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-   -   How do you store your hard-copy Patterns? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/how-do-you-store-your-hard-copy-patterns-t85294.html)

Jo Belmont 12-26-2010 12:20 PM

I seem to have everything else under reasonable control in my sewing room EXCEPT my hard-copy patterns. The result is I often spend as much time looking for a pattern as I do making it.

It's in a box here, a drawer there, or I'm looking for one with a great border, but I can't remember if I filed it in the "easy, fast" box, or the "great color combos," or . . . well, you get the idea.

Any suggestions?

newquilter10 12-26-2010 12:21 PM

I have made a notebook with plastic sleeves that I insert the patterns in and they are always at my easy reach.

plainjane 12-26-2010 12:22 PM


Originally Posted by newquilter10
I have made a notebook with plastic sleeves that I insert the patterns in and they are always at my easy reach.

Me too! But I have notebookS!

knlsmith 12-26-2010 12:22 PM

I use one of those pocket type photo albums that u can get longer sscrews to expand the binding. The pocket pages make it ez to get in n out.

np3 12-26-2010 12:38 PM


Originally Posted by plainjane

Originally Posted by newquilter10
I have made a notebook with plastic sleeves that I insert the patterns in and they are always at my easy reach.

Me too! But I have notebookS!

I have many of the binders with the plastic sleeves. I sort them by style in the binders. Applique, focus fabric, kitchen ideas, baby, tabletops, you get the idea. I started out with an index in the front, but now have so many binders, that each binder has its own category.

sandyl 12-26-2010 12:42 PM

I have mine in a 3 ring binder in the sleeves, also. I also put a picture of the quilt that I've completed in the sleeve. I should put where the fabric was purchased and the cost too, but that would just be scarey. Quilts are not cheap.

Cyn 12-26-2010 12:44 PM


Originally Posted by newquilter10
I have made a notebook with plastic sleeves that I insert the patterns in and they are always at my easy reach.

I have several of these. One with completed quilt pitures. One for ideas that I like and may do one day. One for patterns and one for hints etc.

np3 12-26-2010 12:45 PM


Originally Posted by sandyl
I have mine in a 3 ring binder in the sleeves, also. I also put a picture of the quilt that I've completed in the sleeve. I should put where the fabric was purchased and the cost too, but that would just be scarey. Quilts are not cheap.

I have a journal with pictures of the completed quilts since many that I make are not from an actual pattern. But I like the idea of putting pictures in the sleeves as well.

Fabaddict 12-26-2010 01:45 PM

I use plastic sleeves for mine in notebooks also, but went one step further and divided them up according to category - ie: applique, scrappy, log cabin, baby, purses and totes
and have several other categories too. it works wonderful, and I have no trouble finding what I want

lynmccoy 12-26-2010 03:17 PM

I keep mine in plastic sleeves and separate notebooks.I have a separate notebook for holiday quiltwork.

lclang 12-26-2010 05:44 PM

I keep mine in a file cabinet sorted by category.

bgullett 12-26-2010 05:46 PM

I have a notebook with plastic covers for each pattern.

MadQuilter 12-26-2010 06:08 PM

I put cutouts from magazines in 3-ring binders with clear sleeves/pocket protector sheets. My regular patterns are all in a red box. It can't be overlooked in the mess that is my sewing room and keeos them contained.

quilt3311 12-27-2010 05:05 AM

When I started I had an expanding file. Now I have a file cabinet--put in folder and label the tab. Can usually find what I want fairly quickly this way.

jad1044 12-27-2010 05:40 AM

I use notebooks and alphabetize them when inserting them in the notebook - I was able to find a notebook that is 4" thick - so lots of room for those patterns!

Dandish 12-27-2010 05:43 AM

I too use binders with the plastic sleeves. I also put any templets or notes in the sleeve along with the pattern.

