How to Store Vintage Sewing Patterns

Storing vintage sewing patterns is just as, if not more important, than collecting vintage patterns. Proper storage ensures your collections stands the test of time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard backing
• Small brown paper bags
• Metal storage drawers or file cabinet.
• Space
• A free flowing source to circulate air: open space, a fan

1. 

   Consider a proper space for storage. Space easily becomes an issue when you go from 100 patterns to 1500 patterns. Storing patterns tightly in boxes, drawers and plastic bins atop each other is as detrimental as a smelly moldy basement.
   
   A cool open free flowing area is.
   
   The area must be well-ventilated. Constantly running a ceiling fan on low is ideal. A dehumidifier provides extra protection.

2. 

   Go to any fabric store to purchase sewing patterns, you'll find patterns stored in metal pattern drawers.
   
   Sewing patterns are an investment. Treat them as such, by investing in a set of metal drawers or a set of file cabinets.
   
   This provides adequate safe storage, easy access and an easy way to catalogue your collection.
   
   Plastic bins are subject to moisture and humidity. Avoid them at all costs no matter how tempting it is to go cheap.

3. Don't "tight pack" patterns. If moisture occurs because patterns are so tightly packed more patterns than would have otherwise been harmed are now damaged.

4. Place thick cardboad backers behind each individual pattern. This helps ensure shape and acts as a barrier in event of moisture, mildew or some other culprit.

5. 

   It's okay to ship in plastic wrapping.
   
   If your pattern has to sit on the porch for a few hours after it's delivered and it's raining you'll appreciate the effort.
   
   But,if while in storage if your patterns mildew or are ruined because moisture gets into the plastic ziploc (or other like material) it's a different story.
   
   With that in mind. Do not store patterns in plastic unless you're using archival quality materials.
   
   If you must store them in anything other than the drawer or file cabinet with cardboard backing, place patterns in small lightweight brown paper bags or paper envelopes (available at office supply stores).
   
   The dark color protects patterns from sunlight, while providing extra protection.

6. Now your collection is in good hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a ceiling fan, small fan or air conditioner running in your storage room.
• For more detailed information visit the link below.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Patterns should be stored in an upright position.
• Don't store patterns in plastic bin or boxes.

Resources

• Storing vintage patterns

[sewcraftful]

on 3/17/2009 You're welcome. Alot of people store their patterns in plastic. It's a bad idea and when the pattern gets mildew or mold from moisture or humidity...it's enough to make you faint. :)Think about patterns at fabric stores-not stored in plastic. It's best storing patterns in separate larger paper envelopes. I'm glad this information is useful!Please check back. I have other articles I'm working on.Callie

[nancysoffice]

on 3/17/2009 Great pointers, I was unaware of not to store patterns in plastic. Thanks for sharing.