How to Store PDF Sewing Patterns

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Do you buy a lot of PDF sewing patterns?

I do! I feel like PDF patterns are easier to follow than the traditional patterns you find at the fabric store from Simplicity and Vogue. Plus, they have more modern designs!

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After cutting out my PDF sewing patterns, I fold them up and store them in 9×12 manilla envelopes. This method works really well! Just make sure you get the kind of envelope that has a clasp so you can open and close it easily.

I also tape a picture of the pattern to the front of the envelope so I can quickly see what patterns I have in my stash.

Sometimes I print out the pattern instructions and put them in the envelope with the pattern pieces, but most of the time I just make sure that the pattern envelope tells me where the pattern is from so I can login to my account to view the instructions. This saves paper — some patterns have instructions over 50 pages long! I also note the size I cut out on the pattern envelope.

The only thing that really annoys me about PDF patterns is that you have to print out a bunch of pieces of paper, tape them together, and then cut out your pattern pieces. I recently tried PDFPlotting.com because they will print the AO files for you on large sheets of paper. This eliminates the need for taping. I like this, but it’s an extra expense… Each sheet is about $3 and most patterns are between 2-3 pages.

Some people like to store their sewing patterns on hangers with clamps. I’m not a fan of this method, but it could work for you.