The Best Way to Organize your Sewing Pattern Collection

[@EbWhit91]

At first I thought this method was unnecessary work...BUT I tried it and I love it! I like making my own "counter book" and the ability to find patterns easily. Much better than my old system of looking through boxes! Thanks for sharing.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It's like organizing your fabric. Kind of a pain at first, but so worth it when you get it done. I'm trying to enter all my patterns into Airtable on my phone - and talk about a major pain! I know it'll be worth it but ugh, what a hassle -

[@dianerincon3196]

When I first started following you, maybe 6 months ago, I watched your previous pattern organizing video. Now I use your method and I think you for the idea. It can be so pleasant to flip through my own pattern catalog in the morning with a cup of coffee and to plan. Thank you so much!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure, Diane! Yikes, I watched that old video and cringed. Although I did like my hair. But ai-yi-yi the glasses! 😳

[@cloggyd9784]

I have created a catalogue of my patterns on Pinterest. It’s like your folders but it’s virtual so It doesn’t take up any space. When I get a new pattern I can search for an image on Pinterest and then pin it to the correct folder. It’s also useful because I can access it when I am in a fabric shop.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

💡💡💡So smart! Definitely takes up less space! 😁That's a good alternative to the database apps you can use on your phone.

[@vickiecopeland7131]

Please share how you do this. I have things I have saved but how would I add my Patterns to it? Search for them & add?

[@cloggyd9784]

It isn’t really so smart .I have to get used to technology a bit at a time. I didn’t know about the other databases but I did know how to use Pinterest. As far as I remember I created a folder named my patterns then put subsections for skirts, dresses etc. Then I searched for each of my patterns on Pinterest and pinned them to the right section. The database sounds interesting I will have to explore.🙂

[@bonniestevens6932]

THank you! I implemented this system several years ago, I t is truly the best method,and it saves wear and tear on the pattern envelope, I don't have to refold the pattern and stuff in the original envelope. The manilla envelopes are slightly larger.

[@DressingTammy]

What a fantastic way to spark your sewing mojo...thumbing through your own catalogue! Genius! I am going to try this.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I love doing it this way. Makes it so much easier for me! Hope it does for you too.

[@jjennings6161]

I have stored my patterns similar to this since the 70’s. My friend, a professional designer showed me this method. I label with huge 2” letters on the non flap top side of the envelope. I leave the instruction sheet in the envelope in the plastic binder sheet in 3” binders. The binders are labeled. Ex... Baby... decorating... men’s, etc. The Manila envelopes fit perfectly in lidded cardboard pattern boxes I bought back then. They are hard to find now but the end of the box has lines on the outside of the box to print the range of pattern numbers in the box. Example... 6000 - 6500. I can thumb thru a binder and quickly pull the appropriate box. Love it!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks! Just goes to show that a great idea lasts -

[@sueporter3087]

Great idea! Here's my addition--Put a piece of paper in the sheet protector w/ a scrap of fabric from completed garments from that pattern, size, and date completed, and make any needed notes on the fit, construction, how long it took to make, additional fabric needed, ideas for making it again, etc.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Yet another great idea! I don't know why this didn't occur to me years ago but it's once again - genius! Thanks Sue!

[@ruthwilliams3834]

Oh my!! What a fantastic solution I'm new to sewing and couldn't figure out how to organize my patterns . I love this idea thank you so much, I subscribed to your channel

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@spahhhvelous]

I like the idea of having a 'pattern book' of the patterns you have purchased. much easier to find inspiration than going through the boxes of envelopes as I do now. For your vintage patterns, have you thought about buying a roll of tracing paper from amazon and tracing out those? That way you can still use them, but won't have to handle the delicate original tissue.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Ya know . . . that is an excellent idea. I already have tracing paper - got it years ago from an art supply store, tracing vellum that works perfectly. I should do that. Thank you!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I trace even my ordinary patterns because after I've made a muslin (toile, mock up, whatever) I might need to make changes that are easier with an un-cut original.

[@Joannewithane]

What a fabulous idea! I like the idea of seeing the patterns in the book, instead of rummaging through boxes of patterns. Thanks

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

SO much better. Thanks Joanne!

