Pattern Storage Ideas :: Printed, PDF's & Self Drafted Patterns :: Physical & Digital Organisation!
Hey Peeps! I have a LOT of patterns and I've worked out a few ways to store and organise them so they are easy to find and pleasing to look at! Let me know you what organisation tools and methods you use for your collections...
#patternorganisation #patternstash #sewingstudio
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Hi Sian, I have a folder where I have photocopies of the front and back of each pattern envelope (or similar for PDF's) sorted into categories. I find this a fantastic way to search for patterns. If a pattern covers more than one garment type, then I put a copy in each section. However, I have recently downloaded Stash Hub and it is a game changer! I am currently putting in my fabric stash. When I come across a piece of fabric that I bought for a particular garment, then I am creating a 'project' where I link the Pattern to the Fabrics. I can even say who it is being sewn for, as I have saved the measurement of everyone that I sew for. Next, I can add in all my zips, buttons and other notions. Each item can have a documented location so I know where to find them too!
Great vlog. I am using plastic zippered pockets but not sure about longevity. Thanks for your other suggestions. I can't say enough about using Trello. I have a whole "board" on my patterns and another board for all my fabric. It has been so amazing. Obviously for shopping. But also lovely to flick through in the evenings when planning or just dreaming! I have recently set up a board for project planning. sorted by season, capsule, etc, that has either fabric or patterns that I am planning for that series of projects. Loving this too. Maybe you can do the same on squarespace but for those of us who don't have that, Trello is highly recommended.
I so agree with you, I like paper patterns and trace for my particular body size (at the time of sewing the garment). I use(inexpensive) interfacing (easy to fold) and add a copy of the front and backside of the pattern and store. Wouldn't it be lovely if our body size didn't change! Do what works best for you 😊. I like your ideas about cataloging your patterns and bringing copies to the fabric store (or taking pictures on your cell phone) when shopping.
The file folders are a great idea, thank you! My traced patterns are taking over!
Love the idea of adding a (P) beside PDF patterns you’ve already printed - I’m going to steal that idea! I keep my PDF’s stored in iCloud, so can access them on my phone if I’m at a fabric store. It also allows me to add ‘tags’ to each file - I imagine this could be a way of tagging the type of pattern, including those which fall into multiple categories, e.g. trousers, jacket, blouse.
Love your organization! I absolutely adore the Trello app! I have all my patterns (well almost all PDFs.. still working my way through some older ones) and paper patterns on there, organized by garment category, as well as all my fabrics. It’s super convenient when I’m at a fabric store! As for storage, I store my printed and taped pdf patterns in envelopes similar to yours, and I print a title page with the line drawing.
Great vlog. I’ve used the same folders as you to store my pdf patterns. I like that you still use traditional patterns, and not just the Indie patterns. I like so many of these patterns, but get put off buying them, as people say they are difficult to use.
It is really satisfying to look at such an organized collection ☺
Very useful ideas ❤
I got a projector for Christmas and it’s great! Especially as pdfs tend to be cheaper and there’s no p&p. But, like books, there is something lovely about the artwork etc of a paper pattern, especially the indies.
I have like 30 patterns and they are organised but take up only two little boxes and one folder. Works for me 🙂
Really interesting as always. Thanks Sian ☺️☺️
I put all of my printed patterns in comic book containers sorted by category, which for me also include kids and men's as well as costumes. I'm about to need to add in categories for specific people, because I have grandkids now and sew for my children and partner. I keep my pdf's in binders also sorted by category, but I dislike putting them together so they're just sitting there...sadly. I love the idea of the file folders for self drafted patterns; I currently put them in ziplocs and it's starting to look messy. And once a pdf is put together that seems like the best method, thanks! I also store specific projects with their fabric and patterns for the season in clear storage bins so that they are in my face and I'm less likely to ignore plans and buy new fabric, get excited and do a new project whilst ignoring all of the fabric in my huuuuge stash that I'm supposed to be sewing down! (It's not hoarding if it's fabric, right???) I have more fabric than I will ever be able to use in my lifetime, even though I also like big floofy skirts!
I store my printed pdf pattens in the envelopes they sell on The Fold Line. I like them because I don’t have to fold the patterns quite as small, there is space to make notes, and the envelope is sturdy. They take awhile to reach me here in Canada, but well worth it!
Ohhhh! I haven't seen those! I will check them out. thank you for the recommendation 😊
I have a handful of patterns and I trace them. I learned that from you! I try to fold the original pattern neatly and get it back into the envelope. Then I fold the traced one and put it with the original in a zip lock bag. Not the best way to store it all
I have like 40 patterns and I am not half as organised as you 🤣This video is so helpful, thank you :)
I'm so glad 😊
I think the website idea is great. I actually have my PDFs stored in the folders from Amazon that you use. Mine as multicoloured too just because of the price. Most of my patterns have been printed on A0 through Plan Printing 24 which is the cheapest place I've found. 😊
I will check them out! Thank you for the recommendation 😊
I'm going to make a note of that one. I used CLC prints recently, £1.50 per A0 but free shipping so worked out really well for only 4 pages
I prefer paper as well. I have a drive with my pdfs. I trace mine so no need for a projector. I don’t buy as many now because I have the basics of what I like. So if I order something now, it’s special or has a purpose. Example, a Vogue dress with the same seams as a Ferragamo that just needs the adjustment.
