This time of year I'm in the mood to get get my sewing/quilting space organized and Andy has some really useful and practical tips and storage solutions. I'm re-sharing this helpful sewing room organization ideas guest post as it has been one of the most popular on this site. Even if you're not in the mood to overhaul your entire sewing space, you might find an idea for one small project to help get your quilting patterns or supplies organized. Andy has some really practical and doable suggestions.
Hi everyone! I’m Andy Knowlton, pattern designer and blogger at A Bright Corner. I love creating pretty things every day and I’ve discovered that I feel way more creative and productive when my space is well organized.
I have a series over on A Bright Corner all about sewing room organization where I share tons of tips and suggestions on ways to store, sort and organize everything -- from rulers and tools to fabric and even those printable PDF patterns.
Today I’ve got my top 10 favorite organizing tips to share, but if you don’t want to miss out on any great ideas, you can find my Sew Organized series here:
Sew Organized Part 1: Tips for Storing Quilting Tools and Rulers
Sew Organized Part 2: Tips for Storing Patterns, Magazines and Books
Sew Organized Part 3: Storing and Organizing Fabric and Scraps
Sew Organized Part 4: Quilting Projects and WIPs
There have also been lots of questions about my cutting table. Here's how we built this diy Ikea hack cutting table.
Alright - here we go!
Sewing Room Organization: Top 10 Tips
Tip 1: Storage Ideas. Sort and Store your Quilting Tools by Use & Store near the Work Area.
For example, keep all of your quilting rulers together by hanging them on a bar near your cutting table or workspace for easy access. Amy has another simple idea for ruler storage using Command Hooks here.
Another simple option would be a craft tool pegboard.
Store scissors, pens/markers, rotary cutters, sewing machine presser feet and other sewing supplies in a kitchen organizer like this one near your sewing table. Stay productive by keeping your favorite tools within reach! This organizer is called Grundtal and I bought if from IKEA.
Tip 2: Consider How you Use your Patterns.
If you refer to a few favorites often, they might be best stored in a 3 ring binder such as this one, with tabs to keep them organized and easy to find.
Paper patterns stay organized in a mini binder using small page protectors. They’re the perfect size for sliding a paper pattern into, and as you flip through the binder you can easily see both the front and back cover. You can also purchase mini binders at most office supply stores, Walmart, and Target.
Tip 3: Speaking of Patterns...
Always save a backup of any printable PDF patterns on a thumb drive, or hard drive! Once printed, I store PDF patterns and printable online tutorials in these cardboard magazine holders.
Tip 4: Sort your Quilting Magazines & Books:
Once a year sort through all quilting magazines and books and donate or give away the ones that you’re ready to let go of. Local quilt guilds and groups are a great place for passing along books and magazines. I try to limit my magazines to one shelf, and books to one shelf. When they start to overflow that small space then I know it’s time to donate some!
Tip 5: For your Favorite Magazine Patterns:
If you have favorite magazine patterns but don’t want to save the whole magazine, tear out the pages you need and store them in page protectors in a 3 ring binder like this one.
(photo from Make Life Lovely)
Tip 6: Fabric Storage:
Now let’s talk fabric stash storage. Think about how you choose fabric when you start a quilt. Do you reach for a certain designer first? Or do you look for colors? Or maybe you like to work within a certain style (Civil War prints, feed sack prints, modern geometrics, etc). Store your fabric according to how you use it! I usually start a quilt with a color palette in mind so I sort most of my fabric stash by color.
Tip 7: Storage Bins
Baskets or clear bins are a fantastic storage solution to corral your fabric storage. You can find bins in any size and shape to fit your space. You can stack them on a shelf, store them in a closet, or even push them under a bed if you’re short on storage space.
Tip 8: Sort your Scraps
When storing scraps, sorting by color is a great solution. Sorting by size is another option. I keep most of my scraps sorted by color in these bins on the top shelf of my closet. When I need to dig through for a scrap project it’s kind of fun to just dump the whole bin out and make a colorful mess. Clean up is easy because I just stuff everything back in, click on the lid and put it back on the shelf.
