Butterick

Founded in 1863 by Ebenezer Butterick, the company revolutionized garment making by introducing the first commercially produced, graded paper sewing patterns.

This innovation allowed home sewers to create properly fitted clothing without drafting patterns from scratch, making fashionable dress far more accessible to women and families. Butterick quickly became a household name and remained a dominant force throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Butterick patterns are known for their practical, wearable designs and wide appeal, offering styles that range from everyday dresses and separates to tailored garments and special-occasion wear. Unlike couture-focused brands, Butterick traditionally emphasized approachable fashion that could be worn daily, making it especially popular with home sewers of varying skill levels. Vintage Butterick patterns often reflect the changing silhouettes and social trends of their eras, from Victorian tailoring to mid-century simplicity and beyond. Today, Butterick patterns—both vintage and modern—are valued for their historical significance, reliable drafting, and timeless styles that continue to inspire sewists and collectors alike.