[@louisegreen14]

Hello, Jen, I've recently subscribed to your channel and have been binge-watching! I've also turned 61 in 2020 and have also been sewing since age 8-9 . I love this method of pattern storing as well. I switched over to this meathod about 2 years ago after watching a Mimi-G video. I use letter size envelopes and store them in a file cabinet. 1 drawer for Butterick, 1 for Simplicity, etc. When I switched over I discovered I had over 400 patterns and also that I had bought doubles of a few! While I was in organization -mode, I cataloged all of my fabric stash - stored in slide-in Windows of photo albums. Each window has an index card with a swatch of said fabric with details (Type, size, etc. And a description of where it is stored) I also learned this from someone's KZbin video (can't remember who ??) Now if I want to make something I can curl up with a cup of coffee, flip through my pattern catalog, and my fabric photo-album and decide what I want and go directly to the fabric/pattern. Thanks for all your videos - I am really enjoying them all!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

WOW. Louise, that's amazing! I stand in awe of your organizing skills! I bet that took awhile to do, but oh, the rewards! Well done! 👏

[@louisegreen14]

LOL - thanks, It took me about 5 days, and the best part is every time I am tempted to buy more fabric, I have the fabric-album glaring in disapproval! So I shop my album (I was shocked and scandalized at how much fabric I already have).

[@fionasmith9396]

Love this so easy to find what i want

[@anne-marieesnos9402]

I put the date of purchase on the manila envelope. Thanks for your time.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Great idea!

[@helenbridges1038]

Thank you. Loved your suggestions.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure!

[@jolivelaughloveandcreate16]

Love this idea. I have all my patterns stored in two big storage trunks. Trouble is I forget what I’ve got. Think I will photocopy front/back and use that as a catalogue reference. Love seeing how others organise. Many thanks

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Jo, that's a great idea. You'll create that catalog so you'll know what you have.

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Hi Jen: You have a great method of storing patterns! I've recently finished logging my patterns on an Excel spreadsheet file, with individual sheets dedicated to the different pattern companies. I wanted to be able to see at a glance which sewing patterns I already had and the size ranges and discovered I have a few duplicate patterns. This Excel file has a sheet for each pattern brand, and each sheet contains several columns, starting with the pattern number. The next column is who the pattern is for (Adult, Child, Tween), then by sex (Men, Women, Boy, Girl), then by size range, and the last column is the pattern details (Dresses, Tops, Skirts, Pants, Jackets, Window Treatments, etc.). My patterns are in cellophane sleeves and filed in 3-drawer Sterlite plastic cabinets by brand. I wish I a larger sewing room that could accommodate a bookshelf of binders so I could use your system, but right now I don't. I would like to transfer over to your system at some point in the future if/when I move and get a larger sewing room because I really like your method a lot. Having a pattern "catalog" to be able to see my patterns without digging through a drawer would be so nice! I had thought about finding photos of all my patterns on the internet, printing them and then putting those in binders to make "catalogs". Then again, I don't have any room to store the binders. Just no one perfect solution, but yours is as close as it comes! Thanks so much for sharing!!! 🙂 BTW: So look forward to seeing photos of your sweet little grandson as he grows up. Hope you daughter and son-in-law have "a quiver full" of children!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You are SO organized! It sounds like your system is working well. A bigger space is always good. But you end up having to get even more organized because inevitably you get more stuff!

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom So true!!!

[@kathleenkolb3316]

this is a great plan. I do have those same storage bins. Just got back into garment sewing and have been purchasing patterns at the sales. They are starting to overflow and I spend too much time going thru them to find the one I want to use. This will clean up my mess and help me find the one I am looking for. How many times have I looked right past it!!! Love the blinder catalog, so great. Thank you so much!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Kathleen! Man, those patterns start piling up. I end up with about 20-30 in a separate "I want to get to those immediately" basket and finally have to break down and put them away, keeping just the envelope in the basket to remind myself before I file them. I probably should have mentioned that in the video, but oh well, it was too long as it was. So many little tidbits!

[@kathleenkolb3316]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom yes for sure, the more you think about it the more there is to say. I love the idea and just have to get those envelopes ASAP to get going. Thanks again!

[@RobertaSharpe]

Thanks so much. Have seen this option previously, but now that I have the cubbies in my desk, it is a more apparent option. Will be getting busy organizing this weekend. Thanks again!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Happy organizing, Roberta! Have a great weekend -

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks for the link to this video Jen! This system is genius! Thank you so much!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure! Enjoy your trip!

[@sherylbullock4716]

Love the idea of putting a fabric scrap in the envelope. Thanks for sharing that one.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That was all @brangonzales - definitely a genius idea!

[@InstantCrazy1]

I'm so excited to finally have time to implement this organizational method. I added the year to my pattern envelope just because I thought it'd be nice to know the year at a glance. Thanks for this video!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That's a great idea, adding the year!

