By the mid-nineteenth century, mass production of paper patterns, the emergence of the home sewing machine, and the convenience of mail order catalogs brought fashionable clothing into the American home. By the early twentieth century, home economists working in extension and outreach programs taught women how to use paper patterns to improve the fit and efficiency of new garments as well as how to update existing ones.

Teachers of home economics traditionally made home sewing a critical part of their curriculum, emphasizing self-sufficiency and resourcefulness for young women. However, with the increasing availability of mass-produced clothing in catalogs and department stores, more and more women preferred buying garments rather than making them. As a result, home economists shifted their attention to consumer education. Through field study, analysis, and research, they became experts on the purchase and preservation of ready-to-wear clothing for the family, offering budgeting instruction targeted at adolescent girls. Modern home sewing made it possible for American women to transcend their economic differences and geographic locations with clothing that was increasingly standardized. The democratization of fashion continued through the twentieth century as the ready-to-wear market expanded and home sewing became more of a pastime than a necessity.

Sewing Machine Demonstration

Women across America learned how to bring ease and efficiency into their homes with a well-maintained sewing machine.

Ready-to-Wear

In the beginning of mass production, manufacturers used the same machinery as homemakers. The skill of domestic seamstresses produced garments which rivaled that of ready-to-wear clothing in quality.

Garment Remodeling

At the 1933 Farm and Home Week exhibit, home economists demonstrated methods of remodeling existing garments to modernize a wardrobe inexpensively.

Extension Bulletin

Cornell extension bulletins brought information ranging from fabric care and mending to sewing instruction into homes across New York State.

"Dressmaker's Corner"

The home dressmaking section of the Ladies' Home Journal offered advice on clothing construction and mending, as well as personal feedback in the "Dressmaker's Corner."

"The Correct Way to Use a Sewing Machine"

This popular publication offered instruction about the proper care of the modern sewing machine, along with economical and creative sewing tips for girls.

"Clothes for College"

This 1925 article about budgeting planning for college life included an array of the latest store-bought fashions as well as versatile patterns available by mail.

Early Sewing Patterns

Early patterns published in household books had small pieces placed on top of each other which needed to be scaled up to create full-sized garments. Modern paper patterns were full scale, easy to manipulate and fit, and available through catalogs and magazines.