It’s Bizarre To Think That Rhode Island Is Home To The World’s Largest Collection Of Sewing Patterns, But It’s True

Rhode Island’s known for a laundry list of things – from the obvious, like being the smallest state in the U.S. to the more obscure (at least if you don’t live here), such as the Big Blue Bug. We’ve got amazing attractions – the Fantastic Umbrella Factory and Gun Totem, for example  – that you just won’t find anywhere else. Rhode Island is also home to the world’s largest collection of sewing patterns.

Please note: Photos are not from the university’s collection.

Long before malls and online shops existed, where we could buy an entire wardrobe in mere hours, people had to make their clothes from scratch, even without the assistance of a sewing pattern.

Today countless shops sell sewing patterns, a concept that dates back to the 1860s. Those early sewing patterns were sold in magazines.

To get a glimpse of the fascinating history behind sewing patterns, look no further than the University of Rhode Island, home to the world’s largest collection of sewing patterns.

That gem is comprised of four collections – the Betty Williams Collection, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Joy Emery Collection, and The University of Rhode Island Collection.

The Commercial Pattern Archive (CoPA) features more than 60,000 sewing patterns that date between the 1860s and 2010.

A significant portion, about 90 percent, of the collection of sewing patterns has also been scanned, although none of the collection is in circulation.

Visitors are welcome to view the collection by appointment only. Contact the university, at 401-874-2128, at least two weeks prior to your desired visit date.

Learn more on the official Commercial Pattern Archive website and on the University of Rhode Island Library website.

Did you know about the world’s largest collection of sewing patterns? Do you know of any other one-of-a-kind collections in Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments! For another unique adventure, plan a visit to the most beautiful library in Rhode Island.