Pattern Storage
Pattern Storage, these are two little words that should roll off my tongue with ease. I mean, let’s face it, as stitcher with a pile of patterns hidden in her stash, I should have this down pat. But to be fair, personal pattern storage has always been a challenge for me.
Once I unfold those commercial tissue paper patterns, I can never (no matter how hard I tried) get them back into that small envelope. That’s right, I would fold them, refold them and try to stuff them into the original envelope and it would almost always end with in a ripped mess.
Over the years I have used several different methods and since these days patterns are made in different forms, I thought it would be fun to explore a few options.
Clockwise from the top left hand corner:
- Hang patterns industry style on metal hooks.
- This file folder idea from Love it Sew Much.
- Love this dish rack remix from Crafty Gemini.
- Love this container project from Simple Simon & Co.
- Sew Couture Transformed their empty paper boxes into storage.
- Check out this antique file cabinet on Sew Retro.
- Simple hanging file box by Stardust Shoes. (perfect for small spaces)
- Magazine holders can double as separators from My Creative Life .
Personally, I store my patterns in clear plastic poly envelopes. They have a snap closure and fit perfectly in my drawers. The bonus for me is that I do not have to worry about folding everything super neat and small. Instead, I can loosely fold them to fit, label the outside and know that they are safe and sound. Sometimes, I even put a picture of the finished garment on the outside and a swatch for a quick reference. The envelopes are super inexpensive (around $1.00 each), come in an array of colors and can be found at any office supply store or big box chain store.
Whenever possible, I keep all versions of a style together. For instance, I made this knit skirt in a several lengths and a variety of waistbands. By keeping them together in one envelope, I can change up my design on the fly while shopping. This eliminates the guess work.
Since I know that you have a secret pile of patterns in your stash, I would love to hear how you handle your pattern storage!
I also had trouble getting patterns back in the envelope. Then i started folding them and then ironing on each fold till i got it small enough to fit the envelope! It was a duh momnet for me
. I have a 4 drawer filing cabinet i put mine in. But have run out of room in that too. I just discovered my husband has a pattern cabinet (in his garage, need to go in there more i guess) like the ones in the store and he was going to throw it out (gasp!) So now i’m trying to talk him into dragging it in the house so i can get it cleaned up (repaint in the spring). 
Funny Gina, I never thought about ironing them. I guess that’s a duh moment for me. Love that you are reclaiming an old pattern drawer. It sounds like you have a big stash!
Thanks so much for sharing!
~Heather
I do put the p-atterns in a plastic bag with closure with the name onit i.e. blouse sirt or pant
in a plastic box
I’ve always just refolded my way so they fit back in the envelope and the envelopes are kept in a paper box recycled from the office.
I just have to say that I haven’t seen that girl’s dress pattern in your first pic since my mom made those dresses for my sister and I when we were kids. I think our whole wardrobe consisted of those dresses and smocks in every color/fabric my mom loved. We knew better than to object, if you know what I mean, lol.
A friend irons her pattern pieces, and I thought it was silly. Then, secretly, I tried it myself. I do it all the time now.
The “Big 4″ patterns, I tear the pattern envelope in half and paste each side to a sheet of cardstock and stick in a sheet protector. The pattern envelope/cards are organized by type (kids, womens, etc.) in a binder. The pattern itself, including instructions, are put in a sandwich ziploc bag, and sorted by number in a plastic bin.
I have only recently gotten patterns other than the Big 4, so I haven’t decided how that’s going to work out. I hope I can incorporate them into my current system because I love it.
I have over 800 patterns and growing! I just can’t pass by a thrift shop or garage sale without rummaging for more vintage patterns….
I have the patterns stored in Ikea drawers – the Aneboda range is exactly the right size to stand the patterns upright. I have also scanned each cover and saved in files according to type so I can find a pattern without physically going through the patterns. Works perfect for me and they sit under my cutting table so it doesn’t take up too much space
Sorry forgot to add a link to a photo of the drawers I use: http://loweryourpresserfoot.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/how-to-store-out-of-control-pattern.html?m=1
Wow Kristy, that is some collection and I love that you shared the photo link! The patterns look like they fit perfectly!
~Heather
I have over 200 patterns and had them stored every which way but loose. I ended up buyone one of those see through plastic drawer storage bins and have transfered them all to these. Each drawer holds about 50 to 75 patterns, depending on the thickness of the pattern package, and when the patterns can’t fit into the package, I get those minalla envelopes, past the picture of what is inside on the front of the envelope and put the pattern in there. I will be making pictures of each pattern and making a size feasable folder of each pattern in plastic binders so they can be changed if necessary, just so I can find what I am looking for easier, something like they have in the fabric stores, only in a much smaller form. Keeping the folder in the first drawer. I don’t know if this will work yet as this is just a thought in my mind. Anyone find any flaws in this, please let me know. Just looking for a faster way of finding a pattern besides going through each one, one by one. Take care
I have THREE, ONLY THREE plastic shoe boxes that I keep my patterns in. When I cannot fit one more in, I must purge the patterns that I have no need for. It works to keep me from having millions!
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I use the file folder method you pictured. I’m not sure where I got the idea but I’ve been doing it since before I surfed the web, lol! Now my 21 year old daughter does it that way and her teachers in her professional sewing classes thought it was brilliant.