There are so many fantastic storage ideas in the comments that I have compiled them into a blog post now! www.thelaststitch.com/2018/06/20-ways-to-organise-sewing-patterns-your-best-tips/
Haya. Lovely to see how you store your patterns. It is great that you kept things from your teenage years as well. I keep my store bought patterns in wicker baskets & when I trace them off I currently keep them folded, but I will hang them when I get my hanging space area sorted out. Thank u for sharing. XX
Thanks for sharing your storage methods. I think we all wish we were a little neater... but who has the time? I have a lot of pdf patterns. I currently print and store the instructions/booklet in clear zipper folders (purchase on amazon). I then print/cut pattern pieces only for my size and store them in the folder. I fold the pieces so that I can see the number/letter which makes it easy to pull out the right ones. It works okay. I’m always looking for a better way, but this works for me. Also if I am using the pattern for my daughter I use different colored highlighters to mark the pattern pieces - so when I’m going to cut hers out I know I only want “green” marked pieces and for me I want “pink”. That way I don’t cut the wrong ones. Thanks again for sharing your system.
Totally! I too rather be sewing than sorting my patterns, as long as we can find a pattern fairly easily any system works fine in my book! I really like ýour use a highlighter to differentiate, that is something I could use too!
Thanks for the vlog. Always interesting to hear how others store their stuff. I put my regular paper patterns in shoe boxes and divide them by garments although I also sub divide by stretch and woven! I put my PDF’s in large envelopes which full description on the front and a quick sketch so I remember what the pattern looks like! Any traced patterns I trace in garden fleece which folds up very well (and can also be ironed flat again on a low heat) and I put them in a plastic envelope file which goes into a lever arch file and is labelled. Happy sewing and filing! Diana
I'm a tracer. I keep all traced patterns in a binder in plastic envelopes. Like you, I mark them with a sketch of the garment and the name of the pattern. I also note what the seam allowance is and any adjustments I've made. I have lots of PDF patterns. Since I trace them, I store the whole sheets. I fold them, write the name of the pattern on a visible surface and store them in a large file (I think it's A2 sized).
Since discovering your videos you have steadily been becoming my favorite sewing vlogger...this video sealed the deal! You are so fun to watch!... So, I bought a 3-drawer chest of drawers from IKEA for my patterns. I have them all up on their side edges, sorted by garment type with an extra section for patterns with "wardrobe" options (i.e.: skirt, trousers, dress, top, jacket all in the same envelope). I can pull up a chair, open a drawer and just thumb through them. It can be a nice way to relax and dream. In the bottom drawer I have the patterns I use a lot which I keep in big zip-loc bags with the pattern envelope picture facing out. For my blocks and self-drafted patterns I connect the pieces with pattern hangers and have them in a wardrobe in my sewing studio. I attach a scrap of fabric from the garment I've made onto the self-drafted patterns because it's easy to forget what they are for when they are all hanging there together. I have so many patterns I have never made and probably never will but I love keeping them around. They are bits of art and bits of history, both of fashion and of my own sewing journey. Happy days!
Love your videos! Ugh, it is maddening to fold up the "Big 4" thin tissue patterns!! That's all I sew; I wouldn't have any tips for storing PDFs. Looks like you've got a great system!😃
I personally used mimi g 's method which is putting all pattern's envelopes in binders and storing the pattern's in envelopes in different boxes with numbers. the old fashion video store system.
Lol, yes! I feel that everyone who shares organisational systems have all things sorted out already, but I figured there must be more people like me out there and it's a great conversation starter. There are so many great storage ideas in the comments!
Love your dress and new hair colour. Your tissue pattern 'scrunch' storage method had me laughing out loud! But, Johanna, in every other way you're very neat and organised! I have too many patterns and I organise them by outfit type. They are stored in the drawer under the bed in my sewing room. Moreplan don't seem to sell the pattern hanger but I figure DIY stores probably have something similar. You often comment on your English. You are fluent! You barely have an accent! One of my best friends is Swedish. She has lived here in England for 15 years and you are more fluent. We're watching The Bridge at the moment. I watch so many Scandi dramas with subtitles that I think I'm starting to understand your language. But no. My friend thinks I'm nuts to want to learn Swedish (she has given up talking to her children in her native Swedish) but I think it's a beautiful language. Love your book. A great resource for anyone who sews with knits, not just active wear.
