I had to change the settings on my printer to 'Draft mode' to alleviate this problem. I can't tell any difference in the patterns, just uses less ink. Hope this is of some help. :-)

I just save the patterns to a file on my computer. So I can read it and when really needed print it when I make the project.

I avoid purchasing anything that I have to print out. It is way too costly. Plus, you are confined to patterns that fit on a sheet of paper, or you have to do a lot of taping together. The bottom line is that by not making a paper pattern, they save money. I don't see this pattern going away any time soon, but I sure do understand your problem.

I changed my setting to draft mode and grayscale printing. I don't print the patterns until I am going to use them, also saving in a document file, like mops suggested.

I do exactly as jrob does

I feel your pain...I'm with Jrob, Mops and Leaha...draft mode...grayscale or black only..and I don't print until I really need it...

A laser printer is a lot less costly over-all than an ink jet printer. If you are only doing black and white print-outs, you should consider getting a used monochrome laser jet printer. Our company recently sold one with a nearly new cartridge for less than $120 USD. The printer would print another 150,000+ pages before needing a new cartridge. It was also a network printer. Laser printers are usually much faster than ink jet printers.