Ann L 12-27-2010 05:46 AM

Binders and document sleeves. Then I tab them, baby quilts, table runners, quick gift ideas, etc. Works for me.

alleyoop1 12-27-2010 05:48 AM

First of all, I make a photo copy of all patterns. That way I can make notes on the photo copy without messing up the original pattern. Second, I store them in plastic sleeves in a three ring binder.

Aurora 12-27-2010 06:14 AM

I store mine in page protectors and binders. The preprinted ones are in file folders currently in those stackable crates.

LindaR 12-27-2010 06:30 AM


Originally Posted by newquilter10
I have made a notebook with plastic sleeves that I insert the patterns in and they are always at my easy reach.

me too

AgapeStitches 12-27-2010 06:42 AM


Originally Posted by LindaR

Originally Posted by newquilter10
I have made a notebook with plastic sleeves that I insert the patterns in and they are always at my easy reach.

me too

I'm up to 2--5" notebooks and need more...they are great and stand up well along the edge of my table/desk and on the shelves all within reach.

JAGSD 12-27-2010 07:18 AM

I have recently organized mine into 3 ring notebooks with plastic sleeves to contain them. I use the huge ringed one I think 4" or so. I have 3 of them now, need to get some more protector sheets. They hold more, though have found smaller ones and garage sales and use them for some things too.

MillieH 12-27-2010 07:24 AM

I use a 3 ring binder and print out all patterns standard 8 1/2" x 11". Then I use my 3-hole punch. I also use dividers that have the little plastic "thingy" to hold the label. I divide the patterns into categories that make sense to me (but maybe not to others). It helps to have an index page at the front listing the patterns included in that particular binder.

jgriinke 12-27-2010 07:47 AM

I am not as organized as the others but it works for me. I just have a few of the big round tins, like from popcorn and stuff like that. I have them separated into just a couple of catagories. Tablerunners, wallhangings and bed quilts. This seems to work for me. I have WAY to many to put into binders, but that sounds like it would be a nice way to do it.

JAGSD 12-27-2010 08:00 AM


Originally Posted by MillieH
I use a 3 ring binder and print out all patterns standard 8 1/2" x 11". Then I use my 3-hole punch. I also use dividers that have the little plastic "thingy" to hold the label. I divide the patterns into categories that make sense to me (but maybe not to others). It helps to have an index page at the front listing the patterns included in that particular binder.

Thanks that's a great idea about the index page! Will be adding that soon.

Sparky 12-27-2010 08:30 AM

I can see the majority of quilters who answered are very organized, not like me. I thought I was doing good to put them in a file box. Well most of them that is. Maybe organizing into binders is a good idea, but for now I don't care.

Mona Marie 12-27-2010 08:45 AM


Originally Posted by np3

Originally Posted by plainjane

Originally Posted by newquilter10
I have made a notebook with plastic sleeves that I insert the patterns in and they are always at my easy reach.

Me too! But I have notebookS!

I have many of the binders with the plastic sleeves. I sort them by style in the binders. Applique, focus fabric, kitchen ideas, baby, tabletops, you get the idea. I started out with an index in the front, but now have so many binders, that each binder has its own category.

I also have mine alphabitized

MeMeX8 12-27-2010 10:00 AM

What great ideas, I can always count on learning something when I sign on here! This will help me so much, my sewing "sutdio" needs so much help and this will get me started on my journey.........

Calzo 12-27-2010 10:38 AM

I scan all of the patterns and store them on my computer as pdf files.

Luv Quilts and Cats 12-27-2010 10:41 AM

I like the notebook idea with plastic sleeves. I have a notebook I bought to put recipes in, now I have to get another for quilt patterns...oh and sleeves too!

lynda1945 12-27-2010 10:57 AM

I have 2 bottom drawers of a tall filing cabinet. Top drawer goes from A to N, bottom M thru Z. I have two letters for each along with regular folders within. Patterns, instructions, etc. each have their own section. Hope this helps. Stores alot! LyndaJean

AnnieH 12-27-2010 11:01 AM

Oh my goodness! Now I need to start filing!
Annie

rusty quilter 12-27-2010 11:55 AM


Originally Posted by Jo Belmont
I seem to have everything else under reasonable control in my sewing room EXCEPT my hard-copy patterns. The result is I often spend as much time looking for a pattern as I do making it.

