::Sewing::Top Tip:: Folding Sewing Patterns

Lately I've been cutting out sewing patterns and then carefully folding them up and putting them back in the envelope so they are ready to go when I am.

I like cutting my pattern pieces out using a paper-only rotary cutter and a self-healing mat. It's a quick and precise way of cutting them out.

While doing this I've come up with a nifty 'new-to-me' technique of folding patterns so that they fit nicely back in the envelope. I'm probably late to the party on this trick, but I thought I'd share it just in case I help someone else wrangle their patterns back into envelopes.

I was trying to pack my Hollyburn pattern back into the envelope when I realised that the instructions sheet would make a great folding template for the pattern. After all the instructions sheet fits comfortably in the envelope. 

To make sorting through folded pattern pieces easier I try to make sure the pattern piece number is on the front when it is folded. So I usually start by flipping the pattern so the right side of the pattern is facing down. I place the pattern instructions over the pattern piece number.

I prefer to fold the long sides down first to create a long piece. So now the pattern piece will be a width that will fit in the envelope.

Before I move on to folding down the pattern to fit the length of the envelope. I free the instructions sheet from the pattern piece. Then I use it as measure for how long the pattern piece should be. I place the instructions sheet over the pattern number and fold the pattern around it. Then I slip the sheet out the side of the folded pattern.

I end up with a pattern piece folded up to a nice size to fit in it's envelope and because the number is on the front I can easily sort through them when they come out of the envelope.

Until next time, I hope you're having a few lightbulb moments of your own,
Vanessa xo