In this post, I am going to give you some tips on how to assemble and organize your PDF sewing patterns. Using digital PDF sewing patterns can:
- Save you money
- They are easy to access and archive
- Open up a lot of online sewing pattern choices
In a previous post, I showed how to download and print your PDF patterns. Now I’m going to go over how to put them together and store them.
I used to have a drawer full of miscellaneous patterns that were pinned together and it was a mess. Then I tried storing them in small white envelopes, and then I put those in a pretty white box with a lid, but that didn’t work so well for me.
Because the envelopes were small, the bundles were BULKY and it took a lot of time to get the cover to look nice. I’m going to show you how I organize my patterns.
Let’s go over how to assemble your PDF sewing pattern
If you’re lucky, the pattern will have a diagram guide somewhere on the pattern on how to put the pages together. Some instructions are more complex than others, depending on how many pages are included to form one pattern piece.
After you have printed out the pattern, there are a few things to look for before assembling the pattern.
Materials & items needed
- Any special cutting instructions
- Seam allowance
- Size indicator/chart
- Special tools or equipment needed
- Fabric and thread recommendations
- Presser feet or sewing machine attachments needed
Suggested Items Needed To Assemble and Organize PDF Patterns
- Tape (clear or masking)
- Paper scissors
- Exacto knife (optional)
- Straight edge or ruler
- Glue (glue stick or white glue)
- 9 x 12 INCH manilla envelopes
- Carboard Magaizine Organizers
Before doing anything, make sure the pattern has printed the correct size. Most patterns will have a test square to measure to see if the pattern has printed true to size. VERY IMPORTANT!
Using the diagram from the instructions, line up the sheets of paper in the correct order.
On my patterns, I use a blue box on most patterns to indicate the connecting points on the sheets of paper. To reduce bulk, cut off one side and the bottom of the sheet (on the blue line). I like to use an Exacto knife, but you can just use scissors.
Attach the sheets together by using clear tape or masking tape.
Make sure things are lined up correctly and then cut out the size you need.
The beautiful thing about digital patterns is that, if you are going to make up the same item but need a different size, you can just print the pattern section again and cut out that size needed.
Storing & Organizing PDF Sewing Patterns
There are many ways to organize your patterns. Find the system that works best for your situation, sewing space, and is to your liking.
This is the way that I find works best for me.
I use simple manilla envelopes that measure 9 x 12 inches and have a clasp. You can get it at a good price HERE.
Instead of printing a separate sheet for the cover, I just glue the front sheet of the pattern to the envelope. It will have the title of the pattern, and usually a photo. It’s pretty simple and straight forward.
Then I store them in these cardboard magazine organizers. I suppose if you wanted to get real fancy, you could buy the more sturdy plastic organizers.
If you have a ton of patterns, you can sort them in different containers with the categories written on the boxes. (i.e.: BABY, TODDLER, HOUSEHOLD PATTERNS, WOMEN, etc.).
I hope that was helpful and inspires you to take advantage of the goodness of digital PDF sewing patterns and gives you a few ideas on how to get them organized.
GET MY PDF SEWING PATTERNS HERE
Happy sewing and organizing!
Jan Howell
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Jan Howell
Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.
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