HOW I ORGANIZE MY PATTERNS

[@enyarim]

I take pictures of patterns front and back of envelope and upload to my google drive where I have everything by categories. And have easy access from any device. And I keep patterns in a boxes also by categories. I have maybe 200-300 in my collection. Most of them are vintage

[@sandreawhite7534]

That’s a great idea. Our local Joann fabrics closed and sold everything. Even the pattern cabinets. I scraped off the simplicity label and because It was that putty grey/beige color and I spray painted it white to match my sewing room furniture. I love it.

[@wigglypaw]

Sandrea White lucky stiff you!

[@alexalessllc.7745]

I am almost finished doing this to all my patterns. Or at least the ones I found. I put them all on the floor in a pile to binge watch your channel. Suddenly Marie Kondo appeared before me, "Until you see it all in one area, you do not know how much you have". Yup, I had no idea and I am not counting, yet. I even found a pattern with Brooke Shields as the model. Interesting trip back into my sewing history. Thank you! It has been a lot of fun to do! I never would have thought of this!!!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I've done this same thing for years. It's a great system and I love the way it feels like looking thru a pattern catalog. The only difference with the way I do it is that I go solely by number and completely disregard separating them by pattern company. I always label them V or B or S, etc. before the number - so if it's a number used by more than one company, it's easy to distinguish. Since I only have about 1/4 of what you have, I keep them in baskets from Dollar Tree in shelves in my sewing room (just unpacked it after moving). I'm not completely happy with the baskets but until I figure out something else that's both cheap and hides them a little better, it works.

[@toogrooveemom]

Yes! I’ve been doing this for 8 years. I do a lot of costuming for the high school. My difference is keeping the pattern instructions in the envelope because I often haul my binders with me to the site so the director may choose certain looks and we need to look at how many pieces required and difficulty of assembly. I also keep a spreadsheet of my pattern numbers to take shopping so that I’m not repeating a purchase.

[@Stephsgotit]

Because of my small sewing room this is how I've been storing mine. I also had them by company, but I like your system better. I'm going to it that way. I even covered some of the box's with fabric so they match the decor I hope to someday finish the room with. Of course, I don't have nearly as many patterns. Wow girl. Thanks for sharing.

[@karen1air]

Loved this system. You're that amazing combination of creativity, organization and business savvy. So glad I subscribed.

[@monisamontoya288]

I use the Ikea Samla (39 x 28 x 28cm or 15 x 11x 11 inches or 6 gal) to store the Simplicity, Butterick and McCalls size patterns. Side by side I get 60 per box and since the box is clear I can immediately see what company. The boxes stack on top of each other and is like having a see through file cabinet.

[@hollydunne5335]

I too trace my patterns but just getting back into garment construction after not doing it for several years. I've got a good collection of patterns that I need to organize and this is a great system. I did part of that a while back just using the brown envelopes and I cut the pattern envelope apart and taped the front to the front and the back to the back of the new envelope. The binder with sleeve protectors, I'd never thought of that.

[@sewmuchtalent]

I've used the banker box/binder method for years, thanks to Victotia Baylor of Ten Thousand Sewing Hours). However, what I like and ....will adopt from your method are two things, the smaller envelopes so I can add more patterns to each box (I need it!) and you divide your binders by garment categories as opposed to pattern company. 👌

[@dianagrannum4832]

Thank you Mimi....seems very easy..... I make custom made clothes, I make all my patterns .... and sometimes it is really overwhelming the amount of patterns that I have in envelopes.... I have them stored in cupboards, but I will be trying your method shortly...

[@ursulagreen8374]

Thank you, I may just try this system. I've been looking for a way to store my patterns. Right now I have them in gallon ziplock bags piled on my worktable. Now very organized.

[@JaneMoore-q9v]

This is an amazing system and just what I've been looking for!

[@lypstiqxoxomichelledonald1617]

Thanks for this brilliant idea Mimi G. I’ve been storing my patterns in binders and with the clear protectors, but I’ve been struggling due to me cutting out all the pattern pieces and trying to stuff it back in the original envelope it came. From now on I will be storing my patterns this way it’s more efficient and less messy than the way I’m doing it. 💞

[@marthar4370]

So happy I found your channel...thank you for all your organizing ideas...trying to get my sewing room in shape...I am finding patterns in random places.

[@Nannypie2]

Thank you Mimi! This is a great idea. My patterns are now organized in crates and I love browsing my “pattern books”.

[@jennab2399]

This is brilliant!! I already do some of these things (boxes and binders), but I like the idea of incorporating all of them to create a system which allows for easy browsing. Thanks so much for posting this!!

[@gwenhodge30]

Awesome idea! Can you do a video about cutting mats / surfaces and your favorite cutting tools?

[@denisem5437]

I love your system. I must try this.

