Former_Member
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Sewing Pattern Storage

Hello all! :)

I am in the process of re-organizing the patterns that I have for sale, to list, etc. I have hundreds of them, and I have yet to come up with a good way to store them so that they will be organized and accessible. Right now, just for the sake of space, I have them all packaged and lining the shelves of a smallish bookcase, divided by pattern company using handmade tabs. That would work fine if I only had a hundred patterns or so, but I have long since run out of room!

Do you guys have any tips or suggestions for storing patterns?

Thanks in advance!

Bessie M.
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Former_Member
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

I got a 4 drawer lateral file cabinet at Salvation Army for $35.00. It holds tons!
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EmSewCrazy
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

Wish I had one Mary Beth!! I have patterns everywhere! Really need a good storage system.
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Former_Member
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

I store mine in file storage bins, it holds about 60-80 patterns. Then I slide the bins under my bed, so it will not take up space.
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

I have my listed ones on 4 tall bookshelves by manufacturer and organized by number, it works well for me. I also have a huge double deep bookcase for unlisted and then boxes full all over my house, not such a good system for those ones ;)
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

Finicky, we took similar approaches! I wanted lateral file cabinets like at the pattern stores but that wasn't in the budget and I missed a Joann's that closed in my area so they are very hard to come by. Not to mention I can't fit them in my car even if I did find them!

What I did was purchase 2 wire storage racks. The racks have 6 shelves and they are 48" wide x 72" tall x 18" deep. Here is a picture of a very similar rack on Amazon, except mine came with no wheels. But I only paid $99 each at Home Depot. Take care of them and they will last forever.

http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Chrome-Steel-Shelves-Shelving/dp/B0038KVQHK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=...

After I got my racks home I went to Uline and purchased a stack of 10 boxes the length and width that would fit my shelves side by side. I can't remember the dimensions, would have to check my order history, but the boxes must be smaller than the shelf or they won't sit neatly within the wire frame of the shelves. I do remember I got them no more than 12" tall because the plan is cutting them in half to make trays. Then stand my patterns up in the trays so i can just flip through the pattern numbers.

When the boxes arrives I taped them up top and bottom like i was shipping out something. I used very good tape to make my boxes very squared up and firm. Then I took my small hand saw and cut them in half length wise. Each box yields 2 "trays" that sit side by side on each shelf level; and each of my shelving units can hold up to 12 trays ( I use 10). Each tray can hold about 150 patterns (give or take) so maximum capacity is about 300 patterns per shelf! I use only 5 of the 6 levels on each unit so it won't get too top heavy and I hate climbing the ladder to read what's on the top shelf. Still I can sock away roughly 1500 on each storage unit. That's pretty darn good!

Currently, one of the units is used to house my listed patterns, which are filed by brand/pattern number on each shelf. The other unit holds my stash of Uncut/FF patterns that need to be photographed or scanned before listing. I store my vintage patterns that are and listed right along with the others because I close them up in plastic bags before I file them away. Keeps that "old smell" away from the other newer ones, and keeps the fragile ones from getting banged around and dropping paper everywhere. My unchecked vintage at in plastic bins until I check them.

My little makeshift file system is in the spare bedroom/office in my apartment, along with my oversized desk, a 5 foot long work table, a tall plastic storage cabinet for office supplies and a tall bookshelf. I think I have crammed about as much as I can in this room. The only thing i would do is buy one more and I think I'd be set for life! Problem is no more room unless I get rid of my work table.

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Former_Member
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

I purchased Sterilite 20"Dx19 1/8" Wx11" H modular stackable drawer systems and they work fine. I can store about 200 patterns sided by side. They were purchased on line for about $20.00 each. I also have a sewing stores 5 drawer cabinet that I purchased at an estate sale. Keeping eyes open when attending sales or auctions will bring down prices especially on the store cabinets. They are to big for most uses but offer a fabulous storage answer. I purchased this one for under $50.00 and they sell new for over $600.00.
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Former_Member
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

I have seen people store patterns in a dresser or chest of drawers that has deep enough drawers for the patterns to stand up. It probably wouldn't work for the designer Vogue patterns though. At least in my area, dressers and chest of drawers are a dime a dozen on Craigslist and even Freecycle.
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Re: Sewing Pattern Storage

I have all mt patterns housed in one large 4 drawer lateral file cabinet and they are in alphabetical order Advance, Butterick etc. and then by pattern #. I have my children's patterns in a separate standard 5 drawer file cabinet with room at the last 2 drawers for large oversized patterns and mail order patterns.
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