10 Steps to a Perfect Sewing Room – Free Patterns and Ideas
I love my sewing studio. Let me share my best tips, free patterns, and hacks to give you the sewing space you always dreamed of.
Sometimes I have organized mess; I know exactly where things are but they don’t look neat and tidy. Other times I have everything under control; a clean work space and picture-ready. I do prefer, however, to at least have a place for everything even if I don’t always keep it there.
Once I figure out a system that works I like to share it with you in case it helps you too. Here are the hacks and patterns that I used to make my sewing studio functional and inspiring.
Step One: Clear Out Unused Items
I keep lots of things because I know it will be useful eventually! The problem is that eventually doesn’t always come soon enough. Any time I start looking for more storage solutions, my first step has to be to let things go.
So step one is to go through your baskets and drawers (take it one at a time) and remove anything you have not used recently. Determine what “recently” means to you before you start. I decided that if I haven’t used it in the last six months I would take it out of storage and put it on my table. Then I organize what’s left in the drawer.
How: Nesting Felt Cups
Sew some perfectly sized nesting cups for small supplies or notions. Here is the free pattern that you will love from Gluesticks.
How: Pixie Drawer Organizer
A few little bins in the drawer make all the difference. You can keep your sewing machine tools, presser feet, or other specialty tools in just the right spot. You can also use these to store your memory sticks; I have a solid handful of those. Here is the free sewing pattern.
Step Two: Donate the Rest
All the things you pulled out can be donated. Donate your surplus to places that could use them for crafting and sewing projects. Consider daycare centers, sewing classes, retirement centers, schools, and other community centers.
Thrift stores will also accept things you no longer use; that’s where I get some of my best finds so share the love! You can pretty much bet that your treasures will be well loved if someone buys them secondhand. Rest easy knowing that they will get used well.
How: Sort Supplies
You can throw all your donations into a box and immediately drive them away, or you can set that box by the door. You can continue to add to it as you go from one space to another. I sometimes drag things out as I organize because I find that I create more space! Let’s be realistic, there is always something that I just can’t get rid of.
Step Three: Organize Your Threads
I organize my thread by type and color. My thread is one of the things that I always keep in order. It’s important to me to be able to find what I need for my long arm, my embroidery, and my other machines. Any time I’m inspired to make a new project I want to make sure to have my supplies where I can find them.
How: Purchased or Recycled Organizers
You can use a thread rack, thread storage boxes, baby food jars, small plastic containers, tin boxes, ice trays, or even a pegboard to keep your threads easily accessible and tangle-free. Embroidery floss and specialty threads should be stored separately so you don’t mix them up. This is one of my go-to tools for my most used colors.
How: Drawer Dividers
Sew these sturdy organizers for thread. I love to use these because I can take out a group of thread at a time. Then it’s easy to put away again when I’m finished.
Hack: Label Your Storage Bins
If you have storage bins or containers for your sewing supplies, it is a good idea to label them so it is easy to know what’s inside. You might want to include fabric lengths, textures, colors, etc., on your labels. This simple step can save you time and prevent you from rummaging through multiple bins to find what you need.
How: Various Labeling Methods
You could choose to use a label maker to create labels that are clear and professional-looking. Label makers allow you to use custom fonts, styles, and sizes. You could also use a permanent marker or paper labels with tape to track what is in each storage bin. Staying consistent with labeling can make things much simpler later on.
These DIY hanging storage bins have chalk fabric for easy labels.
Step Four: Create a Fabric Organization System
Keep your fabric stash in check by creating a systematic way to organize your fabrics. You can sort them by color, pattern, or fabric type and store them in clear bins or on shelves. Having a well-organized fabric collection will not only declutter your sewing space but also inspire you to start new projects.
Hack: Utilize Your Vertical Space
By using vertical storage, you can make a lot more room in your sewing area. This will help free up valuable workspace and keep your supplies within easy reach. Vertical storage is especially useful for small sewing areas with limited floor space.
