One of the things I dread most about sewing is trying to get all those flimsy tissue pattern pieces back into that itty bitty envelope. Sure, you can just fold them up haphazardly, but then the next time you go to use that pattern you have to open each piece and they have a gazillion little folds all over them that make pinning them flat nearly impossible.
I decided to devise a plan and document it for anyone else wanting to reduce pattern frustration.
1: Cut out all the pattern pieces, not just the ones you need for the current project. (Hint: if you are using a pattern that can make 2 or 3 different sizes and you plan to make a few different sized items from the pattern, make the largest sized item first.)
2: Iron all the pieces so they lay flat. Use a low setting with no steam or the edges will curl up on you. Cut out the fabric for your project and when it is complete, continue with the following steps.
3: Take all the pieces and the pattern envelope back to the ironing board. (Now, if you don't own an ironing board and iron you probably aren't the kind of person who is going to give a rip about whether the pattern pieces are put back nicely or not...just sayin'.) Fold each pattern piece so that each piece's number can be easily seen and in a folded into a size that is close to the size of the envelope. Iron them so they are as flat as can be and place the patterns in numerical order.
3: Take all the pieces and the pattern envelope back to the ironing board. (Now, if you don't own an ironing board and iron you probably aren't the kind of person who is going to give a rip about whether the pattern pieces are put back nicely or not...just sayin'.) Fold each pattern piece so that each piece's number can be easily seen and in a folded into a size that is close to the size of the envelope. Iron them so they are as flat as can be and place the patterns in numerical order.
4: Sandwich the pattern pieces between the 2 (or more) pages of instructions to keep them from ripping or catching on the envelope opening.
5: They will now easily slide back in. When you go to use the pattern the next time you can easily pick out the pieces you need. (I would iron them again at this point so they will lie flat on my fabric for easier cutting.
Additional Notes: I found that an easy way to transfer circles and squares onto the pattern below is to cut them out on the actual pattern piece. I use a hole punch for the small and large circles and a small, sharp pair of scissors for the squares and triangles. Like so:
It is very easy to then draw a circle in the circle opening or a square in the square opening, etc. on your fabric pieces.
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