Thread: Storing patterns you've made

By "patterns you've made," I mean those made from instructions online.

Recently I made harem pants based on a bunch of reading and the instructions at Shira.net. The result is literally a newspaper pattern that's kind of bulky. Do youall do this? Is this only me? ,f::

Is a manila envelope good enough, or is there a clever, more innovative way to store, like in a clear sleeve in a 3-ring binder? *shakes head*

I'm all ears/eyes for your answers. Thanks!

good question...i will be watching this thread

I use large (legal size) manilla envelopes and write what the pattern/size is in an upper corner. These envelopes, along with other patterns, are stored in one big plastic container.

I prefer putting patterns into sheet protectors, in a 3 ring binder. Most used patterns are traced onto pattern grid material or lightweight interfacing. Patterns I don't use a lot, I use tissue paper and put into a clear sheet protector.
Items are also by item, skirts, pants, accessories, etc.

I have the expandable envelope accordion style file holders. They are awesome for patterns! I agree with putting all pieces into a manila envelope, put a pic or sketch of the finished piece on the outside...

File your envelopes with instructions in the accordion thingie...They even make them in decorative prints now. ..g.:

I put my fabric patterns in the three ring binder with plastic pouches/sleeves...It still include the pic/sketch of the final item though.

The best way to transfer a paper pattern is to use contractors plastic...the clear kind they sell in rolls as painting drop cloths...just lay the clear plastic over the pattern, trace and presto, you have a great pattern you can CUT!!

*hugs* from a gal who has made her own patterns for over a decade...

I am a manila envelope girl as well. If I can get a photo or sketch of the garment, I attach that to the outside of the envelope.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by bgordon2020

I use large (legal size) manilla envelopes and write what the pattern/size is in an upper corner. These envelopes, along with other patterns, are stored in one big plastic container.

This is exactly what I do, except instead of a plastic container they're in a drawer. I have one of those little cardboard chests with three drawers. Bottom one is patterns, the other two are beads and trim.

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

Recently I made harem pants based on a bunch of reading and the instructions at Shira.net. The result is literally a newspaper pattern that's kind of bulky. Do youall do this? Is this only me? ,f::

I make my patterns out of big garbage bags! (I wonder what Ann would think of that...) Anyway, I keep them in zipper baggies that I label and toss them in a drawer. They're pretty indestructible.

Karnak, I have questions: white garbage bags? dark garbage bags?

I want to write on my patterns, and make markings; do you? I've heard of using various plastic, especially see-through plastic, like shower curtain plastic. How does pinning go???

(LOL on the Ann comment. We should ask!)

Originally Posted by BernieV

The best way to transfer a paper pattern is to use contractors plastic...the clear kind they sell in rolls as painting drop cloths...just lay the clear plastic over the pattern, trace and presto, you have a great pattern you can CUT!!

*hugs* from a gal who has made her own patterns for over a decade...

How large/small of a container does contractor's plastic come in? (because I have a small house that's way full of stuff) ??

I store patterns in their envelopes in plastic tubs. For ones that I have made adjustments to, I transfer the pattern with new cutting lines, darts, etc. to plain paper and put those in manilla envelops with a photocopy of original envelope on the front. That way I can keep the original "as is".

I'm lucky enough to work with printers on a regular basis, so when I need to draft a pattern, I ask for leftover rolls of whatever thin paper they're going to throw out. (The ink on newspaper makes my nose bleed.)

To store, I use a cardboard backer (8.5X11) and use that to fold the pattern on. With all the pieces neatly folded like this, it's easy to slip into a manila envelope (but I like the clear sleeve thingie better!)

I also use the cardboard to fold smallish pieces of fabric, so they can all fit neatly in one shelf.

Can you say OCD? LOL

when i get a pattern i cut the envelope apart & tape in to a large manila envelope. put everything inside. store in plastic bin /carry case thing.

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

How large/small of a container does contractor's plastic come in? (because I have a small house that's way full of stuff) ??

It's usually on a roll, the one I buy is from home depot and actually takes upf less space than a normal box of garbage bags.

I just put it over the pattern and trace, cut the plastic, then I use fabric weights to keep the pattern in place for cutting.

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

Karnak, I have questions: white garbage bags? dark garbage bags?

I want to write on my patterns, and make markings; do you? I've heard of using various plastic, especially see-through plastic, like shower curtain plastic. How does pinning go???

