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From: HeatherL
Date: 09-05-2004, 10:28 PM (1 of 13)
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Okay, I've only been sewing for a little under two years now, but I've gone absolutely nuts with acquiring patterns (Thank the Lord for JoAnn's 99-cent sales!). I currently have them in boxes...yes, plural. It's kind of convenient, as I can easily separate maternity patterns from craft patterns from Halloween costume stuff...but I'm an organization freak and not really happy with this system. I've been considering some sort of filing cabinet, but so far haven't located one that's the right size for those little envelopes. What do you use? |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: wzatmath
Date: 09-06-2004, 01:14 AM (2 of 13)
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I use "Sterilite" boxes which have two snap closures, one on each side of the lid and a very "handy" handle which flattens for easy stacking. They come in many sizes and although there are specialty products that can be purchased at places such as Denver Fabrics and the like, I do prefer these. They are very inexpensive, sturdy and the size I use is close to the width of the pattern envelope without being too high. They can be purchased at most Walmarts, but I have seen them at Joann's as well and can be cheaper than Walmart when they have their sales and boy does Joann do a sale. They just had one and it's still going on. Maybe the store in your area can oblige! Good Luck and Good Sewing! Laura D. |
User: wzatmath
Member since: 08-12-2004 Total posts: 6 
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From: paroper
Date: 09-06-2004, 01:31 AM (3 of 13)
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The plastic drawers that stack and can be purchased at any Wal Mart or Target work great for patterns. They also work for thread cones and a multitude of other sewing "things" like zippers and lace.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mamagoose
Date: 09-06-2004, 07:48 AM (4 of 13)
| I use big plastic boxes that fit two patterns across. The boxes are labeled 2000-5000s, etc. These are stored on shelves made specially to fit those boxes. What makes my system work, though, is my notebook with front and back photo copies of each pattern envelope. I take them to work and copy as soon as I get a new one. (Initial organinzing takes some doing.) The notebook has categories like the pattern books do - shirts, dresses, lingerie, etc. I copy the pattern envelope more than once if it can belong in more than one category. The copies are in numerical order within each tabbed section and in the storage boxes. Filing cabinets would be nice too. I also have a fabric stash notebook with samples of every fabric I have, yardage and their location. Whenever I want to start a new project, I grab these two notebooks and head for my easy chair to design an outfit and shop for fabric! Good Luck! |
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002 Total posts: 168 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 09-06-2004, 10:59 AM (5 of 13)
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Hey Mamagoose, I like the idea for your fabric stash mind if i borrow it?  For storing my patterns I use the plastic stakable drawers with the patterns in numerical order and have a book with the pattern envellope front and back in it. ( I can not get my razy fingers to type anything right today!!!  )
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User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 09-07-2004, 02:11 PM (6 of 13)
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I use a similar system where I have the pattern envelopes in a pattern filing box. (Someone made and sold them years ago - but I do not remember who and have not seen them lately.) I transfer the actual pattern with the instruction sheet facing out (number visible) to quart size zipper type bags. I then file them in a filing drawer 2 rows across by number. That way I can pick up my pattern envelopes and easily sort through them anywhere I want. |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: Esbea
Date: 09-08-2004, 02:15 AM (7 of 13)
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For pattern storage I use a long drawer file cabinet... the kind where the files face the side of the drawer not the front. I can get 5 rows across with at least 24 patterns in each row. I work in a fabric store and we get one free pattern from each pattern company every two months. I have been there for almost 7 years... so you can imagine the amount of patterns I have. I have some pattern boxes but found they were were too deep and I couldn't see the patterns without having to take them out of the box. I would love to be organized like Mamagoose!! Another tip.. I store my serger cones in those plastic multi pocket organizers that have a hanger top. ( you can get them at the dollar store. ) You can get four cones in each pocket and just hang them on a hook on the wall or the side of your serger table. |
User: Esbea
Member since: 09-29-2002 Total posts: 8 |
From: avajo
Date: 09-08-2004, 11:58 PM (8 of 13)
| Well , I don't have any tips for storing patterns , but I just had to tell somebody what a bargain I found. At a yard sale I got 57 patterns ,never been used for 2 bucks. Womens ,mens ,childrens and all the right sizes.Nice modern patterns that are on the market today. Also some of those Vogue wardrobe patterns that sell for about 25 bucks a piece. I'm so excited! and yes , I mean 2 dollars for all of them ,not each one! |
User: avajo
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 10 |
From: Yakityak
Date: 09-09-2004, 12:19 AM (9 of 13)
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Not much to add, except that I use ziplock baggies also for any pattern once I've used it. The reason is that I trace off pretty much everything... because I have 2 girls 3 years apart I'm often using more than one size on the kids pattern, and because I like to tweak things for myself in terms of fit. Having all those extra pattern pieces makes it terribly hard to get all of it inside the small envelope that the big pattern companies give you. Anyone else here compulsive about refolding the original pattern tissue back up to fit in the envelope after tracing off? I've gotten a lot of used patterns from other people who just wad the tissue up like... well... a facial tissue.  I also use the sterlite boxes... I like them because they keep the dust off and you can sort of see through the sides... but I don't like them because the drawers often stick. Yak I spy something that starts with 'S'... Swap!
Want to make an I-Spy quilt? Come swap with us at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ISpyQuilts/ |
User: Yakityak
Member since: 09-08-2004 Total posts: 10 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-10-2004, 07:02 PM (10 of 13)
I, also, ALWAYS fold the pattern pieces as they were originally folded before putting them back.. Our Home Ec teacher taught us that was the only way to get everything back in the way it should be.. If there are several views, I place the pieces to the one I used between the folds of the instruction sheet, so that it is easier to find next time.. If I trace another copy of it, then I pin all pieces together and pin it to the original envelope so it doesn't get lost.. I always print the pattern numbers on each piece I trace, but I do not want to have to spend a long time searching for it..(the traced pattern, that is) 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: mommgsews
Date: 09-11-2004, 02:42 AM (11 of 13)
| I learned this from my junior high home ec teacher -- I fold the patterns in half and then use a dry iron to press them flat. Then I fold them into long strips, pressing as I go and then finally I fold the strip in half crosswise, pressing again until I have the size to fit the zip-lock bag with the instructions sheet. I don't put them back in the envelope since it is stored elsewhere. The pattern is then filed by number. |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-11-2004, 08:40 AM (12 of 13)
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I used to fold the pattern pieces along the original lines until I read or heard about someone who folds the used pieces with the number out. Then, when you go to use them again, you don't have to unfold them to see what's what. It's a great time saver. I also keep all the pieces for a particular garment or view that I have used before together in a small plastic bag inside the paper envelope. When I have finished with a pattern I shove it in one of three drawers. That way I remind myself of what is in there when I am franticly searching for a pattern. Ok, so that might not work for everyone but the thing about the numbers out really helps. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews
Date: 09-11-2004, 05:15 PM (13 of 13)
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undefinedundefinedundefined I use the 3 drawer rolling carts for storing patterns, for my serger cones, notions and other assorted sewing accessories. It keeps the dust away as well as making it easy to see what is in the drawer. I have about 5 of them and they slide easily under the cutting table out of the way. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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