How I Organize My PDF Sewing Patterns!

I've got some more tips for organizing your sewing room. Today, I'm showing you how I organize all my PDF patterns! You just need a few things from the office supply store and some free-time and you'll have a system that works great!

Products Mentioned:
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Wearing:
Pattern TBD
Fabric is a Double Brushed Poly

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the video above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my viewers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[sandygammage]

I really like this system. I have been trying to decide the best way to organize and store my Indie patterns. I have looked at other videos and methods but this is the best one so far. Thanks for sharing.

[ejb]

I suggest the Christmas wrap holder from Rubbermaid, you can always get more than one and the footprint would be the same size as the wire basket you use now

[SharonMichelleWebster]

Love the clear files you are using, yours is definitely the best system I have come across ~ thank you 💞

[karenwhitman]

Great ideas for storing the PDF patterns. Thanks

[luannculhane]

Wow! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[KimberlyNichols]

This is brilliant and quite different from what I've seen so far. I love that the instructions stay with the pattern pieces. And adding a little swatch of fabric is super clever! I'm trying to reduce my plastic usage, but this would also work well with paper folders. Thank you for sharing!

[MicheleBonna]

I believe I have finally settled on a way to handle my patterns overall after a year of trial and error. For my PDFs I have a small sized three ring binder with card-stock for each pattern. On the card-stock I have the line drawings (or photo if that is all I have) and all the pertinent information, including whether this is a pattern I have on the computer, have already printed but is still rolled up. This is my catalog of files on the computer or in one of my pattern books.
I keep this binder in front of my file system which uses 6x9 envelopes with the clasp closure. These are for the patterns that have pieces cut out and/or instructions printed out already. I paste a line drawing, size chart, fabric suggestions and any other pertinent information on the outside of them and folded the pieces and instructions for the inside. I like to keep each project separate, so if I cut out one pattern that requires different sizes or views, it gets its own envelope with the pattern name and what size/view is in there because I get very anxious sorting through a ton of pieces I simply do not need for a project. This works for me because I trace my patterns on to medical paper, if I were to use thicker paper or cut the patterns out from a printed file, it may not fit neatly, which is why I started with larger envelopes, but that got difficult to keep nicely for me. I have never done many different versions of one pattern as of yet, so this way works well so far, I just note any other envelopes on the main one and that keeps me straight. (I am an Archivist by education and trade.. I love papers and filing LOL).
The envelopes are simply stored in some dollar store baskets with low sides I had hanging around. They fit them perfectly upright and I can see everything very easily. The categories are divided with card-stock dividers I made up with some paper I had on hand.
What I really love about this system is when I have a "complete wardrobe" pattern package, I can keep which pieces I actually want to use in the category they belong in once I cut/trace them off. Just a note on the original envelope will let me know if I did that already.
I wish I could include a picture because I just recently fixed everything to suit my use and am quite happy with the results.

[margiecook]

My PDFs before use I put then in a clear plastic page protector. If it's to fat I put the instructions in one and the pattern in another. Then I file, by company. After I use it I file the instructions and roll the pattern. I don't want to take them apart and I usually have fitted them for my body. I have the file on a disc that is also labeled and filed.

[ppuyle]

I do very similar to you. However my rolled bin has gotten out of hand! I just bought a larger big rectangular container to try and rangle them in far I’m not loving it. I’m looking for a better solution! I hate to fold them up too after paying to get them all printed at the plotter.

[koolkidangel]

Where do you go to get the patterns printed on large paper

[dotschischloh]

I started printing the sewing instructions on both sides of the paper. Cut down the filing space. I can buy more patterns. Yeah😁

[verypaige]

I always just print the pattern and not the instructions to save paper. I have all my patterns backed up on dropbox so it's really easy just to search the pattern name.If it's something I use a lot I trace off my size in a thin tissue to save on bulk too. Interesting to see how you do yours though! I might have to do a video on my method.

[carlalissa]

Your system is very similar to mine. Instead of using plastic folder I use pocket folders and file them alphabetical by designer. Now you got me thinking maybe I should file them by garment type. I also have 2 - 4 drawer filing cabinet from which 6 drawers are already filled! Thanks for the suggestions and I am in for the organization party.

[tammymasson]

Your system is seriously the best I've seen! Love it!!!💕

[Mr.glasglow]

you're an absolute genius, Thank you for the ideas !

[susanharris]

Where did you buy the clear file folders.

[Its_thatgirl_leah]

Do you have a good place to have your A0 files printed here in Charlotte or online?