This useful guide on how to organize sewing patterns. From useful and creative sewing pattern storage ideas to sewing pattern organization apps, you’re sure to find a new system that works for you.
** This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post. Next up on our Sew Organized series are tips for organizing and storing quilt patterns, magazines, and books. We all have them, and we all need them. And they can get out of control very quickly! First, let's tackle the patterns. I shared this image last week when we talked about organizing tools and rulers, which are kept in the red magazine holders. In the white magazine holders on the top shelf I keep quilt patterns. These white cardboard holders work great for storing quilt patterns - both the printed ones I buy at quilt shops, and also PDF patterns and tutorials from internet. You can find similar magazine holders here on Amazon. Before I go on, I want to mention something. You know those PDF patterns that you buy and download online - either from a designer's shop or from Etsy? I recommend that you ALWAYS save a digital copy of every PDF on a hard drive somewhere. I have a folder on my desktop set aside just for PDF quilt patterns. As soon as I buy the PDF I save it to the folder and then I print it. It's handy to be able to easily find old PDFs and reprint them later if I need to. On the bottom shelf of that same cabinet I have this green three ring binder. In here I keep patterns that I need to keep referring back to over and over - like the Patchwork Quilt Along last year. I knew I would need to refer to these pages repeatedly throughout the year so I kept them handy in this binder in the section labeled "current." In here I keep the pattern for any other project I'm currently working on. That way I always know where to find it, and it prevents them from getting ripped or accidentally being used for kids' math homework. Please tell me that happens to other people too :). In the notebook there is also a section for notes. I'm constantly grabbing loose sheets of paper to make notes about re-sizing a pattern, how much binding to buy, or sketching up a diagram for piecing a quilt back like in the image below. To keep these loose papers from taking over my quilting space I keep them stored in here. I also have a section for quilt ideas and sketches of blocks to try. Sometimes I'll think up a cool idea but don't have time to draft it on the computer yet. So I make a sketch and a few notes and then file it here in this notebook. Another great solution for storing quilt patterns are these Mini Binders. You can find plain black or white ones like these, or there are also some fun colorful ones with designs. Find them here on Amazon, and Target carries them as well as most big box stores and office supply stores like Staples. The binders measure about 7.5" x 9.25". The sheet protectors are from Target and are the perfect size to fit quilt patterns - including those PDF ones you print from home. You can also get dividers to sort your patterns into categories by designer, or size, or whatever.... I love that you can easily view both the front and back of each pattern to see what the fabric requirements are without having to remove it! Because they're mini binders they'll fit almost anywhere - right now mine are on my smaller shelves above the ironing board. One more pattern storage idea are these boxes - they're originally designed for comic book collectors but they also happen to be sized just right for quilt patterns! You can find them here - and there's a few sizes to choose from. The Container Store has similar boxes - slightly smaller but they'd still work and they come in so many pretty colors! Alright - now how about those books and magazines we love? This is the other side of my cutting table. I have one shelf just for books - and I try to limit myself to just that one shelf. Right now they're pretty crammed in there but I do go through them every year or so and pull out any older book that I haven't used or don't think I'll use again. And that's ok! Styles change, your skill level will change and your interests will change. There's always great new books being written so it's okay to pass on your older books to make room for new favorites. From the ones I pull out, I'll offer them to to fellow quilters and take them to a local guild to see if there's anyone interested in them. I also have a shelf and a half for magazines. I need to go through them and pull out older ones so I'm just using ONE shelf again. Right now my magazine storage isn't that creative or unique - a magazine holder on a shelf works just fine, and there are enough magazines on the other shelf to keep them all snug and standing upright. In the next few weeks my plan is to go through the older magazines I have, tear out the patterns I want to keep and put them in page protectors in a regular sized three ring binder like this one. I really think that if they're stored this way then I'm more likely to make the quilts I want to - because I won't have to flip through dozens of pages to find that ONE pattern I wanted. photo from makelifelovely.com In this blog post by Make Life Lovely she shares how she saves favorite ideas from magazines and files them in binders. I love this idea and I could even organize the patterns by type (ie jelly roll patterns, FQ patterns) or by size (baby quilts, throw quilts) or even by type (applique, holiday, traditional, modern, etc). Another idea you could use for either magazines or books is a set of small shelves like these. I love that they put these shelves in this spot behind the door! photo from kidsroomideas.net This would probably be unusable space which then becomes a great storage opportunity with the addition of a few shelves. The shelves are from IKEA and you can find them here on Amazon. How about even more ideas? photo from heyletsmakestuff.com This is actually a shoe organizer from IKEA. But I love the idea of using it to store notes, sketches, patterns, or magazines. And when not in use the pockets fold in and it looks nice and tidy. I can't take credit for this one - check out the original blog post from Hey Let's Make Stuff. photo from peekaboopages.com Peek-a-boo Pages did a whole post about storing PDF patterns and she has some great ideas. Check it out here. I love that hanging file folder idea in the photo above! Want even more organizing ideas? Check out my Sewing Room Organization pinterest board here. And be sure to follow, because I'll keep adding great ideas to the board as I find them! I'd love to hear if you have any tips to share! How do you store your patterns, books and magazines?