Lol, yes sometimes I get so frustrated trying to fold the tissue paper I just scrunch the darn thing and call it a day! As for learning Scandinavian languages, I've heard many say that it is kinda tricky, but we do have a mix of words from English, German and French mostly, so I do think that you can recognise a fair bit. Don't listen to your friend ;-D
Last Stitch I used to be quite good at French and German (30 years ago!). I might just have a go. I have three Swedish friends, one is in Sweden and the other two are here in England. Two are called Anna, the other is Anita (I believe that's 'little Anna').
Thanks for the organizing tips. I am going to start organize my patterns in boxes by categories such as dresses, tops etc... Right now all my patterns are all over the place. 😃
I store my tissue patters in large freezer bags. The store very well and have some I’ve had for 30 years! Pdf patterns are stored in art folder sleeves as they are larger pieces that I fold the least.
A local fabric stir was closing and I purchased one of their metal pattern cabinets. Uh...I know its wrong and big but who wouldn't want their own pattern cabinet like the store! No matter how many I have, it will never be full....I think! Ha~ I divide mine by garment. Dresses, menswear, hat's, costs, costumes, dog items. That way I know where to look when I think, where's that shirt pattern? I do put large ones I cut out in gallon bags and will probably have to do like you, which isn't bad. Themed large boxes. Gives me a hint where to look. Thanks!
Wow, what a great purchase. Those professional storage units is an opportunity that should not be missed! I like the idea of dividing the patterns into garment rather than the alphabet!
Gosh, that video was a surprise. You are actually human and have a messy stash!! I was horrified by the scrunching of the tissue paper, lol! I started out storing my printed pdfs in plastic pockets like in your binders but now find it's easier to hang them like you do your base/thick paper patterns. I use bulldog clips and just put multiple ones on hangers in my wardrobe. Hanging means I never have to smooth out/iron the paper again which was becoming an issue with all the folding. Love your videos:)
Thank you for your Video. I also Store my pattern in plastic Envelopes but mine have velcro to keep them closed. Normally used for documents. My patterns are stored in plastic boxes with a lid. I keep the pattern pieces on my cut outs until sewing. When the project is finished I fold all pieces and iron them to fit the envelope.
I file all my patterns in plastic envelopes/bags and then in boxes organized by pattern number, but just the contents. I take the envelope with the pattern picture and put it in plastic in a notebook for my own personal pattern catalog. I also take photos of often used patterns and keep them in a folder in the computer. As to patterns I copy, I hang these up, but these are only patterns I use often, essential basics. Of course there is always the odd or larger envelope pattern that has to be filed otherwise, so you do have to keep thinking of new ways to do this.
I use zip-lock gallon bags to store my patterns with the original pattern envelope showing towards the outside of the bag...Rather than organizing the patterns by the manufacturer, I prefer to sort them by what they are for example-shirt, pants, jacket, shorts, etc...by the way, I always trace any patterns onto either Swedish tracing paper or Pellon 830 pattern material if I think I will use them more than one time...and with the price of patterns now-a-days, that's the case more often than not....
Sorting it after garments is perhaps a better idea than the alphabet now that I think about it :-) Especially once the collection starts to expand. And the Big 4 tissue paper is so delicate, I've found that they don't stand many reuses, at least not for me!
I only print pdf patterns when I am ready to cut them out. If I want to preserve them, or trace off Burda Style patterns, I copy them on to heavy weight garden fleece. A 2m wide 20m roll costs around £20 on eBay. I sometimes use the fleece as a test garment as it is strong enough to be sewn. Use a felt tip or gel pen to draw on it. The fleece clings to fabric so it makes it easy to position when cutting out. I have used it as an under layer when cutting out chiffon fabric, as it stops the fabric from moving around too much. Fleece also folds in to a very small package. Do not iron fleece unless you have tested it first, not sure at what temperature it might melt. I have been buying Burda Style since 1981. I tend to keep the pattern sheets and tear out the pages with pictures and instructions of garments I think I might make. Interesting to see how tastes change, I remember one style in the 1980’s that suggested attaching a real fox’s tail to a fur hat. I tend to keep patterns in plastic like you do, but ordered by style of garment. I used to keep them in binders, but these got to heavy and unwieldy to use. I now use magazine holders so that I can easily slip one pattern out as needed. Once a year I do a magazine and pattern purge. I am being more ruthless as I get older and am discarding patterns if they are too similar to ones I have already made.
