Organize Your Sewing Tools & Fabric in 3 Easy Steps
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January seems to be the official “get organized” month. Everywhere you look there are posts about clearing clutter and organization challenges to start the New Year with a clean slate. I read a blog post on sewing room organization which discussed rearranging your sewing room to find everything. There were pictures of fancy sewing/crafting cabinets and expensive shelving organization systems (think ELFA).
It got me thinking. All of that info is great when you have a sewing room. When you’re just starting out, you’re probably sewing at the kitchen table and dragging out your sewing gear from a nearby box or bag. You’re misplacing things regularly and wasting precious sewing time looking for them. I’ve been there too. I once set up my machine on a TV tray because the table wasn’t available. That’s why I’m sharing 3 quick tips to get organized when you don’t have a sewing room. These tips have worked for me for years and they’ll work for you too!
1. Dedicate a Space to Sewing
It can be the corner of a room or the bottom of a closet. Just have a space to store all of your sewing stuff. Put everything back in the same place every time. That way your tools and supplies stay together. Then you won’t waste time looking for everything. Now you may be thinking, “That’s great Toni, but what should I put everything in?” Which brings me to my next tip.
2. Clear Plastic Bins are fabrics new best friend
Seriously. They will change your life and your sewing organization overnight. Since they come in assorted sizes, you can get the right size for your current fabric stash and add more as needed. I like Hefty Storage Solutions with the latch-on lids from Lowe’s (see pic). They create a modular system and stack securely. Whichever brand you shoes, make sure you buy the clear bins. That way you can quickly see what’s inside without opening the lid and digging around.
3. Buy a Tackle Box (like they use for fishing) to Organize Your Sewing Notions
Yes, you read that right. Tackle boxes are great for organizing ALL your sewing tools and notions. Regular thread spools fit perfectly in the rows . The dividers can be adjusted to the size you need, or removed to accommodate more thread. The bottom area is big enough for scissors, pin cushions, and other large tools. The sides pull out into “shelves” and the tackle box stays open for easy access to thread, needles, and more. Plus it’s super portable and easy to stack and store.
Head over to Academy Sports & Outdoors and pick yours out; there are tons of sizes and styles to choose from! Take a spool of thread with you to make sure you get the right size, with enough room to grow into. Or get one like mine! I have the Plano Magnum Hip Roof 6-Tray Tackle Box, available from Amazon. After all these years it’s still available at a great price!
Even though I finally have a dedicated sewing room, I still use these practical tips. Take my suggestions to heart and you will always be able to find your tools when you need them. Being organized will get you started sewing sooner, and who doesn’t want that?!?
Want more sewing tips and tricks from Sew Sew Lounge? Click here to join the interactive Facebook group, Let’s Talk Sewing for Beginners! hosted by Sew Sew Lounge. Weekly live events and plenty of helpful info to get you up and sewing in no time.
See you on the inside!
