Organising My Bag Making Patterns: A Journey to Clarity

The Importance of Organising Your Patterns

If you’ve been sewing and bag making for a while, you’ll know just how quickly your pattern stash can get out of hand. Mine had grown so much that I didn’t even know what I had anymore. It got so bad I ended up buying the same pattern twice – oops! That was my wake-up call to get things sorted.

Organising your bag making patterns isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about enhancing your creativity. When everything is in its place, you can focus on what truly matters: creating beautiful bags!

My Filing Cabinet System for Printed Patterns

I started by sorting out all my printed patterns and giving them a proper home. Each pattern now lives in its own plastic folder, complete with the front sheet printed out. This way, I can see what I have at a glance.

I’ve grouped them into different types of bags – crossbody, totes, pouches, and so on. Finding what I need is quick and easy. It’s like having a mini catalogue right at my fingertips!

The Joy of Physical Organisation

There’s something so satisfying about physically organising your patterns. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt! As I sorted through my collection, I rediscovered patterns I had forgotten about. Each one brought back memories of projects I had completed or dreams I had yet to fulfil.

I encourage you to take the plunge and sort through your patterns. You might be surprised at what you find!

Going Digital: Trello and Hard Drive Storage

Because I do most of my planning and sew-along prep on my computer, it made sense to get organised digitally too. I’ve started using Trello to map out my projects and keep track of my digital patterns. It’s brilliant for staying on top of what I’ve got planned.

All my PDF patterns are now stored on a separate hard drive. They were clogging up my laptop something awful! Having them stored safely but out of the way has been a real game-changer.

Embracing Technology in Your Craft

In today’s world, technology can be a fantastic ally in our crafting journeys. Using apps and digital tools can streamline your process and free up mental space for creativity. So, don’t shy away from embracing technology!

Bag Making Pattern Organisation Apps Worth Exploring

If you’re looking for something a bit more structured, there are apps like Stash Hub and Threadloop that are designed to help you catalogue your patterns and fabric stash. These are fab for making sure you don’t double up on purchases (like I did!) and for giving you a handy overview of your stash when you’re stuck for inspiration.

They’re especially handy if you like having everything on your phone or tablet while you’re browsing fabric shops or planning your next make. It’s easy to see what you need for each bag-making project.

Finding the Right App for You

With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right app. I recommend trying a few to see which one fits your style best. Each app has its unique features, so find the one that makes your heart sing!

Where I Get My Bag Making Supplies

All of the bag making hardware and interfacing I use comes from my own shop Me Made Makes, which makes it super easy to grab what I need when I’m starting a new project.

As for fabrics and vinyls, I like to shop around and try new things. I don’t stock these myself, but I’ll often share links or details in my YouTube video descriptions. This way, you can find the same materials if something catches your eye.

Supporting Local and Small Businesses

When you’re shopping for supplies, consider supporting local and small businesses. They often have unique items that you won’t find in larger stores. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to support your community!

🧵 Final Thoughts

If your sewing patterns are piling up and you're not quite sure where to begin, give my method a try – it’s made such a difference to how I plan my makes. I talk you through the whole process, from physical storage to digital tools, in my YouTube video over on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety channel.

Grab a cuppa, have a watch, and let me know how you store yours – it might just stop you from buying that same pattern (again)!

👉 Watch the video here

Join the Community

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a whole community of bag making enthusiasts out there, ready to share tips and support each other. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect. Together, we can create beautiful bags and share our love for this craft!

Let’s keep sewing and inspiring one another!