First I copy or trace the pattern to sturdy paper (because I don't like to work with tissue paper). Than I fold the original pattern for storing. The copy I fold in a A4 shape and put it alltogether in an envelope that has all the information plus a foto or drawing of the finish garment. I like the idea of keeping the original in one piece, just in case someone else like to copy it or in case of body changing.
I've recently added a folder to my file-by-garment type system for the mystery commercial pattern pieces that have a way of turning up around the sewing room when I'm looking for something else. Tissue pattern pieces that just say "view A band 8043" for example. Sometimes I just can't be bothered to dig out the matching numbered pattern (I may not even know what kind of garment it is) so I pop it in the odd pieces folder. If I use the pattern again and find a piece missing, I'll look in that folder for it.
Having a folder for odd pieces is great, I used to have box of those too, and then I just tossed it in with the rest of my cut pieces. But I will do something similar like you again,
I store my pdf-patterns in hanging file folders. These I store in similar IKEA boxes as you store your patterns in. It´s practical because you can put the name of the pattern and patternmaker at the top, have easy access and they don´t take a huge amount of space. My paper patterns are stored in smaller IKEA boxes. The pattern companies are written on all boxes. The magazines are stored in cardboard cases. Sorted by year. The traced patterns from these are in the hanging file folders labeled with the magazine, magazine number, pattern number and type of garment. Traced patterns from books are also stored in hanging file folders with the same system. To have an overview over all my patterns (at the moment just paper and pdf-patterns) I´ve stored a photo of each pattern and the measurement tables on my phone. There they are stored in different folders (one folder for each pattern maker/company) for easy finding. With this system I always can have a look at the fabric requirements when I am out for fabric shopping. This is a system, that works great for me! I need control otherwise I forget about patterns.
I love how thought out your system is, and hanging folders are a great way, that I considered a few years back and then forgot about! Reading all the fantastic storage ideas in the comments makes me realise I should do a blog post about all your fantastic suggestions
I keep patterns similarly - in a box - but I use manila file folders. I got the idea from a Marcy Tilton video. You can make notes on the inside of the folder. I sort the folders by type of garment. I keep photos of the pattern envelopes in my phone, so I can easily look through them without getting out the box.
I trace all my patterns. For the newer commercial patterns I keep them on a book shelf with the traced pattern pieces either folded and tucked inside the patterns (if they fit) or in an A4 wallet with the original pattern inside if they are more bulky. My old patterns (from teenage+ years and from my my mum - so really kept for nostalgia) are stored in a separate box. My Burda Style magazine etc (I have a lot!!) are stored in chronological order in plastic boxes where they are stacked upright. Where I have traced the patterns, I put the traced pieces plus pattern charts inside an A4 envelope in the middle of the relevant magazine. PDF patterns - which I hate - are just stored in a pile with the traced pattern in an A4 envelope tucked inside the PDF. My PDF patterns are all copyshop - I don't do home printed PDFs for dressmaking as life is too damn short for all that piecing and sellotaping...and then tracing!! I also use coloured post it tags a lot. For PDF copyshop patterns, where the pattern name is usually hidden somewhere in the depths of the pattern, I put the post it somewhere visible. For Burda Style patterns - where I plan to make to make the pattern at some point - I stick the post it note at the top of the relevant page. For Burda Style patterns, I colour code the tags so purple = trousers; yellow = tops etc that way I can quickly find the pattern I want.
