How to Store Your Printed PDF Sewing Patterns – 3 Ways
Hey y’all, as the last post in my studio declutter and organization series this year, I wanted to talk about how to store PDF patterns. I’ve seen various methods of what to do with the patterns you print out, and I’ve tried a few and have definite favorite storage solutions.
I made a video showing 3 of the methods I’ve tried (and talked about why I abandoned one method and only use the second method sparingly.
You can watch the video below, or you can also watch it here on YouTube if you prefer.
So while I use the hanging method for works in progress and my slopers, that’s it because it’s too messy looking for my taste. So here are some options for storing your patterns – these are affiliate links, so thank you if you choose to purchase through them because I get a small percentage that helps support this site.
6×9 envelopes
Storage Boxes – I couldn’t find the exact one I have, but these are close and the right dimensions. Plus they fold flat, which mine doesn’t.
Linda Nelson
I have used sheet protectors and put the pattern in there and then put them all in a binder. But I love your envelope idea!
Wendy King
I use the sheet protectors – the full pages fit in nicely and allow room store the pattern pieces folded after I use them. I then store the in the stand up magazine boxes that you can buy at Staples.
Judy
I put the pattern pieces in a 9 x 12 manila envelope and the are stored in a file cabinet by number. I put a picture in a sheet protector and put those in binders sorted by category, such as women, children, home dec, craft, etc. When I’m looking for a pattern, I get the binder, find one I want to make and then pull the actual pattern from the file cabinet. This method has saved me a lot of time.
Linda K
I LIKE it.
Linda B
Me too!
Maria Stahl
Judy, I do nearly the same except I have PDFs of the pattern envelopes (front and back) in a Dropbox folder so it’s on my phone. Great for when I see the perfect piece of fabric which may or may not actually be perfect if it doesnt match the amount needed for a particular pattern. Also keeps me from rebuying patterns I already have. :/
Patricia Pfeiffer
I have worked out a system for all my patterns. Gallon sized zip-close storage or freezer bags fit into file drawers, so I use a file cabinet to store my patterns. The zip-bags are roomy enough to hold the pattern pieces. The patterns themselves along with the instructions are stored in the zip-bags and filed by number. If they don’t have a number I give them one, and it doesn’t matter what number it is. The pattern envelopes are slipped into a page protector and put into a ring binder. If there is no envelope as in downloaded patterns, I download and print out an extra page with the picture of the garment. These can be arranged in any order that makes sense to you, all tops together, all pants in another section, dresses in another, or summer clothes together, jackets, etc. whatever you like. Easier to flip through than a large file cabinet or box of patterns. When I decide which pattern I want to use it is easy to find by number in my file cabinet.
Lorraine
I save the zippered plastic cases that linens come in. It’s not as neat as your system because the size of the pouches varies. I file them in file size containers and label manilla folders to sort into categories.
Theresa in Tucson
Because of the pattern modifications I must make I tend to trace my PDF patterns. I assemble each pattern piece using weight and then tape using removable tape and trace off the pattern one piece at a time. The printed sheets are then stored in a labeled pocket folder and filed on a shelf. I don’t print until I’m ready to do the tracing. I also keep a copy of the instructions; picture; layout; etc. The traced off copy is hung over a wire clothes hanger and clipped with a clothespin awaiting it’s turn as a WIP (work in progress). Tissue patterns of successful makes get carefully folded and put in a 5×9 mailing envelope, labeled and then placed in a pattern box. I get my pattern boxes from Nancy’s Notions. I toss unsuccessful patterns unless there’s something about the pattern that makes me want to try again.
Suzanne
Super idea!
Kim
I always appreciate plastic-free solutions, thank you for this!
Marly Correia
Thank you for this tip. I was looking for a way to sort my patterns, and this is awesome. Can’t wait to put in place