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Tutorial: Organize your sewing patterns like the fabric stores do

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Tutorial: Organize your sewing patterns like the fabric stores doI collect far more sewing patterns than I could ever actually use.  I buy them when they’re on sale, or snag them from estate sales, or order them online with full intention of sewing them up right away.   Riiiiight.  But when I do decide to sew up one my patterns, I spend far too much time flipping through the boxes and stacks trying to find the one I’m thinking of.

Diane from Vintage Zest shares her pattern organization system, consisting of 3-ring binders with the pattern covers and separate bins that store the actual patterns.  Think of it as a home sewing studio version of the pattern books and cabinets you find at the fabric stores.  This allows her to quickly flip through all available options, and then pull out the full pattern for the ones she wants to use.  Go to Vintage Zest for a tutorial showing how to set up this kind pattern organization system.

[photo from Vintage Zest]

Comments

  1. Not a bad idea. I have mine in wire basket shelving divided by what the pattern is – shirt, dresses, men’s, etc.

    I have no idea what you mean saying you collect more than you will ever sew. 😉 heehee

  2. A local Joaann’s was moving and put all their pattern file cabinets up for sale. (McCall, Simplicity,Vogue etc. I lucked out and was able to buy one. I group my patterns by type…Crafts, home dec, children,Womens, mens etc…

Have you read?

Easy Cosmetics Bag Sewing Pattern

The bag is simple, uses very little fabric (about 2/3rds of a fat quarter), has no fussy inside pockets (although you can add your own if you like), and takes me well less than 30 minutes to print the pattern, cut out and sew. But quick and simple doesn’t mean it’s not awesome!

It’s the sort of bag that is versatile enough to be used for lots of applications, not just cosmetics and toiletries. Keep all your pens and pencils in order, use it for a small first aid kit for the car, keep it in your desk at work for a few headache pills and other personal supplies.

Make some for yourself, for gifts or to sell.