Susan, when I trace my patterns and it gets bulky I stick thefolder under One of my machines to flatten them out some.
Oh yes, the pattern collection of our hobby. I know I printed a pattern on AO paper and rolled it. Still looking for it as I don’t want to pay to print it again. I store both the bought and pdf (once printed) in A4 plastic sleeve with a snap press and a cardboard folder. However if I have traced any patterns off, the unused big4 patterns are on their own. I did think about creating a folder archive, but like your website organisation idea.
I've done something similar before, had a pattern printed and then accidentally added it to a different folder not to be seen for months! I'm excited about the website database but I wish I could click my fingers and have it done 😉🤣
Oh yes, I wish for finger clicking or even the arm crossover and head tip of Jeannie from I dream if Jeannie - as long as it does it fast, accurately and magically 😂😂
I store my commercially printed patterns in baskets on a bookshelf that I can pull out and flip through. My PDF patterns are much more protected from damage, I used to keep them in A4 envelopes but didn't like how dog eared they got and couldn't afford better options, now I have them in numbered poly pockets with the pattern envelope at the front, instructions in the middle and envelope back at the back so I can see what I need to, they're sectioned in file folders that can be flicked through without the bulk of the pattern itself. I store the actual paper patterns in corresponding numbered poly pockets sectioned off in box files, thankfully I have a bookcase that everything fits in just right but I don't have anywhere near as many as you do 😁
You are so organised!!! I love it 😊
I could only wish to be half as organized as you one day. ❤❤❤
You can dooooo eeeeet!! 😉
Sewing sub hobby: organising. I don't have very many patterns and mostly have random ones from charity shops so those are in A5 gift bags by likelihood of actually being made, pdfs and self drafted are in either plastic file sleeves or paper bags, and I have a folder of patterns on the computer which I will now go and sort by printed out or not. Getting them printed A0 is definitely more convenient than printing A4 at home in some ways, I found a pretty cheap place online to do some a while ago.
100% agree! I love organising and keep trying to persuade my friends to let me come and organise their stashes.....for some reason they always mention that they'll need to hide their leafy fabrics before I arrive! 🤣
For my collection I really had to get organised because my pattern stash is lorg! Lol (I'm a sew direct girl & had to order a pattern for my Dad, so it'd have been a waste of the postage not to get a couple for myself, no? 😂) I have my big "not four" patterns & indy paper patterns in comic book boxes, honestly not the cheapest option at about £25 & up per box but perfect for me, my shelving size & my nerdy lil brain. My pdf's are stored digitally by garment type in cloud storage. The ones I have printed are stored in A4 envelope style manilla folders, each stored on it's end in those fabric covered cardboard storage cubes 😊
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Very organised! I have paper patterns in a basket I can fill through and made and traced patterns in another basket. Don't have many pdfs, have these on pc in a folder, works OK as not very many of them. What I don't know how best to access are my burda mags, have collected for some years and not really sure how to record the ones I would like to make, really easy to forget them or which mag they are in.
You could photocopy the index page at the front of the magazine and keep those in an A4 folder to flick through when looking for inspiration?
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Check out Trello and get some ideas to catalog your patterns. I love Trello for organizing my patterns which are also categorized.
Love the organization but it takes sooo much time - time that could be spent sewing!
So true but I'm so glad I did it otherwise I would be very lost in here! 🤣
I thought you went through that class to make your own bodice block? Did you ever make anything from it? I did mine with Closet Historian (she's great at making pattern manipulation look easy) and Chris Sartorial online, and I bought the Helen Joseph Armstrong textbook used, and that's very helpful. I refuse to spend money on a simple pattern or something that's similar to one I already own. I just hack it to what I want. I'm cheap. I won't pay more than 5.00 when they are on sale, and then it's mostly just pants, but I think I've gotten a block for those that seems to work.
I did make my own sloper and have made a few things from it 😊 I think that may be another reason I haven't bought any new patterns for over 2 years. I know look through what I have and think I can tweak to get what I want or draft. My trouser block is the next one I want to work on 😊
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Im stealing the website idea and adding it to a locked page on mine😂 oh im going to enjoy making that. I do love webdesign and lists😂😂
It's going to be so satisfying having all the patterns listed!! And fun.... when I'm in the mood for it!
I love seeing your system. Great putting a photo up in the corner of the video! I trace my patterns, too. 2 summers ago I wore an 18, last summer 16, this summer 12. And I have several 1930's-50's patterns... it'd hurt me to pin or cut them.
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