How: Moving On Up!
Shelves can be installed on the wall for fabrics. Comic book boards can be used as mini bolts to wrap fabric around. And you could even repurpose furniture such as dressers and bookcases for storage solutions!
Pro Tip: Pegboards work well for hanging scissors, rulers, and other tools. More on that later.
How: Sturdy Bins
You can roll the fabric onto cardboard or comic book boards to store on shelves in your sewing room. You might also upcycle racks, ladders, or wooden crates for storage. You can also store fabrics on hangers in a closet, or in bins, boxes, or baskets. Sew custom storage with a lid and a see-through vinyl window (in two sizes) with my free sewing pattern.
How: Sew a Quilted Bin
If you prefer to keep your shelves organized with containers, sew this quilted bin from All People Quilt. You can store all kinds of projects grouped together on your shelves, and you can even coordinate the fabric with the project inside!
- Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
Hack: Storing Small Fabric Pieces
It helps to fold smaller pieces of fabric the same way so they can be stored together. Organizing bins or drawer dividers to keep your fat quarters and other fabric pieces smaller than one yard sorted and easily accessible.
How: Foldable Bins
You can sew these foldable bins in three sizes. They are fat quarter friendly, and super easy. They also fold flat so they’re easy to store if your fabric stash fluctuates over time.
How: Folded Neatly
If you have extra drawer space in your sewing area, store your smaller cuts of fabric in a drawer without a bin. Fat quarters and other small pieces of fabric can be folded to fit just right into that empty drawer if you have enough to fill it.
Step Five: Tame Fabric Scraps
I store my favorite fabric scraps in baskets by color, and my less-favorite scraps in a treasure box. Learn 15 ways to organize and store fabric scraps.
How: Scrap Baskets
Not only can you store your scraps in these cute baskets, but you can also use them up like crazy! Here’s a free pattern by The Sewing Loft for these cute, scrappy baskets.
Step Six: Hang A Peg Board
A pegboard is a wonderful way to organize and store sewing tools and notions. If you have space for one, I highly recommend them. I use mine mostly for my embroidery hoops, tools, and larger accessories. I got a basic wooden board and painted it white, and then ordered a set of hooks from Amazon.
Pro Tip: You can install a pegboard on the side of a cabinet or table. I have one on the side of my cutting table for rulers.
How: Accessories
These pegboard bins from Amazon are a great alternative to sewing your own.
Hack: Large Hanging Storage
Large peg baskets like these are great for holding materials and tools. With a nice big opening and pockets that can be placed on the inside and the outside, you can keep your materials organized. They are easy to make using my free sewing pattern.
Hack: Small Peg Bins
Take stock of your small sewing notions such as buttons, zippers, and pins. Smaller peg bins are great for storing collections of small items. A clutter-free notion storage area will make finding the right supplies for your projects a breeze.
Step Seven: Make a System for Works in Progress
If you’re a hobbyist with multiple projects at once, you will need a system for organizing your works in progress. Use baskets, bins, or project bags to keep them separated and labeled. I love the scrapbook paper bins made for 12” square sheets. They are great for 12 1/2” quilt blocks, thread spools, zippers, and more. Having a designated space for unfinished projects will prevent clutter from piling up and help you stay focused on completing each one.
How: See-Through Project Pouch
Bags like these are perfect for storing quilt blocks, pieces of projects, or other notions. You can also hang these on your pegboard. Use this free sewing pattern to make yours!
How: Closeable Project Bag
Keep your string and yarn projects contained and ready to go with this free project bag sewing pattern. There is a hole in the top so you can draw the string out as you need to, and still keep the bag closed.
Step Eight: Situate Your Cutting Area
Clear off your flat surfaces, especially the one where you do your cutting. If you haven’t already, invest in a cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler to make cutting accurate. Cutting mats and rulers hang flat, so even if you can’t dedicate a space for cutting, you can still hang your tools for easy storage instead of stacking them on a pile of fabric, or stuffing them under your bed. You will be happy you took time to hang those tools.