It's in a box here, a drawer there, or I'm looking for one with a great border, but I can't remember if I filed it in the "easy, fast" box, or the "great color combos," or . . . well, you get the idea.

Any suggestions?

I use magazine holders and sort my quilt books and patterns by methods ie...Eleanor Burns, Kaye Wood, etc. I put misc. patterns in another magazine holder. Usually I am thinking of a method, before I pick a pattern. If I am not thinking of anything specific--out they all come, but in their holder, so they can go back the same way.

crankygran 12-27-2010 01:22 PM

Me, too. I have thought of sorting them by type and by block size and by construction method, but so far I just have them in notebooks and so when I am looking for a particular pattern I often get so sidetracked and may change my mind about a project several times. But that is part of the fun......isn't it?

gale 12-27-2010 01:25 PM

Mine are laying all over the place. I need to put them in notebooks-I have plenty I've bought from BTS sales.

luvTooQuilt 12-27-2010 01:33 PM


Originally Posted by sandyl
I have mine in a 3 ring binder in the sleeves, also. I also put a picture of the quilt that I've completed in the sleeve.


I do this as well and the most current 'TO DO" list is on individual clipboards hanging on my wall next to my Pfaff..

Jo Belmont 12-27-2010 02:37 PM


Originally Posted by Calzo
I scan all of the patterns and store them on my computer as pdf files.

I have a few hundred done like that, but I also have almost 1,500 from my pre-computer stash of patterns. Of course, I will never use all those (though many are used for by my students as they dream about their projects), so I want to hang onto them.

Trouble mostly is if, say on a baby quilt, it ideally meets several criterion: It's got a great color combo; the border is unique; the pattern also has accessories (diaper bag, toy, sleeper, etc.), the block and assembly is easily used in other projects, etc.

At this point, I'm beginning to lean toward a data base and/or spread sheet entry that would facilitate filing all patterns by number for starters. Then, as new patterns come in, I know the very box in which to place them after they're entered.

I also intend to have a book with a thumbnail (from pdf or scan) of each pattern (numerical ordered) that could be reviewed quickly - say a dozen or so per page.

Then the entry could accommodate not only the actual name of the Pattern (as assigned by the pattern-maker), but all other cross-references and additional keyword references as might be needed.

I envision then doing a simple search to find all instances of a given descriptor, going with an output list in numerical order and knowing exactly which box to go to.

I am definitely thinking about the sleeve protectors, however, that so many use. They would nicely accommodate patterns that absolutely refuse to refold well enough to go back into their original package.

Thanks all for your input. I'll work on this for a bit and see if it works. If it does, it will go a long way to giving me more time for quilting besides cleaning up my sewing room.

Happy and Blessed New Year to all ~Jo

kacie 12-27-2010 02:50 PM

Plastic sleeves in binders. The patterns themselves are in plastic bins waiting to be organized and inserted into the plastic sleeves. As if I'm ever going to get around to actually using the patterns . . .

quiltmaker 12-27-2010 03:18 PM

I use the largest (4" I think) binders and put them all in the plastic sleeves. Also have the quilt picture on top. I have maybe 20 binders or more and they are all catagorized by types. Course I have been doing this for years but it works for me. Also binders with all the greatest tips, quilting methods, and just about anything to help with quilting. quilt history and vintage quilting. My youngest daughter has been eyeing them for years. Most of the info and sites no longer have the same information on them and many of the patterns are no longer there. I am so glad I printed it all out. So to anyone that is starting this I would recommend print out everything that would be a possible help for you plus any patterns you like as they won't always be available there for you.

Gina_D 12-27-2010 03:20 PM

I'm getting so many ideas from you people! Another New Year's project.


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