Hi there! I'm back with another "Get Organized" Series post ... a little later than I wanted to today, sorry about that! :-)
Today I wanted to share how I organized my collection of patterns. I have purchased quite a few PDF patterns and I usually print them off right away. But my folder eventually started overflowing and it was time to get them better organized. As a teacher, I am definitely a notebook person and I love dividers so this system is based around those two things ....
You'll need some sheet protectors, adhesive tabs, a notebook and some card stock (not shown in the picture above). Note - I like to make my own dividers but of course you can purchase some!
Put all your patterns into sheet protectors and sort them. Mine are sorted by either theme (blocks, seasonal, etc) or by company (Keyka Lou, Clover & Violet, etc). Make a few "dividers" by putting a sheet of card stock into some sheet protectors. Attach a tab to the BACK of the sheet protector.
Use a permanent marker to label the section that will go behind the divider.
For some of the blocks I have made in the past, I have template pieces that are laying around. For these, I took a plain sheet of paper and made a quick sketch of the block and how it should go together. I used a piece of painter's tape (love that stuff!) to attach the template pieces so they won't get lost or fall out.
For some of my paper patterns that I've purchased, I unfolded those and put them into a sheet protector too.
Now your pattern notebook is all set! You could add some swatches in your sheet protectors too ... you know, if you had any WIPs! (wink, wink)
How do you organize your patterns? I'd love to hear your ideas! Don't forget to share your organization tips in our current Stitch & Share Challenge and be entered to win a gift certificate to Sew Lux! :)
Happy Sewing! :-)
That is exactly how I store my patterns. However, my binder got so full I had to add a second one.
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest...mine are in a storage box. But I definitely like your idea better.
ReplyDeleteMy patterns are completely disorganized! I was thinking of using a small file box with hanging folders. My problem is with the larger pattern pieces such as for clothing. Do they fit well folded up in your sheet protectors? Thanks for sharing the idea!
ReplyDeleteI have my patterns sorted...just not sure what the things holding them are called....not very helpful I know! =) I do like your idea of a binder a lot...I might have to consider that. How big is your binder?
ReplyDeleteI need to do this. Honestly, I have a drawer and all of my patterns, templates, whatnot are just tossed in there. It's not organized at all! Someday I'll find time to do this. Thanks for the motivation!
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