How do you store/organize sewing patterns?

SWBs Wifey

I can NEVER stuff them back into the original envelope.  I thought about stapling up the edges of a manilla folder and taping the original envelope on the front of the folder and all the pieces and directions inside.  But then I thought a big envelope with the same set up might be easier.  Thoughts?

mooeta

I always back mine with freezer paper then fold them and put them in an envelope with the instructions and cover of the pattern.

 

 

I'd like to know how to use all of the sizes from one pattern instead of cutting to one size.  Is that possible?

thejennigirl

Mooeta- I trace my patterns onto wax or parchment paper, and cut that, not the patterns

SWB- Have you tried folding the pattern the size of the envelope, and then placing a heavy object (like a book) on top to smooth the patterns flat?  I don't have problems folding my patterns and putting them back in, but then again, I don't cut my patterns.

 

SWBs Wifey

Yep. If you need a smaller size, trace the pattern onto other paper before you cut.  :-)  They make special paper for that purpose, but I've been using the tissue paper from gifts that is too wrinkled to use in the next gift I give.

pixy_stix

Ditto about tracing onto wax/parchment paper to save cutting the patterns.

I store mine in gallon ziplock bags with the original envelope in the front.

SWBs Wifey

thejennigirl:

Mooeta- I trace my patterns onto wax or parchment paper, and cut that, not the patterns

SWB- Have you tried folding the pattern the size of the envelope, and then placing a heavy object (like a book) on top to smooth the patterns flat?  I don't have problems folding my patterns and putting them back in, but then again, I don't cut my patterns.

 

Haven't... I'm too lazy.  And that seems like an awful excuse (for me) to leave things sitting out and around longer than necessary. 

sophabelle

mooeta:

I'd like to know how to use all of the sizes from one pattern instead of cutting to one size.  Is that possible?

 

if you trace your patterns then you can use multiple sizes....

 

and as for storing, i can't find the blog now, but the one blog i read stores hers in big manila envelopes and has them categorized w/#s and then in a binder she has all her pattern envelopes w/the corresponding # on them .  the pattern envelopes are in those clear page protector things.  i wish i could find the blog bc it was really neat how she stored them. 

though way too organized for me LOL!

mooeta

Well thanks for answering my question. This saves me from stalking Joann's during their $1 pattern sale and buying 5 of the same pattern.  I'll still back the original with freezer paper because it just makes it so much more sturdy and with cats, tissue paper just doesn't last in my house. 

rockymountaingirl

mooeta:

I always back mine with freezer paper then fold them and put them in an envelope with the instructions and cover of the pattern.

 Can you please explain what you mean by backing with the freezer paper?  Maybe this is a dumb question, but do you iron the freezer paper to the pattern pieces?  I'm confused and maybe this is something that I should be doing to my patterns that my mom never taught me!

mooeta

That's exactly what I do with them. I iron them onto the freezer paper then they're so much more stable. I also have 4 cats so regular patterns don't work well in my house.