[@amuseinthecraftroom6257]

Genius and I'm totally going to do this. I'm overrun and need a system.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Good luck, glad it was helpful!

[@grammie8826]

Love this idea! I have been writing on my envelopes who I made it for (especially the grandchildren). So tired of going through the patters as a whole in bins! Now I can “shop” through a “catalog notebook”! Thanks for the video.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Fabulous! Glad this helps!

[@wowzieee]

Funny i just watched your older video, now I 'll watch this one. Can you do a video showing your vintage patterns, I love seeing what patterns had survived the decades. Thanks.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks! I've been thinking about doing a video showing my vintage patterns. I'll try and get to that soon.

[@SewcalSewcialite]

Wow, I love your organizational diligence! 😁

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I try. I gave birth to several "gotta stick to the plan" kids and married the same type of husband. I drive them all crazy because I'm so fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants about most things. But I hate it when I can't find something so if it's worth it, I do it. It helped that I had to corral and keep said kids on track while they were growing up. Organization out of desperation and I still missed their dentist appointments! 😂

[@SewcalSewcialite]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom I love it! Organized adaptation! 🤗

[@lindahuse4523]

I collect vintage patterns so I store my patterns in Archival envelopes. These fit in plastic 3 drawer carts. I also own a three drawer vintage Simplicity pattern drawers. I have a collection of almost 3000 patterns now as I have down-sized from close to 5000 at one time. My large formats in the archival envelopes envelopes in cubes

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Wow.

[@xinachase8898]

I started out doing my patterns like this after watching MimiG. It just got too much for me. So I do store my patterns in the manilla folders, the small ones for regular size and the larger ones for the large Vogue patterns. I put the tissue pattern along with instructions inside. I cut the pattern envelop to place the picture on the front of the manilla folder and the back pattern to the back of the manilla folder. I just tape everything together to secure the paper to the folders. I just needed everything in one place. I store them by categories (dresses, pants etc,) in a file drawer.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Xena - I saw Mimi's video too - I think she separates hers by pattern company, though. I'd been doing it for awhile when I watched her video, so I didn't want to complicate things for myself. Joy Bernhardt does hers the same way you do yours, by cutting the envelope and attaching it to the envelope. Yet another great system. I love that we can customise these systems to fit what works best for us individually.

[@rosannesahai7604]

Years ago we cut the patterns apart I cut the the largest size ; I cut the pattern envelope stick to Manila envelope; now I upgraded slightly because the Manila envelopes are falling apart , so I now use some plastic envelopes same system with the pattern envelopes . I also made a pattern catalog by printing out pattern envelope pic . I store the patterns in boxes.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

💡💡💡Thanks Roseanne - plastic envelopes - great idea because of the way the manila envelopes tend to degrade over time. I checked Amazon and you can get 6x9" plastic re-sealable bags, 100 for $6. That's a steal of a deal - I think my box of 100 manila envelopes was about $15. You've got a great system going there.

[@Siameezkattwo]

Brilliant Jen! Love that, very smart :)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Terry!

[@carmensalome]

Agree! I need to get organized!!

[@teresaleonard9199]

In your example pattern, you have a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants and a jacket. What category notebook do you put the pattern envelope in? Do you make photocopies for various pieces from the same pattern? I use the online cataloging site Library Thing to catalog my patterns. I put them in a "collection" called patterns in order to keep them separate from my actual books. I don't use tags, but they are available if I wanted to further group patterns by category. The best use of this catalog is when I'm in the store about to buy a pattern, I can quickly check my phone to see if I already own it! (Looking at YOU, New Look 6483!) The patterns in their envelopes then are stored standing up in bins where I can easily scan the number.

[@carolablackwood7234]

Hi there I love this idea thank you so much. Do you have tips for how you purchase your fabric? In your sewing room tour I noticed all your amazing bolts of fabric and I’m wondering how you know how much to buy do you always have a project in mind what is your strategy there? Thanks so much

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Oh goodness, it seems my main goal most of the time is NOT to buy fabric! I buy what I see that's pretty - seldom for a specific project. But then when I do have a specific project, I never seem to be able to find what I want! Murphy's law!

[@pattiraithel5412]

I thank you, this is so cool. I had alot of fun making my catalog.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Patti! Isn't having that "catalog" great? I love it.

[@alicedolan5636]

I store mine very similar to that. I Copy the front and beck of the pattern envelope and put that in the sleeve and then in binders. I can then file the pattern in its original envelope away.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I used to copy them, then I just decided to put the envelope in the binders. Saved me a step - but you're keeping the envelopes nice your way too.