How: Find Something Fun
My friend went to an antique store and found an old receipt stabber (I think that’s what it is); that she hangs her rulers on. You can get creative and find something that makes you happy.
How: Make a Scrap Collector
You can’t have too many mini baskets. I always find that I need somewhere to put garbage, threads, or scraps. This can come with you when you cut so you don’t have to waste time picking up after yourself. Get the free sewing pattern for the scraptastic basket from EmmalineBags.com
Step Nine: Tackle the Sewing Area
Sit down at your machine and see what you need here. A clean and clear sewing machine area will make it more enjoyable to work on your projects without distractions. If you have to stop and clean up every time you begin sewing, you’re much less likely to start.
How: Keep a Bin Nearby
Never underestimate the power of a garbage can. Placing a small bin near your sewing table makes it easy to quickly dispose of thread clippings, fabric scraps, and other waste materials as you work. Having a bin within reach helps you maintain a clean and clutter-free workspace.
How: Sew a Small Fabric Bin
If you don’t have room for a full size garbage can, consider sewing a fabric basket using this free sewing pattern. It’s so easy to sew this project, and it’s the perfect size for thread and other small garbage that happens when working on a project.
How: Use a Sewing Machine Mat
This sewing machine mat from Polka Dot Chair is great for keeping your most used tools organized, and the little cup is a perfect place for threads.
How: Sew a Caddy
This sturdy caddy fits over a mug for maximum durability. It’s a perfect way to keep things situated, and easy to sew, too. Here is my free sewing pattern so you can make your own.
How: Sew a Cover
Keep the dust off and out (sewing makes enough by itself) with a machine cover. Here is a free sewing pattern for making your own!
For Fun: Sew Adorable Pincushions
If you feel like you want to refresh your sewing area with some cute or stylish pincushions, why not take a break from organizing and make something you love (that will actually make your space fun to use again). Check out these 10 Fast and Easy Pincushion Patterns that you can sew for free.
Step Ten: Store Your Patterns
But don’t just store them, go through them if it’s been a while. Make sure you are keeping on purpose.
Store your sewing patterns in an organized manner to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. You can use pattern storage envelopes or plastic sleeves inside your binders to keep your patterns neatly organized and protected. Here is a free sewing pattern for a perfectly sized bin.
How: Sew a Bin
This perfect rectangle basket is also great for patterns. The handle on the side makes storage easy to access later. You can even label the bin for better organization.
Hack: Hanging Organizers for the Wall
Some creative sewists make their own hanging organizers with canvas and cotton fabric. You could also upcycle an old shoe storage bag. These also hang over the door and have great storage pockets. Most have 8 to 12 large pockets that would be great for storing your sewing items or fabrics.
Hack: Use Closet Space
This hanging organizer can be hung in your closet when not in use, and on a hook when you want it out. You can also take this with you to retreats or other events as an easy way to organize tools; assuming you have a place to hang it.
Step Eleven: Rotate Seasonal Items
Another excellent way to keep clutter to a minimum is to store seasonal sewing supplies, such as holiday fabrics or decorations, in labeled bins and rotate them out as needed. These bins can be placed on the back of your shelves or even in the closet or attic with your holiday decorations. Keeping seasonal items organized and stored away when not in use gives you even more space in your sewing room for projects that you are working on now…and more space could equal more projects!
How: Sew Big Foldable Bins
Fill these with your seasonal fabric and store them on the highest shelf, or the bottom of a closet. Make room for the fabric you are most likely to use. Use my free sewing pattern to make your sewing experience more enjoyable.
Bonus: Reward Yourself
After decluttering and organizing your sewing space, you might like to take a moment to admire your hard work and enjoy your refreshed workspace. And then get inspired to begin your next project in a decluttered space. Why not give my three yard quilt Hugs and Kisses a go. You deserve it!
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Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