RonieM

I've been quilting for about 24 years and over the course of time I have accumulated many, many patterns. About 17 years ago, I went to the binder method for storing my patterns. Putting the pattern in the sheet protector and then putting the sheet protector in the appropriate binder. I probably have about 20+ binders.

About every 2 years or so, I would go through each binder and purge any patterns that no longer appealed to me.

Last night I was thinking about the storage method that I currently use and if there was a way to improve upon it. Something I am considering is scanning in each of the patterns that I want to keep and storing them digitally. I would then give away or recycle the hard copies.

I could then just bring up the pattern digitally and work off the electronic device, or if I really felt I needed a hard copy I could print it out. Yes, I would have a back-up in case my device crashes.

Has anyone done this? How did it work for you? Are you regretting your decision?

TIA for your reply.

selm

I store most of my patterns digitally. Most were downloaded from a website. Many I copied from a website, pasted into a word document and edited to make it a smaller file(cut unnecessary pictures, reduced sizes of pictures, etc). A bit of work but I find if you bookmark a web page it could(and probably will) disappear over time.
I do have a supply of many years of various quilting magazines. I started scanning and saving patterns from them digitally but find it slow and a little difficulty with some magazines whose page sizes are borderline too big. I'll never be able to make all the patterns I've saved so may stop scanning and just pass the magazines on to others.
I think download, editing or scanning is the same or less time than the printing and organizing in binders, although I've never done that. Also digitizing means no paper use or storage until you really decide to make a pattern.

LarasAussies

I store almost all my patterns electronically. I have folders set up and file them so I can find them again plus it lets me search. I have them stored in Notability which is Cloud based application that will synchronize across all my devices and is backed up. I mostly buy or save electronic files so it’s easy to store them there and than I can print if I want to. I have an iPad that I pull the pattern up on when quilting so I don’t normally print.

lindaschipper

I would rather have a hard copy of the pattern as opposed to taking up all the needed space on my computer. Yes...I'm always different...LOL

RonieM

I'm thinking about storing them on my google drive. Then I can access them from whatever device I decide to use.

SuzzyQ

I have patterns stored digitally with back up and only print the ones that I plan to make. So far two binders arranged by strip, charms, etc

sJens

I too store mine on my computer and only make hard copies if I am going to make them at that time. Works great for me.

Battle Axe

At Annie's there is the Pattern Keeper Organizer. Some nice boxes that are just the right size for patterns. I have 3 partially filled. Very handy.

luvrazz

To store a paper pattern electronically do you scan and then save to a word document ?

selm

Yes, this is how to store paper patterns.