Would you like to know how to organize sewing patterns?
I bet that if you love to sew and download patterns, as I do, you know things can get a little messy in your sewing room. And if you want to use your patterns again, you’d better keep them safe!
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase using one of the links in this article, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. (Learn about this here)
After several years of experimenting with different pattern storage solutions, I’ve come up with the best way to organize sewing patterns: categorize them, and the best way: keep them looking pretty!!!
This is so easy to do that you’ll want to do it with all your patterns right away!! So let’s get started!
First, you will want to download the free printable of pattern labels here:
Pattern Labels
These beautiful Pattern Labels are perfect to organize your PDF printable patterns. Forget that messy sewing space and start organizing your patterns with these easy-to-fill templates. If you want to know how to use them go to this tutorial.
Next, follow these easy steps to change your pattern organization system forever!
NOTE* If you sew with Digital PDF patterns too, you’ll love my guide on how to organize digital sewing patterns using a simple folder system.
1. Buy Yellow Envelopes to organize your patterns
So the first thing I discovered that works wonderfully is storing your patterns in yellow envelopes like these. It keeps them dry and clean, and also, if you print in the standard US sizes, they would fit perfectly.
2. Print and paste a cover page or a pattern card
Then you will want to print the cover page or a picture of your download pattern.
I’ve found out that it is very practical to have certain information right at hand.
That’s why in My Golden Thimble, every one of our patterns includes a pattern card that tells you the size, the amount of fabric you need, and other helpful information you’d love to know before sewing.
If you have any pattern lying around and you want to have this information on top of your envelope, go to this post and download the free printable pattern card so you can do it with those too!
3. Make a DIY pattern storage
Now that you have your patterns ready, you need a place to put them in.
What I do here is a DIY Magazine Holder with a cereal box, which I then cover with white and golden craft paper.
4. Label Your Patterns
For the signs, I used this Free Printable Pattern Labels that I made just for you!! It has Women, Men, Children, Bags, and Others….
And that’s it!! Now you have a beautiful, organized space for pattern storage.
Please share your pictures of this project on social media with the hashtag #MyGoldenThimble and you could be featured on the blog.
Don’t forget to subscribe to access our exclusive updates and freebies!
did you know that you can cut pattern trace paper (the fibrous kind) into 81/2 x 11 : sheets and run them thru your printer? #1 it saves on a lot of. paper #2 it saves ink and you don’t have to trace the pattern just sew the pieces together and you’re done. i make doll clothes for a living and i love this happy sewing!!
That’s amazing, thank you so much.
I never fold my PDF patterns and store them rolled up. I never cut them and always trace them, in the size I need , onto transparent Christmas wrapping cellophane and then trace onto packing paper for the final pattern to use to cut out. This allows me to keep the original multi sized pattern and make adjustments for proper fitting on the tracings. Then I roll the patterns all together for the next time 🙂 Only problem is the space required for the 30+” rolls 🙁
I also love tracing and keeping the original, that way I can store multiple traced graded patterns for me and the people I sew it for. Chrismas wrapping cellophane to trace patterns is a magnificent idea!
could you not store the rolls in a garbage container or upright laundry hamper? That way they would be standing up and take minimal floor space and people usually have extra garbage (or similar) containers around, or go to Goodwill or garage sales to find an extra one. Even a box would do if you cut it to the height you want and then trim it with left over wallpaper or craft paper or something else you would like
This is a good idea Elaine, thank you for sharing.
You could also use one of those storage containers for christmas wrapping paper. I have several of those and this would be a great use for them.
So smart!! I bet those are great too.