Are your patterns everywhere? Mine too! I took an afternoon to consider all the options for how to organize your sewing patterns. I wanted something simple, easily accessible, and functional. I have a lot of money invested in my patterns and I want to keep them useable.
My envelope patterns (maybe I’ll tackle my .pdfs and slopers next – Yikes) were in multiple boxes with random pieces floating out of the envelopes. I could never find the pattern I was looking for and I forgot how many great patterns I have.
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Why do the pattern pieces never fit back in the envelope? It drives me crazy! I discovered using gallon-size zip top storage bags to keep my patterns together. They offer a clear window where you can put the pattern right up front for easy visibility. Best of all, they are inexpensive, like this double pack of Ziploc Bags from Amazon.
The other thing I like about the bags, is I can put in my muslin garment too. This keeps everything together – pattern, notes, and muslin. Win-win!
The first thing I did was organize the patterns by type, i.e. jacket, outwear, pants, etc. I guess you could say I loosely organized them all over my studio!
I used 8 1/2″ x 11″ card stock to separate my patterns by type. It’s tall enough to see over the bags and is inexpensive – functional and practical. I had a few mailing boxes that served as dividers for my container – free!
I used a low rise container because I want to cram as many patterns as possible into each one. I like the one with wheels so I can move it out from its home under the table. Amazon has a twin pack for a great price.
It’s not all that fancy, but I have so much money invested in my patterns, it’s nice to have them visible and organized.
I hope you enjoyed this short post about how to organize your sewing patterns. I find it’s easier to be creative when I can see what I have. Additionally, I spend less time rummaging through everything to find a specific pattern.
Happy Sewing
Sandi
Zip-loc bags are so useful for organization. I like how you use practical, low-cost methods.
Gah! I just love a good organizing article! This is a really practical way of organizing.
This is great! I will totally benefit from these tips! Thanks!
Great organization tips! I am always looking for new ways to organize!
Gret advice to help keep sewing supplies organized!!
I don’t sew but there’s a lot about this method that will work for my crafting hobby which includes a lot of stickers. I can’t wait to try some new ideas out now. Thanks!
Nice! Organizing anything makes me happy!
Great organization method! I know I always feel like I can be more productive when I keep things organized.
I use ziploc bags to organize my photos for scrapbooking. It is such a great way to organize.
They are multi purpose!
I love ziplock bags for everything! I don’t sew anymore but I loved reading your blog, I miss it. Might have to ask Santa for a sewing machine 😉
I like your system. I find that keeping things organized helps me save so much time. It also keeps my stress level down.
This is a great way to stay organized! You never know when you will need to grab a quick pattern and this makes it so much better and easier to find!
Great idea for those who sew!
Love that you put everything you need with the pattern. Great organization!
Great idea. I don’t have a large number of patterns like I used to (hmm not sure where they went to). But the ones I do have are going into Zip Loc Bags….a simple but great idea. Thanks.
Great organization method that can be used for so many different things!
Your system reminds me of several costumers that I work with. Functional & low-budget organization!
Wow you are so organized! That’s a great way to store sewing patterns.
What a great idea! It’s so nice to be organized.