Whether you have a big or a small space, getting yourself organized is the first step to being a happy stitcher! There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to sew, and feeling too discombobulated in your space to get to work.
Now, I’m certainly no organization pro, but it’s always fun to see someone else’s sewing room, right? Here are a few ideas that may help you stay clutter-free with everything in its place.
Fabric Storage
We spend so much money on a single yard of fabric that we need to be able to see what we have.
One idea is to fold your yardage so it’s all the same size and fits onto a standard bookshelf, and then sort and stack by color. Novelties go together, low volumes go together, and colors stay together, keeping it easy to find exactly what you need—and to remind yourself of the treasures you already have.
Another thought is to re-purpose a file cabinet into fabric storage. Simply drape the fabric over the hanging file folders (it should support the weight) and then organize same as above — colors, novelties, etc. Plus, you’ll have the added space on the top of the file cabinet for books, your ScanNCut2, ruler rack, etc.
Fat Quarter Storage
Fat quarters are easy to store, maybe that’s why everyone we know has a stash of them! Once folded they’re the perfect size to stack in a drawer or in a CD tower.
They can also easily be stacked by color and placed in the cubies of a shoe organizer too. Hang it on the wall and you have a colorful wall decoration, storage, and can easily see what color you have on hand!
Fabric Scrap Storage
We all have a problem with scraps — we can’t bring ourselves to trash them, but we have a hard time remembering about them. So, once again, put them on display!
First sort them by color — size doesn’t matter here. Then, purchase baskets, bins or fun jars. Now, take the sorted colors and fill the containers. It’s that simple. If you’re using baskets or bins that aren’t see-through, but sure to mark them in some way so you know what’s inside.
Pattern Storage
Still have room in that old file cabinet? Store your patterns in one drawer. No room (I totally understand)? Get a bunch of those old magazine storage containers and organize them within the bins. Label the front side of the bins so you know what’s what and spend less time digging around.
One method we’ve found that doesn’t work so well — sticking them in a drawer or box where they fall flat. You’ll never know what you have and forget about the hidden gems down deep in the drawer.
Thread Storage
We know this doesn’t work for everyone, but thread racks are one way to manage store all that thread. Plus, it’s pretty to look at and you’ll instantly know what colors you have. Think out side the box: you don’t have to mount the thread racks on your wall. Try hanging them on the back of the door, side of a bookshelf or cabinet, or in that weird small spot by the closet. You never know where you might get a thread rack to fit!
Clean Out
Don’t hate us, but yes, we recommend you clean out your sewing stash every couple of years. You never know what you’ll run across that will inspire you all over again!
Ditching, donating, gifting, or selling the fabric, books, patterns, notions and tools that you haven’t even thought about in a year (much less used!) can probably be parted with. You’ll know what you don’t need anymore — and you’ll feel so much better when it’s done.
How do you keep your sewing studio organized, de-cluttered, and ready to work?