Storing Patterns in Binders

A couple of you asked me about how I store my patterns in binders. It all started with the first Sewcialites Sew Along. Fat Quarter Shop offered a Sewcialites binder for storing all the printed free patterns for the project. I loved the idea and bought it.

I've been storing recipes that I print off the internet in binders for years, so I don't know why I didn't think to store my sew-along printouts in them as well. Inside my Sewcialites binder, I have the printed patterns from a couple of other sew alongs. I quickly ran out of room in just one binder. Now I have four binders that I have purchased from Amazon and Staples. With all the free patterns I printed out for the Moda Blockheads sew-alongs, you can believe I filled up several binders quickly.


It is becoming a lot more common these days to purchase PDF files of quilt patterns online and print them out yourself. There is usually no monetary savings in doing that, but at least you have immediate access to the pattern and don't have to wait for it to come in the mail. I had a ton of Pattern Basket patterns that were just sitting in a stack. With a hole punch and a binder, you can organize them in a jiffy.


Which is exactly what I did last weekend when I wanted to make this cute heart table runner I saw somewhere. The pattern "Let's Play Hearts" is by Atkinson Designs. You can purchase it online, print it out, and make the runner in a few hours. Instant gratification.


Binders are a great way to organize your free printouts from sew alongs, as well as PDF files of patterns you purchase online. I can't tell you how many times I have bought a PDF pattern twice because I couldn't find the original one I bought in my computer files. 

How do you organize your printouts and purchased patterns?

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[PamO]

I prefer pdf's. I organize them in folders on my iPad in Notes.
I have access to them without taking up physical space. I anticipate that it will be easier, once I am gone, for my family to hit the delete key.

[Bonnie Thompson]

I do both. Sometimes I print out a page or two while I’m making a quilt. I keep all of those in a binder. Most are stored in organized files on my computer or on Pinterest.

My question is what am I saving them for? If I’ve made the quilt, will I ever make it again? Usually not…

[CarolE]

Organization is key but I am still not very good about it (but I am trying)! About six months ago I wanted to make a pattern, swore that I had bought it but could not find it, bought the PDF only for my computer to tell me I had that pattern already downloaded!

[Jan]

'How do you organize your printouts and purchased patterns?' Uh-oh. Are those supposed to be organized? 😳 Seriously, I'm trying to find a quilt pattern that I made a couple of years ago & can't remember whether it was a download, magazine, book or single purchased pattern. I definitely need a better method & your binders seem to be a good place to start!

[Diane]

I put all pattern in binders. I slip the package ones in a sheet protector. Then they are in alphabetical order within the binder. I have a binder for bags, Christmas quilts, Miss Rosie quilts, and a general binder. So easy to find what I’m looking for. And easy to go through and clean out.

[Cathy]

I save the pdf quilt patterns in a file on my laptop then print them out when I start making the project. If I think I will make it again soon, I save the printed copy but usually not because I can always access it again from the computer file. I keep the patterns I bought in "hard copy" in a pattern file box I bought from Fat Quarter Shop (not sure they still sell it), separated by designer with one catch-all tab. I have been thinking of doing the binder thing with recipes because, like you, I have a lot that I got online that I make over and over.

[Jeanie]

I throw mine in a basket and shut the door they all live in quickly. I need a better system:)

[Gloria]

I keep most of my pattern in binders BUT I, also, have a box of patterns. I have been looking for a pattern that I know I purchased years ago...can't find it??? Why am I tearing out all these patterns from magazines? I can't possibly make all these quilts.

[Dianne]

Some of my patterns are saved on my laptop, but most of them are in binders sorted by designer, holidays, table runners, etc. I think I have about 8 binders of quilt patterns. Hopefully I'll make some of them.

[sue s]

Boy, I agree with a lot of these commenters! I try to use pdfs and then print out the pages I need when making something. I, too have searched everywhere for a paper pattern. When I found it it was where it "should be", with a miscellaneous assortment of sewing, quilting, and other patterns. So, I have a mishmash. I did go back to an old pattern one time when I was making a quilt larger and needed some block ideas for it. But that's rare. Maybe my family can just have a nice bonfire.....