for those years?