Protecting & Storing paper patterns

8 years ago

I have a large collection of sewing patterns that must be moved out of the sewing room. There are 7 cardboard pattern boxes, the kind from JoAnn’s, full of patterns.

I am offering some of them to sewing friends and the rest will go to the Thrift Store - as much as it breaks my heart.

The basement is old. Concrete floors, and very humid even with the dehumidifier running. There is an egress window, and three or four small, old windows that are rarely opened.

How is the best way to protect the few patterns I will be keeping?

I thought of using my Food Saver to vacuum seal them in the Food Saver bags - and then put them in a small plastic tote.

Would this protect, or ruin, the patterns?

What would you do?

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Comments (3)

bkay2000
8 years ago
If you bring them out of the basement for a few days, and make sure they are dry when you package them, they should do fine. If they are the least bit damp, they could mold.

They will not last forever, as they were most likely printed on paper with an acid content, but they will probably last as long as you do.

bkay
caroline94535 thanked bkay2000
glassquilt
8 years ago
If there is any chance of flooding or water backing up, put them up high.
caroline94535 thanked glassquilt
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geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
8 years ago
Depending on how many you're keeping and if you plan to use them within the next year or two, or the ones you just like to look at, get some 3-ring binders and those plastic sleeves to slip the patterns into. Put them in by priority and when used, replace it with the next in line. Not the perfect plan, but at least it keeps the patterns more visible and accessible. I've done this with quilt patterns and label the binders by categories. On the other hand, sometimes it's just time to let them go.
caroline94535 thanked geezerfolks_SharonG_FL