Here are some ideas to help you organize and store your PDF sewing patterns. Sewing pattern storage can help you find your favorite patterns to reuse
This useful guide on how to organize sewing patterns. From useful and creative sewing pattern storage ideas to sewing pattern organization apps, you’re sure to find a new system that works for you.
This useful guide on how to organize sewing patterns. From useful and creative sewing pattern storage ideas to sewing pattern organization apps, you’re sure to find a new system that works for you.
These mobile apps make it SEW easy to stay organized and creative with your sewing projects. From pattern design to pattern and notion organization, these downloads will keep you on track with ease. 10 Sewing Apps to Keep You in Stitches has some of the most unique apps available, either on Android, Apple, or both. Some are free whereas others cost a small amount. We will provide you with an overview, price, and where to get it. These are some of the best sewing apps around according to many sewists. Find the best sewing apps for you by checking out our roundup. From general sewing apps to more specific apps, such as for embroidery, cross stitch, and quilting, there is something for every type of sewist. And these are only some of the apps available to us crafters, which means it is only getting easier to sew and make other crafts. Sure, sewists in times before didn't have apps to help but why not use technology to our advantage? These sewing apps may change the way you work, design, and buy. Give these apps a try and see what they can do to improve your sewing life, from the very get-go with planning to creating patterns, to organizing, and storing your thread, fabric, patterns, and more. Sign Up For More Free Patterns >>>
We see the question, “How do you store your printed patterns?” all the time in the P4P FB Group! So, as we’re celebrating hitting 30k members in the group with our “Sew it, Win it, Build it” Giveaway we’re hoping to answer that question today! We’ve been discussing all about planning, building and organizing your […]
Download and print these knitting planner/crochet planner pages and get your fiber and supply stash organized!
This useful guide on how to organize sewing patterns. From useful and creative sewing pattern storage ideas to sewing pattern organization apps, you’re sure to find a new system that works for you.
New sewing pattern release of the Ultimate Art Organizer, an art supply or craft supply case. See photos/details from the pattern, as well as tester photos!
Knitting and crochet pattern writing takes time and patience but is one of the most joyful journeys, at least for me. Writing patterns is on the top of my favorite jobs on my to do list at CrochetObjet knitting. ••• Over the last few weeks or even months I have been struggling mainly with trying
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Learn how to organize sewing patterns with these sewing pattern storage ideas so that your sewing room is less chaotic and more creative!
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Learn how to organize sewing patterns with these sewing pattern storage ideas so that your sewing room is less chaotic and more creative!
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This knitting journal and organizer will help you keep your knitting resources, thoughts, patterns, and yarn inventory organized and in one place.
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Plot your course of action prior to beginning the pattern with this project planner, an instant-download digital PDF file designed specifically for knitters. Tell me honestly, how many projects do […]
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In this post you can find some pictures and videos with tips and triks that supplements the pattern/sewing tutorial: how to make 5 rows of pockets, back zipper pocket and applying bias tape.
Miss Maggie Rabbit (made by me) hanging out in my fabric cabinet. Hello friends! I have a lot of fabric and sewing patterns. Like, A LOT. This post is all about how I organise my many sewing patterns as well as my fabric stash. So for those of you who are a little OCD, grab that bag of m&m's, sort the colours into different bowls (feels good doesn't it?!) and sit back and enjoy. Sewing Pattern Storage My sewing patterns used to sit in boxes where they ended up getting bent or torn or somehow mixed with another pattern. I tried putting some in zip lock bags for a while, but it just added bulk and made it difficult to store. I wanted to find a better way to: Store my patterns Preserve their quality Protect them from damage or ageing. Just a few of my vintage patterns, pre-storage solution I went searching the web for some solutions and came across the super informative blog post by Lladybird who used comic book storage for her patterns. I knew I had found the solution!! With four people living in a two bedroom house, space is scarce! Comic Book Storage for the WIN! If there is another group of people out there more meticulous than seamstresses about preserving original quality, it's comic-book collectors! The benefits of using comic book storage is that: Your patterns are stored in resealable bags Protected from dirt, dust and grotty hands. Backed by acid free boards to stop ageing and yellowing of patterns Holds patterns and instructions in place so they can't tear or get bent. Protects precious vintage patterns and enables you to handle them without damaging them. Uniforms the size of your patterns for easy storage and cataloguing. It just makes them look so darn good! Vintage patterns all safe and secure Directions: Place one board in a resealable bag. Slide the pattern envelope at the front of the board and pattern pieces behind the board (if pattern already used) Seal the bag. Lastly I stored them in comic-book boxes for protection and easy storage. Cataloguing: I found the easiest way to organise the patterns was by