Or buy the clear drawers. You can find more tips for sorting, storing and using your fabric scraps here.
Tip 9: Storing your Projects
When storing quilting projects and WIPs, store everything for one project all together. I like to use these ArtBin Super Satchels -- I can even keep the backing and binding fabric in here along with the blocks and the pattern. If it’s easy to find, then you’ll be more likely to work on it! You can find these here at JoAnn's (where they are currently 50% off!) or here on Amazon.
Tip 10: Keep Track of those Projects!
Use some kind of planner or tracking sheet to help keep you on track so no project gets left behind. I like these two options: the Quilting Organizer Pack from Maker Valley, and this free printable Weekly Planner from Lisa to help break down the big picture lists into small, achievable goals. I keep these on a clipboard that hangs near my cutting table. The hope is that if we can keep our projects organized, then we’ll be more likely to finish them, right?
So there are my top ten tips for keeping your quilting space organized! Want even more sewing room organization hacks? Check out the entire Sew Organized series:
Sew Organized Part 1: Tips for Storing Quilting Tools and Rulers
Sew Organized Part 2: Tips for Storing Patterns, Magazines and Books
Sew Organized Part 3: Storing and Organizing Fabric and Scraps
Sew Organized Part 4: Quilting Projects and WIPs
And for even more ideas be sure to follow my Sewing Room Organization pinterest board - I’ll keep adding great ideas to the board as I find them!
Thanks so much, Andy! Be sure to check out Andy's beautiful quilt patterns in her shop! You can also see all of Andy's quilts and other inspiration on Instagram and Facebook.
I love this sewing room storage and organization post! I definitely feel motivated to get my own space/fabrics/projects organized. I hope you found some tips that were useful to you! And if you want to refer to this list later, be sure and pin <---- this image!
What about you? Do you have any great sewing room organization tips that have worked for you?
Terry
Your room looks lovely. How do you hang all of your mini quilts on the wall?
Andy Knowlton
Hi Terry! I use clear thumb tacks - just one in each of the top corners does the trick!
Kim Domingue
I laughed when I got to the photo of all the fabric on the wire shelves and the next photo with fabrics, scraps and projects in clear containers…I had to show the photos to my husband and told him “See? Great minds think alike!” I have so many of the same items in my workroom. I’ve gotten rid of practically all containers that aren’t clear. Baskets and pretty fabric bins are nice but I’ve found that, for me, out of sight is out of mind. It’s not that I don’t have a massive running inventory in my head of what I have but I’ve found that I need to physically see it with my eyes to make use of things. Side note, it freaks the hubs out that I can keep track of thousands of items in my head (painting, crafting, sewing, quilting, etc) but can’t remember peoples names to save my life, lol!
Elaine Tolsma
Instead of tearing out patterns from magazines, I copy them with my color printer. Then the whole magazine can go to a quilt group or the library. Nothing worse than seeing a quilt on the cover only to find someone has torn out the directions. I have three 3" binders full of patterns and pentograph ideas. Really like the idea about small three ring binder for paper patterns.
Amy
Great idea!
Elaine Jordan
Thank you, I like this idea, plus some patterns are continued and two might finish on the same page, nothing like tearing out a pattern and months later finishing out you don't have all the instructions
Rosemaryflower
BRILLIANT idea. I would do that too.
Pat
I do that to, and have 4 notebooks of patterns in clear sleeves.
Bea
I pretty much do this but #10 I have a weekly blog post with a list of current projects!
Elnora
Thank you both for this wonderfully helpful post! I’ll definitely implement some of the suggestions.
Sharon Howell
Some great ideas. Been wanting to organize, but just didn't know where to start. Thanks a lot. Will implement many.
LINDA
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Kelly
My husband has been a great help with my sewing room. He wants to build a sewing specific table. What is a good height and size?
