How to Collect Vintage Knitting Patterns

Collecting vintage knitting patterns gives knitters a chance to spark their creativity and expand their skills. Many vintage patterns were created for more complex projects, such as knitted dresses and coats and women’s knitted suits. These patterns were designed and photographed for fashion magazines as well, making them a feast for the eyes for people interested in knitwear design and fashion photography. However, new knitters also can find appealing, less complex designs created for yarn and pattern companies.

Instructions

1. Decide what your goal is for collecting vintage knitting patterns. People who want to knit the patterns need to look for different collectibles than people who want the patterns because they’re interested in fashion design and fashion photography. Also consider whether you want to concentrate on collecting designs from a particular era. Patterns printed from the 1940s through the 1970s are popular with many collectors.

2. Make sure the book or magazine you want to buy is not missing pages. Publications aren’t as valuable if project instructions are missing. If you’re buying online, ask the seller if all pages are intact before making the purchase. Vintage knitting design magazines can sell for $20 or more, and some out-of-print knitting books can exceed $100.

3. Look for classic designs if you want to knit the patterns or are considering selling your collection in the future. Patterns for cardigans, pull-over sweaters and sweater coats often don’t look dated no matter when they were printed. Additionally, classic designs will appeal to more knitters and other people who are interested in buying vintage patterns.

4. Collect vintage knitting designs created by well-known designers, design houses and fashion magazines to get some of the most creative patterns and design ideas from professionals. Vintage Vogue knitting designs are among the top sellers. These patterns often require advanced knitting skills and command higher prices. However, they include many fashion photos as well.

5. Get some bargains by accumulating vintage designs created by yarn and pattern companies. These designs often command lower prices, and some of the companies may be out of business now. Nonetheless, the designs they created can be very appealing, and you may find more patterns suitable for new knitters and knitters with intermediate skills.

6. Consider that many vintage patterns printed in the 1960s and earlier don’t make use of schematic drawings that typically accompany modern knitting patterns. This may bother knitters who rely on such drawings to guide them as they knit. In such cases, try to look over the directions before making a purchase to see if they are clearly written.

7. Opt for out-of-print books if you’re in search of detailed directions for creating various stitches and assembling knitted garments. Be aware that old books with vintage knitting patterns may only include line drawings of projects or black-and-white photos.

Tips & Warnings

• Some online auction sellers offer printed or digital copies of vintage knitting magazines that aren’t as valuable to collectors. There also may be concerns about whether the sellers have the right to sell the copies they offer.