Yes those big pdf-patterns are so clunky and hard to store! I like your idea of using different colour post-it notes, that is something I can see myself adapting too
pdf patterns I only store on the computer, the cut out patterns I store in A5 envelopes where I note down what magazine or pdf, year, issue, size etc. then I store the envelopes in shoe boxes (standing up) for each type of garment
Great dress and hair ! Tks for sharing . After I cut my pdf patterns I put them in a see-through plastic zip A4 pocket with the photo of the pattern on top so I can see the pattern. Then I store them in large plastic boxes . I hate the flimsy patterns but most r like this . I do not like patterns hanging out in the room as they get full of dust better to hang in a wardrobe if u have the space ! Rdgs
There is a young woman I found on You Tube who has a great method of organizing patterns. Her address is : PBunnieP- . The episode is: “Craft DIY : Organizing your sewing patterns.” I have converted my entire pattern collection to this method and am very happy with it. It does take some time initially but it is well worth it.😊
Mine are a little messy too once they are cut, I currently put them in legal size envelopes and label and tape the pattern picture to the outside if there is one, I then sort them by name or number and I have an app called airplay that I use to find them again... the app is free for the basic version and it’s a database that you create, on my Instagram feed ( @taffyrn) are some pictures of mine and how I organize it, it even lets me store pictures of the pattern and has sorting features, I love it because it allows you to have the info you need if you are out and find a fabric you like, then I can guesstimate how much to buy and supplies I might need. Thanks for sharing yours
Last Stitch very easy, I figured it out with a few minutes of playing around, the Instagram pictures of mine shows what I have in my database, but if you need something more please let me know.
I don’t know if you’ll see this comment since the post is over 6 months old, but the “trick” to folding tissue patterns is to disregard the factory fold lines and refold them into squares or rectangles. (I think the companies do this to make it obvious if someone has bought, traced, and tried to return the pattern for a refund). If the old fold lines bother you, they actually iron out smooth:)
There are so many fantastic storage ideas in the comments that I have compiled them into a blog post
now! www.thelaststitch.com/2018/06/20-ways-to-organise-sewing-patterns-your-best-tips/
Haya. Lovely to see how you store your patterns. It is great that you kept things from your teenage years as well. I keep my store bought patterns in wicker baskets & when I trace them off I currently keep them folded, but I will hang them when I get my hanging space area sorted out. Thank u for sharing. XX
Thanks for sharing your storage methods. I think we all wish we were a little neater... but who has the time? I have a lot of pdf patterns. I currently print and store the instructions/booklet in clear zipper folders (purchase on amazon). I then print/cut pattern pieces only for my size and store them in the folder. I fold the pieces so that I can see the number/letter which makes it easy to pull out the right ones. It works okay. I’m always looking for a better way, but this works for me. Also if I am using the pattern for my daughter I use different colored highlighters to mark the pattern pieces - so when I’m going to cut hers out I know I only want “green” marked pieces and for me I want “pink”. That way I don’t cut the wrong ones. Thanks again for sharing your system.
Totally! I too rather be sewing than sorting my patterns, as long as we can find a pattern fairly easily any system works fine in my book! I really like ýour use a highlighter to differentiate, that is something I could use too!
Thanks for the vlog. Always interesting to hear how others store their stuff. I put my regular paper patterns in shoe boxes and divide them by garments although I also sub divide by stretch and woven! I put my PDF’s in large envelopes which full description on the front and a quick sketch so I remember what the pattern looks like! Any traced patterns I trace in garden fleece which folds up very well (and can also be ironed flat again on a low heat) and I put them in a plastic envelope file which goes into a lever arch file and is labelled. Happy sewing and filing! Diana
I'm a tracer. I keep all traced patterns in a binder in plastic envelopes. Like you, I mark them with a sketch of the garment and the name of the pattern. I also note what the seam allowance is and any adjustments I've made.
I have lots of PDF patterns. Since I trace them, I store the whole sheets. I fold them, write the name of the pattern on a visible surface and store them in a large file (I think it's A2 sized).
Since discovering your videos you have steadily been becoming my favorite sewing vlogger...this video sealed the deal! You are so fun to watch!... So, I bought a 3-drawer chest of drawers from IKEA for my patterns. I have them all up on their side edges, sorted by garment type with an extra section for patterns with "wardrobe" options (i.e.: skirt, trousers, dress, top, jacket all in the same envelope). I can pull up a chair, open a drawer and just thumb through them. It can be a nice way to relax and dream. In the bottom drawer I have the patterns I use a lot which I keep in big zip-loc bags with the pattern envelope picture facing out. For my blocks and self-drafted patterns I connect the pieces with pattern hangers and have them in a wardrobe in my sewing studio. I attach a scrap of fabric from the garment I've made onto the self-drafted patterns because it's easy to forget what they are for when they are all hanging there together. I have so many patterns I have never made and probably never will but I love keeping them around. They are bits of art and bits of history, both of fashion and of my own sewing journey. Happy days!
