How I store my paper patterns

How do you store your patterns?

I think we can all agree that this monstrosity, this bulging box file stuffed to the gunnels with fragments of paper, is not the way to do it.

Oh man, all my OCD feelings are freaking out right now just looking at it. When I first started out and only had two or three patterns this system worked just fine. But the time had come to make something better. I’m giving my sewing space a little overhaul at the moment, and top of the list was a smart, tidy pattern storage solution. On a separate shopping excursion a chance encounter with these Muji file boxes inspired me to come up with a better storage system. And following a bit of internet research I spotted Katie of What Katie Sews using the same system for her patterns. Great minds I reckon.

(Note: I’m not sponsored by Muji, but if they want to reimburse me for the endorsement I really want some of those acrylic drawers).

I bought three boxes to start with, although I think I need a fourth one already for my back issues of Burda magazine and my knitting patterns. But for the moment these can squash in with the dress patterns. Each folder contains a separate pattern, and the boxes are divided into dresses, tops and bottoms.Doesn’t that look better? So much tidier! All labelled and neat. Plus amidst the chaos of paper I discovered several patterns that I’d forgotten I own. Win.

I’ve also decided to start keeping a detailed pattern notebook, focussing in particular on any pattern adjustments I’ve had to make. For a while I kept a mental record of how I’d adjusted this waistband or taken an extra centimetre out of this seam allowance. The upshot of which is I’ve forgotten how I got that skirt to fit so nicely, or how I changed the waistband of those trousers so that they sat more comfortably. And beyond the fitting notes I want to get into the habit of taking detailed notes on the machine settings I use for each garment as well. I’m a big one of making and re-making my favourite patterns (I now have four GBSB t-shirts), so keeping really detailed notes seems like a good plan!

How do you keep your sewing organised?