I keep my quilt patterns in individual plastic bins. Labels go on the front so as to divide the patterns up into categories. Patterns I print out or tear out go in a wheelie horizontal file cabinet that I have had forever. Some of the patterns in there I have had forever also! Those patterns are divided into several general categories (quilting, crochet, knitting, sewing, crafts) and then those categories are divided into sub-categories such as holiday, kids, household, large quilts, medium quilts, table runners, hats & scarves ..... well, you get the idea. It works well for me except for when I get behind in my "filing". Then like you, I cannot find what I want so I start filing again. Good luck with your organizing!