I really like your idea of using fabric scraps to differentiate the patterns, I might copy that! :-)
And thank you so much for kind words, that means a lot to hear!
Love your videos! Ugh, it is maddening to fold up the "Big 4" thin tissue patterns!! That's all I sew; I wouldn't have any tips for storing PDFs. Looks like you've got a great system!😃
I personally used mimi g 's method which is putting all pattern's envelopes in binders and storing the pattern's in envelopes in different boxes with numbers. the old fashion video store system.
You are a woman after my old heart. Thank you for showing your imperfect pattern stash. Mine isn't Pinterest perfect either.
Lol, yes! I feel that everyone who shares organisational systems have all things sorted out already, but I figured there must be more people like me out there and it's a great conversation starter. There are so many great storage ideas in the comments!
Love your dress and new hair colour. Your tissue pattern 'scrunch' storage method had me laughing out loud! But, Johanna, in every other way you're very neat and organised! I have too many patterns and I organise them by outfit type. They are stored in the drawer under the bed in my sewing room. Moreplan don't seem to sell the pattern hanger but I figure DIY stores probably have something similar. You often comment on your English. You are fluent! You barely have an accent! One of my best friends is Swedish. She has lived here in England for 15 years and you are more fluent. We're watching The Bridge at the moment. I watch so many Scandi dramas with subtitles that I think I'm starting to understand your language. But no. My friend thinks I'm nuts to want to learn Swedish (she has given up talking to her children in her native Swedish) but I think it's a beautiful language. Love your book. A great resource for anyone who sews with knits, not just active wear.
Lol, yes sometimes I get so frustrated trying to fold the tissue paper I just scrunch the darn thing and call it a day! As for learning Scandinavian languages, I've heard many say that it is kinda tricky, but we do have a mix of words from English, German and French mostly, so I do think that you can recognise a fair bit. Don't listen to your friend ;-D
Last Stitch I used to be quite good at French and German (30 years ago!). I might just have a go. I have three Swedish friends, one is in Sweden and the other two are here in England. Two are called Anna, the other is Anita (I believe that's 'little Anna').
Thanks for the organizing tips. I am going to start organize my patterns in boxes by categories such as dresses, tops etc... Right now all my patterns are all over the place. 😃
Yay! I like to put on a good movie or tv-show and just get going with my organising, that makes me more motivated :-)
I store my tissue patters in large freezer bags. The store very well and have some I’ve had for 30 years!
Pdf patterns are stored in art folder sleeves as they are larger pieces that I fold the least.
I really like the idea of using art folder sleeves instead of regular folders, that is my struggle too, getting the big pieces to fit in
Last Stitch yes, the Art folders having ring holes give the option to hang with space permitting or file in the folder case.
A local fabric stir was closing and I purchased one of their metal pattern cabinets. Uh...I know its wrong and big but who wouldn't want their own pattern cabinet like the store! No matter how many I have, it will never be full....I think! Ha~
I divide mine by garment. Dresses, menswear, hat's, costs, costumes, dog items. That way I know where to look when I think, where's that shirt pattern?
I do put large ones I cut out in gallon bags and will probably have to do like you, which isn't bad. Themed large boxes. Gives me a hint where to look. Thanks!
Wow, what a great purchase. Those professional storage units is an opportunity that should not be missed! I like the idea of dividing the patterns into garment rather than the alphabet!
Gosh, that video was a surprise. You are actually human and have a messy stash!! I was horrified by the scrunching of the tissue paper, lol! I started out storing my printed pdfs in plastic pockets like in your binders but now find it's easier to hang them like you do your base/thick paper patterns. I use bulldog clips and just put multiple ones on hangers in my wardrobe. Hanging means I never have to smooth out/iron the paper again which was becoming an issue with all the folding. Love your videos:)
Thank you for your Video. I also Store my pattern in plastic Envelopes but mine have velcro to keep them closed. Normally used for documents. My patterns are stored in plastic boxes with a lid. I keep the pattern pieces on my cut outs until sewing. When the project is finished I fold all pieces and iron them to fit the envelope.
