how you sort / organize your patterns

I have a small stack of patterns. some in their original package, some that I've downloaded from the web. Some that came on paper and I've traced onto stiffer cardboard to use as a regular template for stuffed animals which means they are slightly larger [A4 / 8 1/2 x11] and some that I've copied on tracing paper so I have additional pieces of paper for already full envelopes.

How do you sort/organize your patterns? I'll take any ideas! i want to head down a better path than the chaos I have now!

AmyG

I'm currently in the process of organizing my pattern mess, so I would love to hear suggestions.  I was thinking of going the hanging file folder route and putting the original pattern with the tracings that I've made in separate folders.  Then, putting them all in the same hanging file.  We have a large hanging file drawer that has nothing in it.  I thought this would be a good use.  But, I would love to hear other suggestions.  Maybe, I'll change my mind if someone has a better idea.

For tutorials I print out online, I staple the tutorial together and put it in a clear sheet protector that goes into a 3-ring binder along with all the other tutorials.  Any patterns from the tutorial that I draft (onto construction paper usually) go into the sheet protector, too.

I use a shoebox for all my other patterns hah...yeah probably should figure out something better.

I have two file boxes for mine. They fit underneath one of the fabric shelves in my craft closet. Everything is in hanging file folders within the boxes. All of my oversized Euro patterns (Ottobre, Farbenmix, BizzKids, etc.) are in one, with the Ottos sorted by date (tracings are in zip top plastic bags with each issue) and the others sorted by company and then grouped by item (dresses, skirts, etc.). The other box holds everything else, grouped by item. Self-drafted patterns are in zip-top plastic bags, labeled on the bag and on each pattern piece. They get their own section. Pattern books are on the bookshelves in my downstairs.  It works for me but I don't have tons and tons of patterns -- and tend to give away or sell them after I've made something a couple of times. (Oh, and I do trace everything and keep those tracings with the original pattern).

I've split my patterns into two categories: clothes and everything else (bags etc). Then I got two binders and filled them full of clear punch pockets. Each pattern gets a pocket, so that I can keep all the traced pieces and any alterations I've made in the right place. Of course now the binders are completely full, but that's ok - I can get more The thing I like is that I just have to add a binder to expand the system, and it's cheap.

I like this idea! Do you have any Ottobre? If so, do they fit in the binders?

This isn't really an organization tip, but a storage tip...I keep my patterns in large ziplock bags.  I put the package cover in the front and then all the pattern pieces behind it.  I've never had much patience for refolding to the exact dimensions of the envelope, so this is my sanity saver.  Good ideas about file folders though!

Great topic. I am just getting started, so I thought before I have too many traced pattern pieces laying about, that I need to do something. Can't wait to hear more ideas.
I like the idea of keeping all items together. I would be curious to know if the Ottobre fit into the binder. I may just give that a try. I have binders and clear page inserts.

I like the idea of a filing cabinet, and maybe a sterilite or office portable file box would be nice for ones in process, then they could easily be moved into permanent storage.

Product I love that might be useful: Container store reusable labels. (write once?) You can use a sharpie on them, and erase with a white eraser.

I do two things to keep my patterns organized. First I put all the pattern pieces  and instructions in a large manilla envelope and tape the envelope if it has one, or a picture of the item on the front. Then in the right hand bottom corner I note what type of pattern (dress/shirt/bag/etc) for filing.

I also make a 4x6 index card for each pattern which I keep in an index card-sized expanding folder. Each card contains the following information: photo, pattern name, publisher, pattern number, recommended fabrics, fabric yardages needed for my size, notions needed and any notes I have. I take the little folder with me to the fabric store, so if I come across some lovely fabric for an unexpected project I know exactly what I need to get. It takes a bit to set up it up, but totally worth it in the end.

-Leah

I've been putting mine in the gallon size ziplock bags and then in a drawer.  With the plastic bags, I liked that I could see directly into them vs putting them in a manila envelope, which I had thought of doing as well.   

But I  love this idea so much better: 
I am definitely going to try it out. 

Thanks so much for posting your idea Joleo (and badskirt for asking)! 

I use gallon sized bags as well.  My patterns are a combination of traced patrones/BWOF (I use tru-grid from JoAnns to trace onto) and ones that I bought... so each pattern goes in its own ziploc to keep the pieces together.

I bought several metal crates from Target that were meant to hold file folders. I put the bagged patterns and my sewing magazines  standing up into  the crate. The crates stack, so I just stack them up on each other in the corner.

I made a couple of bookshelves early spring (I was tired of all my patterns in stacks all over), painted them orange & have my patterns upright like books.  I labeled them according to what kind (kids, adult clothing, etc).  The odd shaped ones I have in a couple of bins I got from IKEA & some of the others that are in pdf, etc I've ordered online are in binders, divided into what kind.  I've also made my own patterns the past year that I put in a big plastic sleeve (with holes I made & hooks inserted through them) to hang on hangers.  I'm still not quite happy with how they are, though..so I'll probably be changing yet again sometime in the near future.   Especially with all the "suggestions" here!! 

I too use the gallon zip bags and 3 ring binders. Storage space is a combination of shelves and 5 foot wall track hung office file drawers. 

I realized I really didn’t look at any pattern pieces unless I was ready to sew so my system evolved from needing to a) look up yardages and other required materials/notions before shopping and b) browse through for ideas and options.

I put pattern pieces, instructions, and any notes I would want to see only when actually using the pattern into the zip lock bag.  I use an adhesive file folder label in the upper right corner under the zip seal to code the pattern company/source and the pattern number. An example Vogue pattern label might be V 9357.  These are filed upright in storage boxes in alphanumeric order.

Pattern envelopes only are filed in three ring binders by category - dresses, suits, coats, shirts/tops …
I either three hole punch the actual pattern envelope or, occasionally only, put it in a sleeve.

Early on I filed the instruction sheets with layouts in the binder but found I rarely was using that so all now go into the zip bag with the pattern pieces.  They are easy enough to look up and pull if needed.

I'm excited about joining and learning so much from this forum.

I also use gallon zip bags to store everything. Lately, I've also been punching a hole in the top of the bag so I slip the bag through the hook of the hanger that holds the fabric of unfinished projects. I love having everything on one hanger when I'm ready to work.

Candy
a mom of two who never gets to do a project from start to finish in one session

I keep mine in those totes with drawers - I think I have four of them for patterns (so 12 drawers) and they are roughly categorized: little girls dresses, little girls casual/sleepwear/outerwear, big girls ditto, boys, mens, womens dresses, womens casual, large sizes, costumes, crafts... etc. New patterns or those whose tissue pieces folded neatly are in the envelopes, others are in Ziplocs.