Organization of Patterns
 

You guys solved a lot of problems with my stash by suggesting the comic boards. I'm loving it. Now how do you solve the storage and retrieval of patterns. I have seen a software package that I'm not willing to invest in. Any suggestion?

I scan my patterns into the computer and file them by style. The when I am searching I can see the pictures with the thumbnails and pick the one I want.

Scanning into computer is a wonderful idea, THANK YOU!!!

I put the pattern envelopes (without the patterns) in sheet protectors and put them in notebooks arranged by style. Then I put the patterns in quart size baggies and put them into pattern boxes in number order like at the stores. I write the pattern number on the baggie. On the outside of the boxes I write the pattern manufacturer such as McCalls and the I also write the beginning and ending numbers of the patterns inside. I store the patterns in a cabinet and put the notebooks with the pattern sleeves on a bookshelf in my sewing room. Then when I want to look for a pattern I just take the notebook and browse - you have your own pattern book!

I bought a cardboard "pattern" box at Hancock fabrics! I then took card stock and put some patterns together by Designer, and some are together by subject. Like Christmas, totes/purses, etc.

I organize by categories - i.e., bags/purse, quilt patterns, runners, etc. I don't have a huge amount but can find them when I need them. I got a plastic file bin from Target, works well. Good luck.

I have a plastic container that holds hanging file folders. I put the pattern and instructions in a plastic sleeve and file it in a hanging file folder based on catagory. I also have a drawer where I keep "store bought" ...Mccall's, Simplicity etc patterns.

I use an extra wide 3 drawer plastic storage cart. Each drawer is a co - Butterick, McCalls & Siimplicity with patterns filed by #. Then I made 3x5 cards with number and all info. The cards are index by item. So when I want to get a pattern, I start with my index cards and then pull out patterns. It's made it so much easier for me because all my patterns are in one place. I have patterns going back 40 years and the cart is full. The drawers have extra space in the back for my oddballs and lesser known mfg. Before I got the cart I had them in my filing cabinet and it was mess.

I use a large three ring binder and arrange by pieced or applique quilts. I put the picture with directions into one binder page protector and behind that I use another page protector to store the pattern pieces. If I have made any particular quilt I take pictures of quilt and samples of material used and store that infront of the picture and directions sheet. At a glance I can see/show the end result and have all directions and patterns ready in the same place.

I put the patterns in sheet protectors and then file in 3-ring binders. When I first started quilting (about 15 years ago), I only had a couple of binders. Now I have a binder for every category (ie: purses, totebags, etc.) It is so much easier to find the patterns I am looking for this way. Some binders are small - 1" wide others are 2-3" wide. Every couple of years I go through my binders and get rid of the patterns I no longer want.

I do this for all my patterns - whether they came out of a magazine, freebie on the internet, or something I purchased.

jwlheart - I made a system similar to yous but I didn't carry it as far -I have them by pattern # - but I like your 3x5 idea for description!

Marysewfun

That is exactly what I do. I get my binders from yard sales and I get a box of 100 sheet protectors from a place that buys/sells baseball cards for $13.00. Works great!!

i guess i don't have as many as the rest of you seem to have. i have mine stored on a couple of bookcase shelves in magazine storage boxes. i like to take the time to browse through them from time to time. it is relaxing to me.

I put the pattern envelopes (without the patterns) in sheet protectors and put them in notebooks arranged by style. Then I put the patterns in quart size baggies and put them into shoe boxes in number order like at the stores. Then I place them in a cabinet that holds just my notebooks & my patterns. I have my quilt patterns on a top shelf of another cabinet, but I am thinking of putting them all in one cabinet. I am very blessed to have the space for a pattern cabinet, but I made sure that when I planned my sewing room that I had a "pattern cabinet". Good Luck on your search.

Have a blessed day.

debra

All great ideas! I'll be using a couple of these myself. Thanks so much.

Binders got to full so bought a hanging file crate for less than $5 and now keep them organized by blocks, baby, information,stars,etc. works great. I download patterns from the web alot so this works for me.
Mags I keep in a bookcase just cannot cut them up. Never made a quilt from one anyway.

The patterns I've printed or pulled out of magazines I have in sleeve protectors in binders. All the rest of the patterns are in a plastic bin I found at the dollar store that's just the right size to hold them standing up so I can flip thru them. I have them sorted by quilts, table runners, wall hangings, and purses and bags. I don't sew clothing so I don't have clothing patterns.

Like I always say, everyone's brain works differently. For me I could never separate the pattern cover from actual pattern. Too much could go wrong in my sidetracked brain. I have my patterns in little plastic boxes about 8x8 ( or however wide the pattern is...it fits perfectly) I keep favorite patterns in one bin...patterns I might need in another...and patterns I probably will never use but might need for reference in another. This works so well for me and is brainless for my Adult ADD. I, too, find it very relaxing to thumb through and it is so quick when I am looking for something.

What works for me right now is putting all of my quilt patterns (that come in the 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" plastic bags) in a tote. For ME - right now - that's organized enough...cause at least *I* know where ALL of them are at.

Great ideas! Thanks to everyone!