How Do You Organize Your Pattern Collection?

Blackhat

Ive scanned and downloaded so many patterns, I dont know how to index them properly. {:3_60:} I was trying to do it by subject, but then some patterns fall under mulitple categories, and I cant decide where to put them... I cant do it by artist, either, because a lot of the patterns Ive downloaded are anonymous.

Would you be willing to share your own system with me? {:3_55:}

Trudy432

Oh, organizing pattern collections—now that’s a whole adventure on its own, especially when you’re trying to keep things tidy between diaper changes and diaper laundry! For me, it’s a mix of digital and physical because, let’s be honest, some patterns just feel better on paper. I keep printed patterns in clear plastic sleeves in binders, sorted by project type—like scarves in one binder, baby stuff in another, and those “someday” fancy projects tucked away in their own special spot. For digital patterns, I set up folders on my computer labeled by category and sometimes even by designer if I’m feeling fancy. And the best trick? Adding sticky tabs or color-coded stickers for quick grabs when you’re in that “I just need something easy and fast” mood. It’s not perfect, and sometimes a pattern still goes on an unexpected wander, but it’s about making it work for you—and for the moments when you get to sneak in a little stitching between all the chaos!

usernotfound

Oh this thread is helpful.                                                                                          

apc

I have some sorted by type (e.g. animal/horse) and some just in a PDF folder (because I have a lot that are images). I also have some magazines and books in an Ebook folder which is not organised at all. In my Cross stitch pattern folder I am trying to name the files with as much info as possible, like the designer if relevant, and a description of what the pattern is, so I can hopefully find it by searching for keywords :)

honorable_cat

If they're in multiple categories I just make copies :D Probably not the best method because I wind up with duplicates everywhere :p

Vasilivalina

Interesting! I take some ideas and tips for my organization,  thak you guys

HeFoby

I have several folder, both on computer and irl, sorted by type.

GrannyAine

Very useful tips by everyone. Thank you

Bunbuni

Need to figure a system for mine too!

tophatty

Thank you for sharing

tophatty

Thank you for sharing

WiseOwl

Its a hard one!... I usually index mine by designer... I have a section for books and magazines too. The rest go under the miscellaneous heading... This is the section that is a shambles at the moment.... I am trying sort it all out but it is going to take sometime.....:dizzy::dizzy:

NoraBL

yo tambien agradeceria ideas ¡¡ los tengo organizados por artistas, algunos por modelos , y las revistas agrupadas por su nombre..pero aun asi me es complicada la organizacion ¡:)

HollyBlue

I dont have one - I used to put everything in folders as per format and subject but then it just got too tedious to do that.  So now its all a bit pot luck, but on the other hand sometimes I find things I never knew I had.  Ive wondered whether to photograph the index page of all my magazines so I would know what was in each ...

quyd

usually index mine by designer... I have a section for books and magazines too. The rest go under the miscellaneous heading... This is the section that is a shambles at the moment.... I am trying sort it all out but it is going to take sometime

Blackhat

Yeah, I was trying to do mine by designer too, until I learned how often designers work in tandem under a group name, then split off and do their own patterns other times... Ugh. This is getting ugly.

riverrat

need to figure me out a system as well:(

cindymae

I keep my patterns organized by subject and some by designer that I have a lot of that particular designer.  I keep them in sheet protectors in notebooks.

sallyrose

I tried using the Subject method but I found that too disorganized.
So I changed to the Designer files way. I prefer that although it also has its problems.
I do not think there is a perfect way to do it.

LucyLiu

I have kept all by subject but have them by designers as well