19 Clever Hacks to Organize Your Sewing Room
For those who love sewing, it is so much more enjoyable to work in a clutter-free space. Trying to work around a mess can be frustrating and distracting, but a tidy sewing area can help you stay organized and focused on your projects. If this is something you struggle with, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll share 16 tips to help you declutter your sewing space so you can create comfortably and efficiently.
Clear Out Unused Items
You can start the decluttering process by going through your sewing supplies and getting rid of anything you no longer use or need. Don’t hang on to things you know you will never use, but toss out anything damaged or beyond repair. Clearing out unused items will free up space and make finding the things you need easier. Read on to see how.
How: You Can Donate The Good Stuff
While clearing out things that you don’t use, you can donate sewing tools, supplies, fabrics, etc., to places that could use them for crafting and sewing projects. Daycare centers, sewing classes, retirement centers, schools, and other community centers could use these items to pass the art of sewing on to others.
Organize Your Threads
Keep your threads neat and tidy by organizing them into colors or types. Organizing your threads will not only declutter your sewing space but also make it easier to find the right color for your projects. Whether you store thread by color or by type depends on your preferences and what types of sewing projects you are working on. Read the next slide for more.
How: Purchased or Recycled Organizers
You can use a wall-mounted 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.
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. See the next slide for ideas.
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.
Utilize Your Vertical Space
You can maximize the space in your sewing room by using vertical storage solutions. 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. See a few ways to move your storage up in the next slide!
How: Moving On Up!
By using vertical storage, you can make a lot more room in your sewing area. Shelves can be installed on the wall for fabrics, thread spools, and more. Pegboards work well for hanging scissors, rulers, and other tools. 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!
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.
How: Arranging Fabrics 101
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.
Fabric Pieces Less than One Yard
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.
Fabric Scraps
I like to store my favorite fabric scraps in baskets by color, and my less-favorite scraps in a larger box that I let anyone take from. Learn 5 ways to organize and store fabric scraps.
Install a Peg Board to Sort and Declutter Your Notions
A pegboard is a wonderful way to organize and store sewing tools and notions. There are multiple kinds of pegboards. The pegboard above is the less expensive kind, made with natural materials. A metal pegboard is sturdier and longer-lasting.
Peg Baskets With Pockets
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 sew using a free pattern.
Small Peg Bins
Take stock of your small sewing notions such as buttons, zippers, and pins, and declutter any damaged or useless items. 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.
Establish 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.
Set Up a Designated Cutting Area
Create a designated cutting area in your sewing space to keep your work surface clutter-free. Invest in a cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler to make cutting fabric a breeze, and keep these items in easy reach of your cutting area. Having a dedicated cutting space will not only keep your sewing area organized but also improve your cutting accuracy and efficiency.
Keep Your Sewing Machine Area Clear
Keep the area around your sewing machine clear by regularly tidying up after each project. Store your sewing machine accessories in a designated drawer or caddy to keep them organized and easy to find. 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 before you can begin sewing, you’re much less likely to start.
Store Patterns Properly
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. Then, when you are ready to work on a project, the pattern will be easy to see and find. Properly storing your patterns will save you time and frustration when you’re ready to start a new project.
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.
Implement a Regular Cleaning Routine
Maintenance is vital for a clutter-free sewing space. You should set aside time each week to clean up your sewing area, putting everything back into its bin, box, or other storage place. You should also dust the surfaces in your sewing room and sweep or vacuum the floor. A clean and organized sewing space will not only boost your productivity but also create a peaceful environment for you to let your creativity loose.
Keep a Trash Bin Nearby
Never underestimate the power of a trash can. Placing a small trash 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 trash bin within reach helps you maintain a clean and clutter-free workspace. Be sure to empty it daily.
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!
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. It can be fun to treat yourself to a new sewing tool or fabric as a reward for creating an efficient and organized space for your sewing projects. As you begin your next project in a decluttered space, your mind can get lost in your work with no mess to distract you.
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By following these 16 tips to declutter your sewing space, you can create a clean and organized environment that enhances your sewing instead of distracting you. A clutter-free sewing space not only makes it easier to find your supplies and work efficiently but also provides a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere for your creative mind to work. Taking the time to declutter your sewing space will allow you to enjoy the benefits of a tidy and well-organized workspace.
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