(LOL on the Ann comment. We should ask!)

I use big, black ones. They're thick, easy to write on with a silver Sharpie, and they're easy to poke pins through. I tried the kitchen white ones, but they're too stretchy and the pins don't go through very well.

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

Karnak, I have questions: white garbage bags? dark garbage bags?

I want to write on my patterns, and make markings; do you? I've heard of using various plastic, especially see-through plastic, like shower curtain plastic. How does pinning go???

(LOL on the Ann comment. We should ask!)

I am one of those shower curtain plastic addicts, using the ones from IKEA, thick enough, completely see-through and cheap! I use the permanent markers (the ones to write on CDs) to trace the pattern and make all of necessary comments. You can then store it however wish, they are indestructible :)

You could see how it works here: Sophie’s Dancelog » Making a Ghawazee Coat

so how do i get the pattern onto a black garbage bag (I do have a silver sharpie) and do i adjust the pattern after that?

Hm, I may use newspapers for awhile (since I don't understand).

I usually trace an existing pattern (or article of clothing) and make adjustments as needed. Don’t forget to label the pieces!

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

Recently I made harem pants based on a bunch of reading and the instructions at Shira.net. The result is literally a newspaper pattern that's kind of bulky. Do youall do this? Is this only me?

For things made out of squares, rectangles and circles I make templates for parts that are NOT straight, like the crotch seam or the waist opening. When I make the costume, I rip or cut the rectangles/squares to size and the use the crotch templates. If doing circle skirts, I cut the circles out quickly using the following technique:
Ruric-Amari.com: Circle Skirts Without Patterns
and then cut the waist opening out with the template.

If the basic shape is not geometric, then the pattern is made out of rolls of white parcel paper. I've learned to iron patterns flat before storing them in manilla folders... takes up a lot less space than just folding them.. I've got hundreds of patterns and saving space is pretty important at this point.

I thought of youall the other day when I put the harem pants pattern into a manila envelope and labeled it. And today again, as I repurposed two used envelopes.

Karnak, I finally caught on that you trace the pattern ONTO the dark trash bag. (I was thinking how do you see through the bag to trace the pattern) *light bulb* I'll have to let that sink in a little.

Now that I found a place for the fabric hoard, I'll have to find a spot for the pattern hoard, as well. Hee.

For patterns, I use a sort of interfacing-like fabric with a grid on it. I think it might be used for quilting. Anyway, it's great for making patterns. It clings nicely to the fabric for cutting, too. My instructor taught me this trick. She sews like a professional dressmaker. The pattern fabric is easy to fold and store without tearing or crumpling.

For durability, bond to fuseable interfacing, it's brilliant and will keep your patterns lasting a long time, whether you fold, roll, or whatnot.

woops, didn't see the post before mine, Shalimah! ;0)

Originally Posted by maurazebra

If doing circle skirts, I cut the circles out quickly using the following technique:
Ruric-Amari.com: Circle Skirts Without Patterns
and then cut the waist opening out with the template.

Thanks for posting this link, I've found lots of useful info on your website. And the link to stretch wear pattern school is priceless!!!

I used to make my patterns with tissue paper but recently have switched to the rolls of brown package paper usually used for coverng boxes for mailing. I store them folded into ziplock bags with an instruction sheet including sketches on the front. Then I just stand the envelopes upright in a large plastic bin with the instruction sheets facing forward for ease in finding what I am looking for.

i use a large roll of white paper. i forgot what it's called but i know staples carries it. then when you trace the pattern onto the paper, you can roll it up and store it in a tube that is really cheap at any artist's store. or make your own out of an empty roll of wrapping paper. a neat tip on how to get paper patterns flat is to gently iron the paper (no steam!!).

another great trick that's already been mentioned is to copy patterns you use often (like circle skirt pattern) onto shower curtain material. Thick, heavy plastic that is indestructible. You can crumble it up and nothing will happen to the pattern.

P.S. Great idea on the garbage bags. I will have to try that out next time i am playing around with a pattern.

I just stumbled upon this one and I think it's an awesome idea to keep the patterns from wearing out.
StitchCraft » Blog Archive » Fuse & Trace Your Patterns!
i just reviewed the thread and realized that Shalimah and Azhia have mentioned this method. Ooops! Sorry!