[@sbrickett]

I like this method very much. Currently, I store my patterns on a bookshelf, like books, but it’s not working very well. I’ll give this a try. Thanks

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Sue, I think you'll be glad you don't have to sort through them one by one to get the one you want. That binder thing solved so many problems for me. Hope it does for you too.

[@sbrickett]

I was doing my patterns like Joy does, but, after many years the tape is discolored and coming off. I have had to redo them several times, so I think that’s too much work that way. I’ll try your way maybe that will be better. I know I’m tired of fiddling with these patterns. Lol

[@TheSliverleaf]

I love this and the only thing I would do differently is put or circle the size I have already cut. Why? I'm finding am a lazy person and will put a pattern to sew if I have always cut it out lol. I only do this right now because I'm still learning to sew and sometimes fast is best and doing something over and over again is helpful to me. Thanks for sharing this idea

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Lazy people unite! That's why I haven't decorated my pattern weights, I'm just too lazy. And that's a great idea to circle the size. I don't do that simply because I sew for my daughters and they're all different sizes. But it's something to note on the envelope. Fast and easy - that's what I love. It's why I (don't do this) skipped stay-stitching for so many years. But it's actually faster and easier if you do it right the first time, so there you go. I'm forever learning that lesson with my seam ripper in hand . . .

[@bellepoupee61]

Great system if you have so many patterns! In Canada they are so expensive that U don't have that many! TFS. I always enjoy your videos! Christine

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you so much, Christine!

[@annierizzo3034]

I have the patterns that I can't fit into tucked away. So if I wanted to grade them I could ( I would need to really feel like having a project) but patterns in my size I just have organized on a shelf as tops , bottoms etc. It's easy for me to have them all together. God bless

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I think it's great you've found a method that works for you. And hang onto those that don't fit - they'll be worth something!

[@genniferellis8489]

Great ideas

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you! 😊

[@kathythompson5800]

I have bit of a different routine. When I buy a new pattern I always trim the pattern as soon as I can. So that when I am ready to sew the pattern is always trimmed. The day I am ready to sew I take the trimmed piece of the pattern which still has all sizes and pick my size and trace it off on a separate piece of pattern paper. That way I will always have the original pattern. I learned to do this because I had a cat that was fascinated by all things sewing, and she often stole pattern pieces and used her claws to "refashion" them. And if I had really liked the pattern, it was often a total loss and I would have to buy it again. I store my patterns in a plastic box, and separate the brands and arrange them numerically. I don't have so many that I can't keep track of what I have mentally.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

What a great system! And a busy cat! 🙀

[@wendyb7993]

I use A4 see through plastic wallets and open out the pattern envelope so the front and back are easily read then fold the pattern pieces into the instruction sheet Works perfect and they fit in a filing cabinet or box. I also put in a scrap of the fabric and dare I made it. Love your idea🤗🤗

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

A4 - that's 8.5 x 11", right? Seems like that would work nicely because the plastic slides so easily against itself. Thanks Wendy!

[@daur5314]

Great ideas!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Deb!

[@hopesheppard477]

Great idea, I'm thinking of photocopying the pattern front and glueing it onto the front of the envelope rather then writing on the envelope

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Yet another great idea. Thanks Clara!

[@joannelabryn7531]

GREAT VLOG!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Joanne!

[@lindathompson5420]

Great idea

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Linda!

[@enidearl3906]

I copy the front and back of the pattern, and then add the copy to my notebooks that are set up by categories and pattern co. and then filed numerically behind the pattern co. tab in my pattern cabinet. After the initial setting up this system, the process is not time consuming at all. I have used this system for over 20 years...

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Now THAT is a system that works. Lots of work to set it up, but definitely worth it!

[@vixter]

Another idea for a pattern book is copy the front of the pattern and then it is slimmer for the pattern book. I did that for quilt patterns I had.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Great idea! Seems like I did that years and years ago, but it got to be too much trouble to copy the pattern. I'm pretty lazy when it comes to stuff 🙄But it does definitely keep the binder slimmer. Still a great idea.

[@rggonzales6248]

I'm thinking I'll try the envelope storage. But I really like the feel of the original pattern in my hands. Is that just weird? lol!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Oh heck no, not weird at all. My mom says she doesn't like to read on her iPad because she prefers the actual book in her hands. Same thing with me talking about audiobooks to my "real books only" friends. It's all about what you get used to, what you prefer, and a post-it note on the pattern envelope works just as well, don't you think? I love the beauty of the way each of us can customise whatever works for us. And you have such great ideas! Thanks again for those suggestions -

[@dischaderscully7775]

I tried this a couple of years ago but I'm like Bran Gonzales maybe we are weird but to keep the pattern tissue in the original packaging!

