First, we made a binder with information from all patterns we own. Each pattern has a two-sided page in our binder. The front is an enlarged pattern photograph and the back has the fabric, notions, etc. needed to complete it. The binder is alphabetized by designer for a quick and easy search. We take this binder with us as we ‘fabric shop’ and is a hot topic of conversation when browsing in stores. Major benefits: we don’t over buy fabric and can determine what we want to make without sporadically buying random fabric yardage. While we have been known to change our original plan for a garment at times, most of the time it helps us stay on task.

1. Cut the original (most Children’s Corner patterns are set up to do this), and store in 6×9 labeled (by pattern and size) envelopes.

2. Print all sizes of a digital pattern (free downloads, bought PDFs, etc) and cut / tape pieces together. Then, store as mentioned above.

After storing a pattern in labeled envelopes, a smaller version (6×9) of the pattern cover is copied to place in front of the labeled envelopes to act as a divider between other patterns. Many bought pattern envelopes are approximately 6×9, so we just use them as dividers without copying them. The smaller copies would be made for digital patterns, etc. (ones that need a divider before our self-made envelope of directions and sized pattern envelopes).

While this is extremely handy, there are some very important items that don’t seem to have a place in our three-drawer storage area: TUTORIALS! There is seldom a pattern we don’t rely on a tutorial to guide us through the sewing process.  So, we use a filing box for our go-to tutorials. While we will probably outgrow this box quickly, it works for now and is useful in our organizational method.

How about you? How do you store your previously used pattern pieces? We’d love to hear the method/s you’ve found helpful in your quest for sewing organization!

*Please note: This post contains “affiliate links”, yet we do solemnly promise that all proceeds will be used to fund our fabric {and sewing} obsession!

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