[@Malissa7]

Although I don't have nearly as many patterns as you, this is a GREAT idea in which I will do as well. THANKS!!

[@rebeccaleigh4804]

Organizational goals.

[@janissharkey7174]

Great system. Thanks for sharing it.

[@Besorah1729]

I have over 3000 patterns and have tried something similar but I think I like what you suggested. Thank you

[@bobcaulfield9997]

Thank you! I'm using this for my patterns now, so hard to get them back in the tiny envelopes and find them. using a 9x12 manilla plus the protectors. the categories of wardrobe helped, i was stuck with tops or bottoms? great job!

[@HumodHadi]

That is genius. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@doowopshopgal]

That’s a perfect system thank you.

[@Dishcreator84]

Yes very useful, good idea. Thanks for sharing 😁

[@seradoxa3537]

Looks perfect 👌. What a creative storage and organisation skill.

[@lilolmecj]

Maybe I could do something like this for my elderly mom’s outrageously large fabric stash. Pit samples of fabric swatches in binders and a numbered plastic bin system. I am pretty overwhelmed with trying to help her make some sense of it so she will be able to shop her stash. Thanks for the ideal. 😀

[@gailking8858]

I have 4 boxes of patterns now I know what to do since I watch this video GREAT IDEA!! thanks for sharing.

[@wigglypaw]

Hi good tips. I also have about 2K patt. I use clear plastic tubs 10qT size anout 9” by 11” by 10”high. I put in all the same catagory/sub styles. “Wed Gowns- Full”, or Home Dec- curtains, slipcovers, upholstery. I do put every pattern into a resealable food storage bag. I can see both sides. If I have duplicates (4 dresses 4 sizes bridesmaids) I store them in one bag. Inside of box in big letters showing out could be “Wed Gowns “ very full, or “Dresses” summery. or “coordinated outfits, “ etc. I have found that paoer boxes and envelopes allow the patterns to pick up odors and dust. but thats because we have a farm and its dusty. Bye! Thank you!

[@CatMurray]

Brilliant and so easy. Thank you.

[@elainemarielaswell4957]

Excellent! This system seems like the answer to my dilemma! Thanks for sharing!

[@cleanqueen75]

I broke down and did your system. Love it. I just put mine all in numerical order.

[@mrstmb1]

What an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing

[@monyacormier3757]

Yay Mimi, love that system! I don't have the plethora of patterns you do, just enough to make me crazy when I go looking for one to use, so helpful!😉always looking for ares where I can organize better...

[@christinemartin9449]

Brilliant, so simple, like most good ides!

[@physioontheriver7325]

So tell me what do you do with your Indie patterns because they often have much larger sized leaflets for instructions and they don’t fit in your little envelopes?

[@Jasmine-in-my-mind]

I've used this system for ~20 years. I learned it ca. 2000 from a blog called "Woman of 1000 Hobbies", which unfortunately no longer exists (or at least I couldn't find it). I don't know if she created this method, or if it has been around longer than that. I use 9" x 12" envelopes because it's easier to fit the pattern pieces in the larger envelopes after use. I store them in a file cabinet; the label includes the brand. If I had 2000 patterns I'd probably use the smaller envelopes to save space. My patterns are filed by number (without regard for the brand name); but the label does include the brand name in case it's needed for identification. My notebook categories are: dresses, tops, coats/jackets, pants/skirts, coordinates, sleep/activewear, and other. "Other" includes dolls, toys, accessories, soft furnishings, etc.

[@Ms.Rezint]

Exactly like the fabric store LOVE IT

[@lindaparsons3356]

I love your system. That is a pretty good idea.

[@BeaunaturelleFeb11]

Excellent system Mimi. 👍🏾

[@PaperScrapsDesign]

Thank you I needed that! How do you prevent yourself from buying the same pattern that you already have?

[@rachelwible6070]

Helena I do the same ..... except I have them by pattern company..... also made a inventory of my patterns on drive so it’s accessible from my phone while I’m out and about:)

[@AdirondackRuby]

Personally, I photograph the front & back of every pattern and put them in my DropBox. That way I can see what I already have, but also have access to the info I might need when shopping. So I can see at a glance how much fabric I need for a pattern, or look through patterns to see if they would work for fabric I want to buy. (I've only repurchased a pattern by mistake once.)

[@angelabowles-barrett6260]

I have a composition book that I have listed each pattern number, separated by company...that’s easier to drop into a tote bag and carry to the store. No duplicates!

[@MJM8715]

RubyLovesRocket g Great idea using DropBox!

[@cc83jc85]

I often have thought of that- somehow I never HAVE!! I'm nearly 63 yr old, and have over 80 patterns of sorts....! Must be magic!

