Storing Patterns

21 years ago

I had a system for storing patterns when I sewed a lot (back when I was in the workforce)I took each one out of the envelope and put them in a single plastic bag and wrote the Pattern numbr on the outside with a marker like S-4665 (for Simplicity) then I stored the patterns in a file cabinet (a box is ok too) by Pattern co and number

Then I sorted each pattern outside cover (minus the innards) by pattern co and numerically. and made a list in my computer like this

Simplicity

4665 Dress

3554 Suit

etc

one for each pattern co. I then put all the envelopes in their own drawer (or box)

Anyone who has a computer can easily sort by numbers, styles et,.

Then I could print out the list and take it with me in my purse to avoid buying duplicates.

Also it was easier to look at the pattern envelopes when they were filed this way. I could take many out and see if I wanted to use a sleeve from this one or a skirt from this one etc, without having the bulk of the entire pattern.

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Comments (4)

teresa_nc7
21 years ago
That sounds like a good system, Minnie. Thanks for sharing!
kathi_mdgd
21 years ago
I have mine stored in one of the simplicity pattern cabinets that i bought from a store that was going out of business.10 bucks did it.Anyway i have them sorted by sportswear,dresses,nitegowns,childrens,crafts etc.Works for me.One drawer i use to store craft supplies in,the rest are all patterns,and sorry to say,some have never been opened/used.
Kathi
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joansews4u
21 years ago
I don't have an elaborate storage system. I cut down Tide washing powder boxes as tall as the pattern envelopes. Cover the boxes in Contact paper & they sit perfect on shelving I have. I just label mine tops, bottoms, dresses & etc & separate by who they were purchased for as far as sizes.I have the kids by sizes & seasons. The size containers are easy to pull out & put back.
stitchntime9
21 years ago
I use a banker's box that holds all my patterns in strict numerical order. I weeded out a few before I moved or there would have been two banker boxes. I'm seriously considering using an extra tough tote from moving to store patterns in should the lady upstairs have a flood.

It just seems to me to be a whole lot of extra work and storage space to separate the patterns from the envelope and keep them in different places. What would happen if you had a flood or other natural disaster? You would have dry patterns (hopefully the marker didn't wash off) and soggy envelopes that tell so much about the pattern including yardage requirements. It would seem to be much smarter to keep the entire envelope in a sealed plastic bag.

The clothes detergent box idea gave me a thought to use them as mini wastebaskets for serger scraps (broke down and bought one...in serger hog heaven right now).

I developed the habit from home ec sewing in school to keep the pattern envelope out and put the pieces back in as I sew so no one would pick up my pattern piece. The one time I was doing mass sewing and didn't put pieces back created a 3 hour not-fun filing job...back to file the piece after I use it.