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How-to

Reader Tip: Color-Code Patterns for Easy Access

Threads #178, April/May 2015

This reader-submitted tip was originally featured in Threads #178 (April/May 2015).

I label my patterns with large, colored, self-adhesive dots. I group the patterns by style. The dots indicate what’s in a pattern envelope: a green dot for skirts, red for jackets, etc. I fold one or more colored dots over the pattern envelope’s top flap where they can be seen easily. The left dot represents the style I wanted to make when I bought the pattern. The next dot indicates my second-favorite garment in the pattern, and so on. I also made a chart indicating what style each color represents. It’s simple to find a skirt pattern because I know it has a green dot. It’s also easy to return patterns to the correct location when a project is complete (sorted by the left dot).

-Carole McRight, Vicksburg, Mississippi


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  1. User avater
    MarcioWilges | | #1

    Organizing is really necessary if you wish to save up on time of retrieving the items later on. During packing is the most convenient phase in which you can start to organize the things and arrange them in such a way that you deem most suitable for your needs.

  2. Lady_D | | #2

    Great idea, and much better than my semi-organized system. I have filed my patterns by manufacturer, then pattern number. I segregated the craft patterns from the clothing, but that's all I've done. This color-coded system is much better. I just need to buy the stickers to be able to do this.

  3. user-5910757 | | #3

    Haha! Just like a medical file with chronic conditions and allergies! Good idea!

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