Find out exactly what a pattern card is and why you need to be using one!
What is a pattern card?
Pattern card is a term used in the industry to describe a record of the pattern style. It will will contain a list of all of the pieces in the pattern set. It will also include any special information about the pattern, how many to cut of each piece, if there is lining or interfacing, notions, sewing instructions, and a flat technical sketch of the garment.
Why do I need to use a pattern card?
Easy. Organization. You should be using a pattern card. Period. Pattern cards, when used in conjunction with pattern hooks and a rabbit punch, are great tools to keep your patterns organized and easy to store. And I know that many of you have a problem organizing and storing patterns!
Pattern hooks can be used a couple of different ways. But ,the best part is you can hang all your patterns to keep them organized!
A rabbit pattern bunch punches a perfectly round hole so that you can hang your patterns using pattern hooks. (Pictured above)
What does a pattern card include?
Pattern cards are essential if you want to draft your own patterns. Once you start to build up a library of styles…things will get ugly if you don’t take preventative measures!
The pattern card will include all of the important information you need to know about a style, at a glance!
- Style name and description
- Size range of the pattern
- Pattern pieces and how many to cut
- Notions needed to sew garment
- Fabric and yardage
- Fabric care and washing instructions
- Any special notes about the style
Pattern cards can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, the goal is the same….Keep you organized and informed! You can keep a record of anything was difficult to sew, sewing tensions, or maybe you found it was easier to sew something in a different way than the instructions.
Pattern cards can be used for more than just patterns you’ve drafted at home. There is no reason why you can’t create a pattern card for your store bought or PDF indie sewing patterns! There is no need for bulky instructions. I mean, c’mon…you already know how to sew!
Just take a moment to really think about it….how convenient would it be to have all of your patterns organized! I promise, it only takes an extra minute or two to achieve pattern bliss!
Storage Tips
I like to use a clear plastic sheet and a pattern hook to keep my store bought or PDF patterns neat and tidy! You can also use a manila envelope!
For all of my drafted patterns, I use the rabbit punch and pattern hooks mentioned above to hang them in my closet. This is not the only closet that has patterns in it..Ahem!
I hope that you will find not only a pattern card, but the rabbit punch and pattern hooks useful.
Do you have a better way to organize patterns? Leave me a comment and let me know how you do it!
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Disclosure: Please note that some or all of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I might earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please know that I have experience with all of these products and I feel confident recommending them to you because I have found them to be helpful and useful….Read more here.
Hi I love this, how can I get one?
Currently, I don’t have many of my own patterns. As I have not gotten into designing my own as of yet. (single mum of a preschooler, at the moment). I use tall metal file cabinets. I have a 4 drawer one that is over flowing, and two file cabinets that have two drawers. These do not have any in them yet, life changed and I went back to school (February 2019). So I will probably have the tall one and one of the two drawer ones full. I like to organize them by company first then the number. I have found that to be the best organization. Although, I have no idea how to find stuff. I tried using Microsoft excel, however it was very time consuming, and I don’t think it is really good for as many patterns that I have. When I was cataloging them, the number was over 500 patterns, and I believe my collection to be closer to 600-700, maybe. I could be wrong, my memory isn’t always correct. But I know that there are a lot of patterns!LOL
The downloading link is not working. How do I get one? Love this
Useful information. Fortunate me I discovered your web site accidentally, and I’m surprised why this twist of fate didn’t came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
RobotFX https://www.robotfx.ro/
That was a good read. I just started making my own patterns and i tell you this never even came to mind(newbie problems). So happy i came across it. loved it!
PS: what paper/card are you using to draft your pattern as they look studier than normal dressmaking pattern papers i see online and on stores? Might be wise to wait until you reply before purchase any paper at all.
I’m using heavy duty kraft paper meant for pattern drafting! But, honestly…any kraft paper does a great job!
I have used parchment paper. And the art rolls of tracing type paper. I also use the craft paper (brown) rolled for kids coloring. I have also used regular printer paper and I have also used thick vinyl folders to make reusable (tracing outside) patterns. I’ve also used regular paper and laminated it. Card stock is also good. The thicker the paper, its easier to trace around instead of pinning. 🙂
Can I have your pattern card? I sew since few years, and I have a lot of patterns to organize now!! Thank you!
Absolutely! You can have one – please sign up for the list and it should be mailed to you immediately!
Thank you very much!!!!
You’re so welcome, I e-mailed to you!
I use a similar system for my machine embroidery, colour code, stitches, of course name and phone number of the person I am sewing for, and any other pertinent information. I also take a picture of the finished product5 – stitch count, breakdown of the bill and any other pertinent information – it is invaluable! Excellent ideal. Thanks so much
Thank you very much for the pattern card. I love for things to be neatly in place for the next usage….your system rocks!
You’re so welcome! I love some good organization too!
I love this….
I would love to get this but the download link is not functioning.
Thanks.
Please check your e-mail.
Please can I get one also.
I sent you an e-mail.
I’m also having trouble downloading the file. Could you please send it to me as well?
Thanks
I love this. This is rili gonna help me a lot
Awesome! I hope so!!! So simple, yet so effective!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.
You’re welcome!
Hi, please send the patterncard to me too. I cant load it down. Thank you for sharing! It will be perfect organizer help in my patternmess. LenaJ
Check you inbox Lena!
What is a pattern card and why should I already be using one?
Saucy, ay? You’ll have to read the article to find out! Plus, you can download one for free!
sounds really great I have 4 drawers with pattern in them they are organize
1 current projects to do within the month .
2snowmen and Christmas . 3. purses . tote bags aprons.
4. misc.
I don’t make many clothes. but do have a few that don’t fit the other categories.
WOW! You’ve got a lot of projects going on! Great job!
This would be quite handy when storing patterns we constructs at the uni. I will store all my patterns in a binder but I can have this in front of every pocket that have a pattern in it to easier see whats inside of the pocket instead of having to take out and look on everything.
Im doing Fashion Design btw and have a day a week with pattern making
Mia, that’s awesome! I think this would definitely help to keep your binder organized! I learned about pattern cards in Uni!
Love this idea. Where do you find the pattern hooks? Thank you
I have always purchased pattern hooks from Amazon, Atlas Levy, or PGM.
http://amzn.to/2cQrqGu
http://www.atlaslevy.com/Pattern-Hooks-C15-12-Pieces_p_377.html
http://www.pgmdressform.com/pattern-making-supplies-pattern-making-tools-c3/pattern-metal-hooks-12pcs-hold-lbs-802b-m12-p647.html