Wow, ironing the pieces, that is smart, as it is so hard to return the tissue paper to a flat fold
I file all my patterns in plastic envelopes/bags and then in boxes organized by pattern number, but just the contents. I take the envelope with the pattern picture and put it in plastic in a notebook for my own personal pattern catalog. I also take photos of often used patterns and keep them in a folder in the computer. As to patterns I copy, I hang these up, but these are only patterns I use often, essential basics. Of course there is always the odd or larger envelope pattern that has to be filed otherwise, so you do have to keep thinking of new ways to do this.
I use zip-lock gallon bags to store my patterns with the original pattern envelope showing towards the outside of the bag...Rather than organizing the patterns by the manufacturer, I prefer to sort them by what they are for example-shirt, pants, jacket, shorts, etc...by the way, I always trace any patterns onto either Swedish tracing paper or Pellon 830 pattern material if I think I will use them more than one time...and with the price of patterns now-a-days, that's the case more often than not....
Sorting it after garments is perhaps a better idea than the alphabet now that I think about it :-) Especially once the collection starts to expand. And the Big 4 tissue paper is so delicate, I've found that they don't stand many reuses, at least not for me!
I only print pdf patterns when I am ready to cut them out. If I want to preserve them, or trace off Burda Style patterns, I copy them on to heavy weight garden fleece. A 2m wide 20m roll costs around £20 on eBay. I sometimes use the fleece as a test garment as it is strong enough to be sewn. Use a felt tip or gel pen to draw on it. The fleece clings to fabric so it makes it easy to position when cutting out. I have used it as an under layer when cutting out chiffon fabric, as it stops the fabric from moving around too much. Fleece also folds in to a very small package. Do not iron fleece unless you have tested it first, not sure at what temperature it might melt.
I have been buying Burda Style since 1981. I tend to keep the pattern sheets and tear out the pages with pictures and instructions of garments I think I might make. Interesting to see how tastes change, I remember one style in the 1980’s that suggested attaching a real fox’s tail to a fur hat.
I tend to keep patterns in plastic like you do, but ordered by style of garment. I used to keep them in binders, but these got to heavy and unwieldy to use. I now use magazine holders so that I can easily slip one pattern out as needed.
Once a year I do a magazine and pattern purge. I am being more ruthless as I get older and am discarding patterns if they are too similar to ones I have already made.
I had to google garden fleece, what a nifty idea! I'm sure we have the same thing in Sweden
First I copy or trace the pattern to sturdy paper (because I don't like to work with tissue paper). Than I fold the original pattern for storing. The copy I fold in a A4 shape and put it alltogether in an envelope that has all the information plus a foto or drawing of the finish garment. I like the idea of keeping the original in one piece, just in case someone else like to copy it or in case of body changing.
Press the pattern tissue paper as you fold it it’s amazing
I've recently added a folder to my file-by-garment type system for the mystery commercial pattern pieces that have a way of turning up around the sewing room when I'm looking for something else. Tissue pattern pieces that just say "view A band 8043" for example. Sometimes I just can't be bothered to dig out the matching numbered pattern (I may not even know what kind of garment it is) so I pop it in the odd pieces folder. If I use the pattern again and find a piece missing, I'll look in that folder for it.
Having a folder for odd pieces is great, I used to have box of those too, and then I just tossed it in with the rest of my cut pieces. But I will do something similar like you again,
Kind of like what we do with missing socks after coming out of the dryer.
Great video Johanna! Very informative and awesome tips! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Myra!
I store my pdf-patterns in hanging file folders. These I store in similar IKEA boxes as you store your patterns in. It´s practical because you can put the name of the pattern and patternmaker at the top, have easy access and they don´t take a huge amount of space. My paper patterns are stored in smaller IKEA boxes. The pattern companies are written on all boxes. The magazines are stored in cardboard cases. Sorted by year. The traced patterns from these are in the hanging file folders labeled with the magazine, magazine number, pattern number and type of garment. Traced patterns from books are also stored in hanging file folders with the same system. To have an overview over all my patterns (at the moment just paper and pdf-patterns) I´ve stored a photo of each pattern and the measurement tables on my phone. There they are stored in different folders (one folder for each pattern maker/company) for easy finding. With this system I always can have a look at the fabric requirements when I am out for fabric shopping. This is a system, that works great for me! I need control otherwise I forget about patterns.
Sial Aniol this sounds wonderful!