[@daniellepazz2821]

Hi This is how i store my patterns (sewcialliberty on IG) and I also write notes and suggestions on the front of my envelopes

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Such a good idea to make notes. I've only just started doing that. Thanks Danielle!

[@anazarate1018]

Hi :) do you cut into the paper tissue? Or do you trace it into some kind of paper? just to keep it nice

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It depends. If it's a pattern I know I'll just be using for me, I cut into the tissue. If it's a pattern I might use for someone else, I trace it onto vellum. Or if I need to change the pattern in some way to get it to fit or because I'm changing it somehow, I'll trace it onto vellum. I used to trace everything, but these days I just cut into the tissue unless I need to preserve it.

[@leahdavis3863]

I file mine numerically as well. I file in boxes. I like the “catalogue” and brown envelope idea, but I have way too many and the added bulk of the plastic sleeves, brown envelopes, and notebooks would just add to the already too much space that my patterns take. But then I enter my patterns into a database that I can sort by any of my many categories. I can do a search for (for instance) patterns of woven tops that have custom separate cup pieces. My database allows pictures. I have pictures of the front of the envelope, back, and a picture of the fabric that I intend to use (if I have already made that decision). My only real issues with this system are that the pictures are small and I have to click on each one that I want to see in more detail and my database can only fit about 500 patterns (with all those pictures taking up space) in the free version. The paid version is kind of pricy. Anyway. This system works for me.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Leah. What database do you use? I cut out a whole section of this video where I talked about Airtable, mainly because the video was too long. I thought I could do another video talking about that. But Airtable is the only one I've used and I'm just getting started, so I only have a few patterns listed in it. Have you used more than one?

[@leahdavis3863]

Today in Jen's Sewing Room - I use Airtable. I’ve looked at others, but I either couldn’t figure them out or they didn’t suit my purpose. But with 600+ patterns with at least two pictures each, I ran out of the free space. And it’s $120 per year, every year, if you go over. I’d be willing to pay $120 once, but not annually. So, I’m at a standstill while I figure out what to do next. I’ll probably just put the pictures of the back of the envelopes in a separate database. Not the best solution, but might be the best for me.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

@CloggyD (above) mentioned that she files hers on Pinterest. There's a thought. Free, unlimited space, and accessible thru your phone. Great idea!

[@patriciadoherty464]

Joy Bernhardt glues the fabric on the envelope of her makes. So she knows what fabric was used before. Also, Mimi G has a similar system to yours.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hi Patricia - I watched Joy's video on how she organizes hers awhile ago, and saw Mimi's when she came out with it. I'd been doing this for a good long while before I saw Mimi's video - she separates hers into companies but that's really the only difference. It's nice to know that the pros do it that way too! Joy uses a fair amount of indie and self-drafted patterns, so she's smart to use the bigger envelopes and photos and notes on them. She has a fair amount of room, though. Currently I'm trying her "bolted" fabric storage method. It's a big project but it's a good one!

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

I have Adhd so being more organised is extremely important to me thank you, I’m not good numerically I would have to start A 1 -z1 then start A2 , I’d have to have stickers and an index holy moly I’m getting confused, is that even more complicated haaa haaa . Great idea for storing in my Kallax boxes 🙏🇬🇧♥️🎃 Cute Etsy classic pattern , we great to have a sewing 🧵 friend and have coffee ☕️ together and check out each other’s stash and pattern swap or borrow .

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hey A-Z works too, especially if you have Indie pattern companies. I mentioned that in the video but cut it out in favor of a shorter video and sticking to my individual method. I do put the Indies and freebies in the front of the numbers, but I have so few that it really doesn't matter if they're in alphabetical order. You are so funny. I think I'm confused too 😂🤯 I love this whole KZbin thing for making new sewing friends. I love also the idea of a pattern swap! I'm storing that in my brain for future things. Great idea.

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Today in Jen's Sewing Room ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I keep in my purse a regular sheet of paper with all my pattern numbers. A column for each of the big four, and a 5th column for vintage. No more accidentally buying the same pattern twice. Am I the only one who's done that? Lol

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Nah, Dannie, I try and use my "notes" app on my phone, but there's just something about a piece of paper in my hand. I keep stuff like that all the time. I have too many patterns or I'd probably do the same. Whatever works! Plus vintage patterns and using pen and paper? You are definitely true to yourself! 😁

[@yoshiew05]

who only has 20 patterns?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Good question!