How to Repair Sewing Pattern Envelopes, Instruction Sheets and Pattern Pieces

Do you have vintage sewing patterns in need of repair? Here's how to repair sewing pattern envelopes, instruction sheets and pattern pieces.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PVA adhesive
• Suntan lotion containing salicylate
• Elmer's Glue
• A small cap or small mixing container
• A small paint brush
• A letter opener
• An iron
• Paper
• a piece of flat glass or a mirror

1. TO REPAIR ENVELOPE AND INSTRUCTION SHEET
   
   First, working on a flat mirror or piece of glass, moisten the envelope with warm clean water at the joints. This relaxes the paper so the envelope can be opened to determine where repairs should be made.

2. Second, carefully open the envelope completely using the edge of a flat object (a file or letter opener).

3. Third, lay a piece of sturdy paper under the envelope, then using a moistened piece of cloth remove excess adhesive from areas in need of repair.

4. Fourth, if pieces of the envelope are broken away from the main section of the envelope piece the broken parts back as if piecing a puzzle.

5. Fifth, moisten a strip of paper (big enough to lie over the damaged areas of the envelope) with PVA adhesive or suntan lotion containing salicylate mixed with a dab of Elmer's glue.
   
   Lie the strip of paper or tissue paper over the damaged areas. Overlap slightly. Press down firmly.

6. Sixth, top the repaired envelope with something heavy (a book) and leave it to dry for 24 hours.

7. Seventh, trim away excess paper from the envelope.

8. Eight, refold the envelope.
   
   Use the same process to repair an instruction sheet.

9. FOR TISSUE PATTERN PIECES
   
   a. Spread it out and flatten with your hands.
   b. Take a warm to the touch iron and lightly iron each piece removing wrinkles.
   
   TAKE CAUTION! This should only take about 5-10 seconds.
   
   c. Repair any rips and tears as described earlier, except be sure to use tissue paper.
   d. Carefully refold the pattern pieces, placing them back into the envelope after they've fully dried.

Tips & Warnings

• Methyl cellulose can be used in place of suntan lotion. It mixes with cold water, doesn't stain and will not discolor or decompose in a dry or liquid state. Nor is it affected by heat or freezing.
• The iron should only be WARM to the touch. Perform a test on a separate piece of paper of like density.
• Use a test paper before repairing rips and tears on the original envelope or pattern piece.

Resources

• Making a real McCoy: an authentic vintage sewing apron
• How to use vintage sewing patterns

[gailM]

on 2/26/2009 Darn! I sold all of mine at our garage sale. I'll bet they used your great ideas.