I've inherited a sizable amount of old (1948+) iron on patterns I'd love to use for redwork on a quilt or 5. :)

The one I tried to get to transfer was less than successful. Any suggestions for improving these old unused iron-on patterns? There are some precious gems here just crying out for me to use them!!

I use a light box and trace them onto my fabric. I have a lot of old used patterns that won't transfer any more. Some of them my mother had for dishtowels and pillowcases. I like the old patterns better. I'm just old fashioned.

You could trace it with one of those tracing pencils.

I think your best best is to trace also! I trace current patterns rather than using them as intended just in case I want them again down the road.

You can buy A transfer pencil and trace over them and then iron them on you cloth. I would trace them on A differant sheet of paper then go over them with the transfer pencil, that way you can keep you pattern. you can buy this pencil at hobby lobby,joann fabric's

I love hand embrodry, You are lucky!

I'm blessed! These were my grandmother's. She passed away when I was 2. One more bridge from one life to another...

Are you using a DRY hot iron? If not, you need to. Otherwise the tracing thing will work.
Those were some great transfers back then. Enjoy them.

Yes, dry hot iron. These are just precious transfers. The ones I especially want to use have a little girl, flipped up bob haircut, playing with household items and toys. Then there are at least 4 different alphabet collections.

I'll try my own iron. Perhaps my MIL's was not heating up enough. I've had little success tracing them. What I use is either too broad, fades easily, or I just miss key elements in the detail of the work.

You can get a pencil for embroidery transfer and go over the lines of the patterns then the lines will transfer just fine.