By now, you know that I own more than a few patterns. I actually don’t know the full number- it’s probably in the thousands (asking a seamstress how many patterns or yards of fabric she owns is akin to asking a woman her age. Just don’t do it if you want to be happy. Compliment her on her amazing organization instead!).
Which begs the question…how on earth do I organize it all? I see this question bandied about frequently, and it’s an important one. With limited time to sew, we all want to find a way to store and organize patterns so that they can be accessed quickly and easily. I love hearing about how others organize their collection, so I thought I’d share my own methods, and see what you all think.
I divide my pattern organization into two categories: digital and physical. Before I started sewing indie PDF patterns, I purchased quite a few “Big Four” paper patterns, so I have to have a system that works well for both types.
Digital
This is the easy part. I organize my digital files into folders on my computer. Here’s a quick run-down of my system:
All digital patterns are immediately put into a folder upon download. I try NOT to download things immediately to my phone or ipad, because they often don’t make it into their folder if I do!
On my computer, there are folders for “Sewing Patterns”, which then have sub-folders for women’s, kids, children’s or home dec patterns. Each one of these sub folders has additional folders inside, one for each pattern designer. If a pattern fits into two categories (i.e. women and children) it is copied and put in both places!
Physical Patterns- PDF Type
Once I’ve got my paws on a newly printed/assembled PDF Pattern, it’s time to store it in a physical location. Not all PDF patterns are immediately printed. Some are stored on my computer until I’m ready to print. Once they are printed, I do one of the following:
- Trace it!
- I use Swedish Tracing Paper for patterns that I need to manipulate and/or patterns that I want to be able use again and again. This paper is more expensive, but comes in wide rolls and is very durable. You can even sew through it, making it ideal for quick fit checks.
- Medical Exam Paper: Most traced patterns are put onto Medical Exam Paper. It’s less expensive than swedish tracing paper, but narrower and less durable. It’s great for a quick trace though, or for tracing hacked patterns.
- Fold it up and keep it as a paper draft
- I do this most often for childrens patterns, swimwear or lingerie, as they are small patterns and easy to fold and put away.
After I’ve traced and sewn a pattern, it needs to be put away. I find these 9 by 12 envelopes perfect for the job! I label them with all the pertinent details, then file them away (explained below).
- Pattern Designer goes in the upper right corner, for easy identification
- Size traced, notes and modifications are noted on the left side, along with hints or suggestions for next time
- I also like to note how many times I’ve made a pattern, and will sometimes even rate it on a scale of 1-10 for easy reference. Even though the details are always so fresh in my mind right after I’ve sewn it, they fade quickly and this system keeps me from having to start from scratch every time I break out an older pattern.
The one exception to this are my large format printed files. I print my favorite pattern companies/patterns in large format, and then roll them up and label them on the outside. Right now I roll these up and stick them in the corner, but I need a better system.
I’m thinking either one of the wrapping paper storage bins or a re-purposed plastic bag holder from IKEA with the rolls going in horizontally? I’ve seen people store their HTV this way, and I think it would work well!
Physical Patterns- Printed
- Printed Vs. Paper:
- I also own a fair number of printed patterns, both from “Big Four” companies and from smaller companies, like Oliver and S, that offer a printed option. When I’m given a choice, and am not in a hurry to get a pattern, I’ll always opt for a printed copy, because I feel the price is comparable to a PDF over the lifespan of the pattern (you have to factor in ink costs, and the possibility of needing to print multiple sizes over time).
- These printed copies are immediately separated from their envelopes, and placed in the larger 9×12 envelopes just like their PDF cousins. They are labeled with the sizes they include, and pattern number, if applicable. If I have an inspiration photo I’ve cut from a magazine, that will go in there as well.
- The pattern cover (without the actual pattern inside) is then stored in a binder, according to the pattern type:
- Dresses/skirts
- Pants
- Tops
- Indie Pattern Designers
- Men’s/Children’s Patterns
- Home Dec
- I have a separate process for Jalie Printed Patterns, as they are quite large. I found these oversized clear plastic bags, and they go two to a bag, with any traced pieces inside and the pattern cover showing on the front and back (mine are slightly different from the ones in my link, but I like the ziploc ones better). Because the bags have handles, these are either hung in my fabric closet with hangers or stored on a bookshelf.
File Storage
- Regardless of whether they are PDF or printed patterns, all pattern pieces in large white envelopes go into (ugly) file drawers. You know, the kind you usually find in the dentists’ office. But hey, it was free, and it does the job well!
- I have a quick access drawer in my sewing room with all my current favorites, and a larger file cabinet in my bedroom closet for the masses.
- This larger file unit is organized by pattern designer, and to the extent that a pattern company uses a numbering system, sequentially by number.
- When I’ve tired of a pattern, it moves from my quick access drawer to the larger closet.
Well, that’s pretty much it! I wish I had this much organization in my pantry or refrigerator, but priorities people!
Tell me what you think- and how you organize your patterns in the comments!
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