How To Organize Your Sewing Patterns

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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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Unorganized Pattern Stash

Sewing With Sandi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

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!

Double Mega Pack Ziploc Bags

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!

how to organize your sewing patterns
Patterns sorted by type

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!

how to organize your sewing patterns

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.

organized sewing patterns
All organized and waiting to be sewn
How to organize your sewing patterns
All Organized

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

20 thoughts on “How To Organize Your Sewing Patterns

  1. 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!

  2. 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 😉

  3. I like your system. I find that keeping things organized helps me save so much time. It also keeps my stress level down.

  4. 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!

  5. 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.

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