Andy Knowlton
Hi Kelly - This one is made from two IKEA bookcases with a countertop on top and locking wheels on the bottom. As far as height goes, I think it depends a lot on your height. You want to be able to cut without having to bend way over - that kills my back. But if the table is too high, then you can't put much of your arm strength and body weight into cutting. Test out a few different heights (try cutting on your kitchen counter, kitchen table, etc) and see what works for you. My cutting table is 34" inches high and I'm 5'4". The table is 31" wide and 63" long.
Amy
Hi Kelly! Andy wrote her post about building her sewing table. Here is the link! https://www.abrightcorner.com/2018/02/diy-sewing-room-cutting-table-ikea-hack.html
Doris Werkman
Great ideas! I use some already but lots of new ones to ponder 🙂
Margaret Maley
I upload all my pdf files to dropbox. Thanks for all the tips!
Colleen Kelly
Thank you so/sew much.
I am 5
Mary
Dear Colleen, You're 5 years old? Fantastic keep sewing! it will soothe your soul.Have a wonderful Sewing Summer!
Sincerely, Mary (I'm 76😊)
Danice G
What a dreamy sewing room! Your organization is perfect. So neat and eye-catching as well.
Judy Caudill
What about people who sew clothing. I've been looking for sewing rooms for people who sew clothing. I'm not a quilter, I find it very tedious. There must be some ideas for my ultimate sewing room. My sewing room works pretty good right now,, but it could be better.
Amy
HI Judy! Good question. Here's a similar post from an apparel sewer: https://mellysews.com/2017/01/sewing-studio-organization-tips.html
She has some really good tips and ideas too!
Mardell
I really like your cutting table. Where did you find it? Or did someone make it for you? Thanks for sharing your tips.
Andy Knowlton
Hi Mardell - My husband made it from two IKEA bookcases and a counter top. I'm going to be doing a whole blog post about the cutting table and how he made it next Wednesday. (https://www.abrightcorner.com/) And then if you still have more questions, I'd be happy to answer them!
Amy
HI Mardell! Here is Andy's post about building her sewing table! https://www.abrightcorner.com/2018/02/diy-sewing-room-cutting-table-ikea-hack.html
Mabel
Thank you for sharing! I have implemented some of these ideas to my small sewing room.
It helps a lot.
Lee
That cutting table is great! thanks for sharing !
BLynn
I try to save my photos of directions or pdf copies of files in evernote. Then I include a photo of the finished quilt to the same note. I use evernote for recipes the same way. Trying to do away with paper, when I can. I have an old iPad near my sewing machine so I look at directions easily.
Karen Eckhart
You are right on with your ideas. The only thing I would add is to take a label maker and label all those boxes with the name of the quilt that is still in progress and the ones you have the pattern and material for. I like to make sure all my boxes are labeled and that way, I can quickly find what I am looking for.
Amy
Great addition! There's something about a label maker that makes me feel so much more organized.
Colleen Rangel
I use binder clips to hang my rulers. They're cheap and easily found at Wal-Mart or office supply stores. The instructions can be slipped under the clip as well. I hang them on a small 5 Hook deal I Bought At Ikea Years Ago.
Amy
That is a great idea!! I'm going to try that myself. Thanks for sharing!
Alejandra
Great tips! I’ve read so many blogs on organization, but this one has given the best advice so far. Thanks!
Dottie MACOMBER
Nice ideas but not all of us have sewing rooms with such nice straight, wide walls; I have an old house with sloping walls so I can't use the ideas that require bars on the wall for hanging items. However, I'm happy that I do have a dedicated room for sewing, and I do use the binders for patterns.
Julie
I am curious how the various projects are hung on the wall by the tables in photo 1. I am wanting to do this in my own quilt room. Thanks.