TYPE such as dresses, skirts, pants etc. I then arranged them by PATTERN NUMBER, regardless of the brand. Only about 1% of my patterns didn't have a pattern number. standard size pattern For opened patterns, I store the pieces at the back behind the card Large Vogue pattern Storage Supplies There are heaps of online sites that sell these (there are a lot of comic-book collectors out there!!) And I bought most of mine off eBay. Below is the size dimensions of the packaging I used to store my patterns. I used two sizes in total: Regular Size Patterns: Smaller patterns such as Butterick, Simplicity, McCall. Storage Boards (modern size) - Size 6 3/4" x 10 1/2" Resealable comic bags - stores up to 6 7/8" x 10 1/2" (17.4cm x 27.6cm) Box - outside dimensions - 8 1/4 x 11 1/2 x 16 3/4 Dividers Large Size Patterns: Large or bulky patterns such as Victory Patterns, Designer Vogue Patterns, Sewing Magazines, and print-at-home PDF patterns. Storage Boards (magazine size) - Size 8 1/2" x 11" Resealable comic bags - Magazine size - stores up to 8 3/4" x 11" (22.2cm x 27.9cm) Box -outside dimensions - 9 x 11 3/4 x 15 3/4 Dividers A printed PDF pattern in a large size bag. I wrote the details of the pattern on the front of the card and put the printed pieces at the back. printed pdf pieces at back Sewing Pattern Electrical Organisation I wanted to take my pattern organisation to the next level, and after reading Colette Patterns post about organising their patterns, I downloaded an iphone app (the same one they used) called 'Tap Forms' which is a data based app made for apple. I'm sure there are other/better apps out there so let me know in the comments if you know any! What it does: Allows you to create categories to sort your patterns Makes cataloguing and searching for patterns you own, easy. Enables you to search through your patterns via the categories you've created, such as pattern company, decade, style etc. Eliminates the need to handle your physical pattern when looking for pattern details such as fabric requirements. The options are limitless but the categories that I currently have on my phone are the following: A photo of both the front and back of the pattern - this is great when you're at the fabric store and you need to know how much fabric and notions you need for your pattern. Decade - I love being able to search for a particular vintage when flicking through my patterns. Pattern Number Pattern Company eg. Burda, Vogue, Victory Patterns Garment Type - eg. Dress, skirt, pants. Box Location - I have numbered my storage boxes and categorised by garment type and then in order of number, but this is a nice shortcut way of working out what box I've stored the pattern in without having to read the labels on the box. Blog Review Link - If I have already used this pattern and blogged about it, a link to my blog post is a nice way to quickly access details on my previous make. Note - For anything extra I want to put in, for example 'missing the sleeve piece'. Fabric Storage I recently sorted through my fabric, keeping only what I truely loved and got joy out of looking at. The rest I gave away to charity. My fabric used to be folded and piled in a dark, lonely cupboard. No matter how neat I tried to keep it, it always looked messy, and you could never see the entirety of what I had. Now my fabric stash looks like this: Yes, that's lego on the top of the cabinet #mumlife The Cabinet I keep it stored in a glass cabinet called 'fabrikor' (perfect name much?) which I purchased from Ikea. It stands proudly in our lounge room for all to see. I love how my stash has gone from being a pile of shame in the linen cupboard, to an art feature that I constantly get enjoyment out of whenever I sit in the lounge. How to Grab one of your large comic-book boards (so useful!) Fold your fabric in half, selvage to selvage and then again into thirds. Starting at one end of the folded length of the fabric, roll it around one large comic-book card paper. If needed, use one pin to keep fabric in place. Folded in half and then into thirds Place your board at one end of the fabric with a small amount wrapped around the edge. Wrap the fabric around the board. Electronic Fabric Organisation I have also recently started cataloguing my fabric collection in the same app I use to catalogue my patterns. It's a great way to see what you own and how much of it you have. Also helps you to store certain information like fabric type, designer and where you purchased it which can easily be forgotten otherwise! Mr. Basil Fox Miss Maggie Rabbit On a side note, meet my two little friends Mr. Basil Fox and Miss Maggie Rabbit! Both were lovingly handmade by me using patterns from Alicia Paulson. Sometimes they like to sit in the fabric cabinet and feed off its joyful energy. Both of the softies and all of their clothes were hand-sewn or knitted, except for Mr. Basil Fox's jeans, and Miss Maggie Rabbit's dress, which were machine stitched. Conclusion There is no doubt that this process takes time. You need to block off a few solid days and it can be tedious work, but once it's done it makes life so much easier. AND it's so easy to maintain. Cataloguing a zillion patterns might be hard, but once they're done it only ever takes one minute to catalogue and store a new pattern as it comes into your possession. And speaking from my own experience the joy that I get from seeing all my patterns and fabric neatly organised and accounted for is profound. There are plenty of fantastic different ways to organise fabric and patterns and this is just one of them, so go with what works for you. Got any other great ways to sort and store fabric and sewing patterns? Or tried another app? I'd love to hear them!
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Organize your fabric today with this free fabric stash inventory printable! Always find purchasing information and fabric quantity stored in one place.
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