Introduction: How to Archive Sewing or Other Types of Patterns.

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About: I Exclusively Work The Renaissance Faires . Quality Of Life Not Quantity Is What 's Important.

Working with the same pattern, altering multiple ways and making all the size ranges ( xs to xl) I ran in to a problem. This cant be done with one pattern. Rather than buy many of the same pattern, I came up with this method.
   This Instructable is for a fabric pattern I am going to augment and use as a leather pattern. Archiving the original pattern and all variations helps in the metamorphosis of your design ideals. 

Step 1: Tools and Materials

 Tools & Materials
       Scissors and  or a roll cutter
       Ruler
       Pen and a Sharpie
       Transparent Tape
       Clear Packing Tape
       Card Stock  8.5 x 11  67 to 110lb.
       Scanner not shown
       Pattern

Step 2: Paper Layout

Using a pen and ruler draw a 1/2" border around the Paper. This is for alignment and squaring purposes.

Step 3: Pattern Cutting

Cut your pattern on at least two edges square Internally and leave at least 1/4 " on the outer edges. Remember to cut within the new borders you drew on the paper ( 7 1/2 x 10" maximum size for a cut pattern piece ). I try to not to cut apart words or other information on the pattern that I think  should stay on one section even if I use extra paper.

Step 4: Pattern Layout and Marking

Tape the pattern squarely on the paper with translucent tape inside the boundaries and mark pieces.

Step 5: Scanning

Scan all pieces as .jpeg  at  100%. I scan in color then render in grayscale on the computer. On my scanner the scan in black and white setting often produces undesirable results.  I Use Photoshop to adjust and render the image into grayscale. Here is how to do it in windows photo gallery.
   1.   Open image in photo gallery.
   2.  Open Fix ( Pic 2)
   3.  Go to Adjust Color ( Pic 3)
   4.  Adjust Slide Bars To Zero Value.

Step 6: Before and After Scanning to Printing

 Print all pieces at  a 1 to 1 ratio (100 % ). You now have a completed pattern .

Step 7: Putting It Together.

Cut Tabs off on one side leave other side on for attachment

Step 8: Align and Tape

Align and tape all pattern pieces with translucent tape.

Step 9: Laminating

I use heavy duty clear packing tape to laminate both sides of my finished pattern. This gives me a nice thick edge to trace or cut around.I Can also make notes and adjustments on the pattern with a dry erase marker .

Step 10: Adjust at Will

The adjustments I make on the pattern will be cut out and re- scanned on the layout paper from step 2 and taped back in to position or I will just re print the pattern. These patterns can now be shared amongst friends.