Lynette Truskett
I have a small, sunny section of a room.I label my bins with writing paper, bold black print and tape it on the bin, so easy to see. I have a small cork board I pin " doing and have to do's".My machine table is so close to my cutting table it's time saving for me. I bought a 3 tire hairdre ssing stand for pins, cottons,all in small containers, all at my finger tips. Just a few ideas for small spaces. Thank You for your tips, I AM doing it right after all. Sometimes one gets overwhelmed.
Roberta Hudson
I built the same cutting table a few years ago and absolutely love it. Great use of space and many times I have more than one person cutting out at the same time. Thanks for sharing.
Sandra Caulder
FYI: The link for the Quilting Organizer Pack from Maker Valley isn't working. I got a 404 message.
Amy
Oh shoot! Thanks for the heads up. I updated the link. You can find them here now: https://makervalleybrand.com/products/quilting-organizer-pdf-pack
Sandra Caulder
I am a crafter AND a quilter/sewer...is there an easy way to incorporate BOTH into my craft room? It seem life I have stuff crammed in EVERYWHERE and I get so disorganized easily anymore. HELP would be appreciated. My Hubby is ready to throw it all away. Thanks.
Priscilla Witwer
Wow Amy! Look at your cutting table and sewing table all cleared off! Great job! Everything looks so nice. I love it when I do the same thing too. It's like, "Ahhh, I feel so good now! Time to start enjoying my sewing room again!" Have fun and enjoy your day!
c
Your hanging organizer (2nd one in tip #1) is great! Can you share your you got it? Or tell what it's called? Thanks!
[email protected]
C'est bien organisé merci pour le conseil, ça facilite le travail👍
desidear
So good to see your sewing and cutting stations at a right angle to the wall! I saw that on another post a couple years ago and it was definitely an 'ah-ha" moment for me. Why oh why was I using up all that valuable wall space by pushing my sewing "furniture" against it. I now have tools, thread, etc up on a wall and easily accessible, it opened up a large wall to use as project space, and the clutter is gone. The only remaining piece of the puzzle is to turn an old kitchen table top into an ironing space on wheels to have in the center of the room. That is my project for this month! Thanks for all the ideas on how to organize on the walls. I will be swapping out some of what I have for more efficiency like yours.
deb Baldwin
Hello..yes, I need these organizing tips...thank you...the most impressive was seeing the stacks of colored fabrics...I am very glad to see that I am not the only one who has quite a hearty stash...impressive! Please share where the clear thumb tacks come from...thank you again...Love it!! Deb
Gretchen
Is your cutting table just two bookshelves back to back with a board on top?
Amy
HI Gretchen! This is a guest post from Andy Knowlton. Definitely reach out to her with this question: [email protected]
marciajmail
I am in need of a cutting table and I noticed the one in your room. Where did you get it? I like the size and the storage underneath. I am starting from scratch with an empty room and not sure where to start looking. Thank you!!
Amy
Hi! This post was written by guest writer, Andy Knowlton. She shares the details about how she built her cutting table here: https://www.abrightcorner.com/2018/02/diy-sewing-room-cutting-table-ikea-hack.html
Laura
Hi- I made a table like this using 2 IKEA 4 drawer dressers (I’m tall). I placed them back to back but left about a foot between them - enough so my vacuum can fit through! I hung a tension rod in between to hold my fabric pieces as im piecing. I found a wooden tabletop at a crate and barrel outlet and cut it to the size I wanted.
I have sooo much room I actually have 2 empty drawers!
Jennifer Reith
Hi, Can you tell me what color you used on your walls in this room?
Thank you
Amy
Hi Jennifer! Reach out to post author Andy at [email protected] and she can tell you. (In case she doesn't see this comment here.)
Kim
I've already used some these ideas in my sewing room. I bought a curtain rod and some shower hooks for my rulers, works great. Had a destashing givaway last month. Now alot more room for fabric. YEAAA!!!
Carola
Thank you, your newsletter is so helpful as is this post. I am going to steal all of your ideas, especially the ones for storing fabric as I planned to re-arrange my sewing room anyway (and tidy it up, of course).
Kind regards from Germany!