[@DCBrownie84]

I usually trace a pattern on craft paper in case I mess up or I make it for someone else that's a different size from me. If you make a dress for your mom that you have already made, do you usually rebuy the pattern or do a trace method as well? Just wondering cause most video i see you cut the original pattern.

[@nellysanabria6860]

Hello, Fabulous idea!!! Thank

[@nnekaokonkwo8271]

Love this! I'm so going to adopt this method.

[@joannearcalas2472]

Omgosh! Great tips! Will be doing that with my patterns! Thank you, Mimi!❤

[@Nannypie2]

This is a great system that I'm going to try. Do you do anything different for indie patterns that have bee printed off? They end up being sorta massive in size.

[@lisaspindle4104]

Such a great idea

[@terrihayes3158]

Hi Mimi would like a oblong plastic 4 drawer be good to use as well

[@sarahlewtas1424]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@AleyeEBoyle]

Thanks for the tips Mimi. Would you consider doing a sew along for Simplicity pattern 8699? Thanks

[@Rosa-ib5rm]

Great, Mimi! Thanks for sharing

[@KeyShanece]

Omg such great idea, thanks for the vid! I’m going to do this for my patterns

[@deep.2082]

I was going to look up your office video on this so this is perfect timing, thanks! 😊

[@nonanormie5427]

Thanks I’ll will make like that organizer

[@kathymcconville6428]

I loved this system! Thanks for sharing, Mimi. My biggest problems are storing the traced copies and purchasing the same pattern twice! I do like the suggestion of keeping a picture of the pattern in dropbox but does anyone have a good storage method for storing the traced patterns? Hanging them is not an option.

[@lisybeachbodycoach]

I love it the idea

[@murielbailiwick2978]

2000 patterns? Good grief. I thought my couple of hundred was a lot! Wow. Great pattern storage system.

[@diedre20020]

Do you put the different sizes in the same envelope or separate envelopes. For example if you have XS-MED and LRG-XXL in the same pattern

[@kimworkman2425]

Great idea

[@cassandramcgee1531]

I will be trying this! Thank you

[@reneemeyers6251]

This is totally awsome

[@ShellyAuen]

Great idea!

[@carmensalome]

Wow 2000 patterns. Do you ever sell or give away older patterns? Great system. Thanks for sharing.

[@darknessfierce4209]

Any tips for getting all the pieces back in the smaller envelope after sewing?

[@astridafklinteberg298]

So helpful!!!

[@AdirondackRuby]

I like the idea of the binder with the clear sheets. For myself, I have photoboxes that I store all my patterns in, by company. I always trace my patterns, so the pattern and instructions stay in the envelope and the traced out pieces get another envelope, either the size you showed or a larger one, depending on the number and size of pieces.

[@sdk0524]

RubyLovesRocket how do you trace the pattern? I always have a hard time trying to store the pattern neatly after I have cut the pieces I need

[@AdirondackRuby]

@@sdk0524 I use medical paper (the sort that is on the exam table when you go in for an appointment). It is thin (slightly thicker than pattern tissue) and cheaper than tracing paper. After unfolding my pattern, I lay the medical paper over it and then trace the pattern piece, usually with a China Marker (a waxy crayon/pencil that glides really well on the paper) I hope this makes sense. If not, just ask. :)

[@sdk0524]

RubyLovesRocket thanks! I’ll give that a try

[@karenmakesthings4880]

Amazing! Like a pattern library. Love the idea.

[@sampleworks9432]

Thanks Mimi! Clever 👍

[@cmoss95]

This is so helpful!!

[@amblack30]

This is very helpful thanks so much

[@BarbaraBondurant-j1k]

Great idea for clothing patterns but I need an idea for quilting patterns. I have so many, right now I don't have a functional system. Can someone help me with this problem.

[@m.l.warren5219]

I store mine in a file cabinet by company, in numerical order.

[@MsBee-ib8bv]

I do the same ... it’s the best!

[@vannesavazquez9751]

Love it thanks for share i do not have thousands lol,but this is a great system

[@heatherr9201]

Fyi you might want to check out Airtable it’s free and I use it to keep a database of my patterns and I take front and back pictures of the envelopes and then if I am out at the store and find fabric I can look to see how much to buy.... the setup I use is on my IG account if you want to look @Taffyaprn

[@KWatts-xq8uo]

AWESOME!!!

[@maddymazetoo6360]

Genius!!😁

[@StayStitching]

CrystalSewsandStuff does something similar. I'm totally going to copy you two!

[@CJKows]

smart!!

[@cleanqueen75]

With that many patterns, I would think you would have accumulated a lot of three ring binders. I like your system but then you have to have a place for all the binders and then a place for all the envelopes too. Seems like your doubling the amount of space you need.

[@Rhonda900]

Brilliant! If only I could like this 10Xs over :-)