As someone who's thoroughly convinced she was born in the wrong decade, nothing excites me more than a day of thrift shopping.
One of my all-time favorite outfits is a $10 knee-length dress from the '60s paired with vintage, $10 royal blue scalloped sandals. Not only were both pieces unbelievably cheap, they each transport me to another time and place.
Finding an old-school piece that's form-fitting and fashionable can be time-consuming. Vintage stores are rarely organized, and each piece comes in only one size. That's why I've become so fascinated by vintage knitting patterns, which give me the freedom to create my own period-inspired garments.
All that you need to knit a retro garment of your own is a knitting machine, a vintage pattern, and some yarn. Your closet will soon be filled to the brim with timeless outfits for any occasion.
Check out our guide below to find some gorgeous garments you can make yourself.
Dresses
Elegant, feminine dresses were a staple of the female wardrobe in the mid-1900s, so the library of vintage dress knitting patterns is vast and has offerings for every body type.
Sweaters
Whether you're looking to knit a '70s-inspired sweater for your daughter or you want to add something to your own collection, there are sweater knitting patterns for everyone. For the more advanced knitters, there are even cardigan patterns that would look beautiful with a pair of jeans.
Tops
A vintage top knitting pattern won't take as much time to knit as patterns for some bulkier garments would. And a top is easy to pair with everything from a pair of jeans to a pantsuit. With the right accessories, this style of top could become a wardrobe staple.
Skirts
People won't believe it when they compliment your boho-chic skirt and you tell them you knit it yourself.
The vintage skirt knitting patterns available online will guide you every step of the way. All you have to do is follow the instructions and enjoy the influx of praise.
Swimsuits
Old-school swimsuits are fun and flirty, but nobody likes to wear a bathing suit that's already been worn. Making your own with a knitting pattern is the perfect solution. Your suit will be brand-new and sure to turn heads when you hit the beach or pool.
For knitting machines, click here.
