Pattern Storage

I've seen questions come up recently in a number of groups I'm a member of regarding the storage of patterns.  Since I just about exclusively sew PDF patterns, the storage can definitely be an issue and it's taken me a couple of years to come up with solutions that work for me.

First of all, I keep pattern pieces and instructions in letter size file folders.  I tape the front page of the pattern to the outside of the folder and print the name on the tab.

Inside the folder go the instructions and folded up pattern pieces.  A lot of my sewing is for children, so I keep multiple sizes in the folder for easy access, each set folded up with the size written on the outside of the set.

These folders get stored in a plastic file box, with categories for children, women and men and sub categories in each section for tops, bottoms, dresses, miscellaneous, etc.  My box is pretty full and I've already done one purging of patterns I don't make anymore and I can see I'm due for another!  I tend to use tried and true patterns most frequently.  The actual pattern files themselves are stored on my computer which gets backed up automatically, so I know that if I need a seldom-used pattern, I can access it easily again.

Patterns that have been printed for adult family members are folded up and go in manilla envelopes with the person's name and the pattern on the outside.  Most of these patterns have alterations and so I definitely want to keep the adjusted masters!

I do a lot of pattern testing and print frequently so I recently upgraded to a black and white laser printer.  It's so much more economical to run and I'm not constantly changing ink cartridges!  Since most PDF patterns are set up so that you can just print the size you want, I don't need colour printing any longer.

At one time, however, I was printing off the full master copy of the pattern, taping it together and tracing off the size I needed.  Storing those big pieces, was a bit of a problem!  The solution was a rack hubby made for me.  I rolled up the masters and tied them with strings from the curly sides of knit fabric.

Since I hardly ever need to access these patterns, I store the rack on the top of a shelving unit.

In my old sewing space I had a bulletin board behind my sewing counter that I pinned instructions on for the garment I was making.  In my new sewing room, I don't have that yet.  I prop a clipboard holding the instructions and it sits on a book holder.  Another option is to download the instructions to my iPad and prop it there so no printing is needed at all.

I know everyone has their own approach to storing patterns.  Some hang the patterns in a closet.  Others keep them in clear plastic zip lock bags.  This is the method that suits me the best.  What works for you?