I love how thought out your system is, and hanging folders are a great way, that I considered a few years back and then forgot about! Reading all the fantastic storage ideas in the comments makes me realise I should do a blog post about all your fantastic suggestions
I keep patterns similarly - in a box - but I use manila file folders. I got the idea from a Marcy Tilton video. You can make notes on the inside of the folder. I sort the folders by type of garment. I keep photos of the pattern envelopes in my phone, so I can easily look through them without getting out the box.
Susan Ashworth check out airplay to store on your phone, see above for the details and basic is free
Susan Ashworth that photos in the phone idea is brilliant!
Clever combo using the manila folders with digital photos!
I trace all my patterns. For the newer commercial patterns I keep them on a book shelf with the traced pattern pieces either folded and tucked inside the patterns (if they fit) or in an A4 wallet with the original pattern inside if they are more bulky. My old patterns (from teenage+ years and from my my mum - so really kept for nostalgia) are stored in a separate box. My Burda Style magazine etc (I have a lot!!) are stored in chronological order in plastic boxes where they are stacked upright. Where I have traced the patterns, I put the traced pieces plus pattern charts inside an A4 envelope in the middle of the relevant magazine. PDF patterns - which I hate - are just stored in a pile with the traced pattern in an A4 envelope tucked inside the PDF. My PDF patterns are all copyshop - I don't do home printed PDFs for dressmaking as life is too damn short for all that piecing and sellotaping...and then tracing!! I also use coloured post it tags a lot. For PDF copyshop patterns, where the pattern name is usually hidden somewhere in the depths of the pattern, I put the post it somewhere visible. For Burda Style patterns - where I plan to make to make the pattern at some point - I stick the post it note at the top of the relevant page. For Burda Style patterns, I colour code the tags so purple = trousers; yellow = tops etc that way I can quickly find the pattern I want.
Yes those big pdf-patterns are so clunky and hard to store! I like your idea of using different colour post-it notes, that is something I can see myself adapting too
pdf patterns I only store on the computer, the cut out patterns I store in A5 envelopes where I note down what magazine or pdf, year, issue, size etc. then I store the envelopes in shoe boxes (standing up) for each type of garment
I like the idea of using envelopes rather than plastic folders, easier store and neater I would think!
Great dress and hair ! Tks for sharing . After I cut my pdf patterns I put them in a see-through plastic zip A4 pocket with the photo of the pattern on top so I can see the pattern. Then I store them in large plastic boxes . I hate the flimsy patterns but most r like this . I do not like patterns hanging out in the room as they get full of dust better to hang in a wardrobe if u have the space !
Rdgs
Having a pattern wardrobe. now that is my new life goal :-D
There is a young woman I found on You Tube who has a great method of organizing patterns. Her address is : PBunnieP- . The episode is: “Craft DIY : Organizing your sewing patterns.” I have converted my entire pattern collection to this method and am very happy with it. It does take some time initially but it is well worth it.😊
Thank you! I will check that out!
Mine are a little messy too once they are cut, I currently put them in legal size envelopes and label and tape the pattern picture to the outside if there is one, I then sort them by name or number and I have an app called airplay that I use to find them again... the app is free for the basic version and it’s a database that you create, on my Instagram feed ( @taffyrn) are some pictures of mine and how I organize it, it even lets me store pictures of the pattern and has sorting features, I love it because it allows you to have the info you need if you are out and find a fabric you like, then I can guesstimate how much to buy and supplies I might need. Thanks for sharing yours
I have not heard of this app before, that sounds really clever, I will check it out for sure! Is it easy to create the database?
Last Stitch very easy, I figured it out with a few minutes of playing around, the Instagram pictures of mine shows what I have in my database, but if you need something more please let me know.
Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome!
I used to subscribe to Neue Mode, I loved them and preferred them to Burda...
Cecilia Nilsson Hi
Do they still exist? Where do u get them from pls ??
I'm afraid not, probably some 20 years since they disappeared, sadly.
Mayby you like "fashion Style" from oz-verlag.de
I think this is the same as Knipmode in the NL where I live - already a fan and subscriber, also do the Knippie which does childrens clothes :-)
I don’t know if you’ll see this comment since the post is over 6 months old, but the “trick” to folding tissue patterns is to disregard the factory fold lines and refold them into squares or rectangles. (I think the companies do this to make it obvious if someone has bought, traced, and tried to return the pattern for a refund).
If the old fold lines bother you, they actually iron out smooth:)