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12.31

How to Store Sewing Patterns in an envelope system

Welcome to See Kate Sew! If you’re new here, sign up for my email newsletter for access to free patterns, tutorials and all the latest sewing news! Tour my sewing room HERE!

I finally figured out how to store sewing patterns! Storing store-bought and print-at-home sewing patterns can be a headache because there are so many pieces and folding them up is harder than it looks!

Sewing Pattern Organization

I started using this envelope system where I put the printed pattern pieces in a big envelope and label the outside. This is great for store-bought patterns because I can never get them back in those little envelopes.

How to Organize Sewing Patterns

For women’s patterns I usually use the same size, so using the same pattern again is easy.

How to store sewing patterns

For kids, I use multiple sizes depending on who I am sewing for. The envelope gives you a ton of space to write what sizes are inside and any other notes. So it’s nice to know if I have the Susie Shift in size 5 printed out or not, and this system makes it easy to flip through and see what I have printed out.

Sewing Pattern Organization

Sewing Pattern Storage Materials

  • 9″ x 12″ manila envelopes
  • Double stick tape
  • Cardstock

Sewing Pattern Envelope Instructions

Print out the first page of the pattern file at 60% so you have a photo for the front of the envelope. I chose to print in black and white for a more uniform look (and to save ink!). If you are repackaging store-bought envelopes, cut the front of the pattern envelope off and use that.

DIY sewing pattern storage

Trim up the edges of the image using a paper trimmer.

Sewing Room Idea - Keep Sewing Patterns Tidy

Then glue or tape to the front of the envelope.

Sewing Pattern Organization Ideas

Use a magazine holder, a basket or file to keep them neat!

Sewing Pattern File

More Sewing Room Organization Ideas:

  • 30 Sewing Room Ideas
  • My Sewing Table
  • Small Sewing Space Solution
  • DIY Ironing Board Cover
  • Make a Sewing Machine Mat

 

 

Organize your Sewing Patterns

 

4 Comments | Pattern of the Month, Sewing Room

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Reader Interactions

4 Comments

  1. Judith Johnson

    01/01 at 10:10 AM

    I can attest to this. I started many years ago with purchased patterns. At the moment, I am using one of those folders with the pockets, but thanks for the reminder :)

  2. Dolores K

    01/01 at 12:57 PM

    I have been doing this for about 20 years! But I’m glad to see you post it for others. What’s really nice is that you can put them in a filing cabinet… or… like I do… in bankers boxes. I then label the box, i.e. Craft, Women’s Tops/Pants, Men’s.

  3. LAURIE Bond

    01/01 at 1:14 PM

    What a great idea! The problem is where do I put the envelopes? I don’t have a file drawer in my sewing room or anything else that can serve as that. I’m open to all ideas. I have bins that are not tall enough.

  4. Darina Obertik

    01/02 at 4:17 AM

    I have been doing it for decades – store more than one pattern and make notes on the envelope, pinning a sample of the material used. So useful ! I keep coming back to my collection regularly.

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