Storage Solutions
No matter what your definition of organization, here are some tips for sorting and storing your fabric stash.
Uniform Stacks [1]
Keep the height between shelves to a minimum. That way, pulling out a stack of fabric to sort through is manageable and you avoid creating leaning towers of fabric.
Neatly Tucked Away [2]
Have bits of ribbon and trims stashed in places you can't see? Wind them around uniform-size cards and store them in a pocketed, over-the-door hanger meant to hold shoes or toiletries.
Multitasking Storage [3]
Shoe organizers are a natural option for storing fabric. They're great for keeping rolls of batting, fusible web, freezer paper, and more.
Store by Sight [4]
Stash getting out of control? Shoe boxes might be the solution to manage your collection. Cut samples from a hue of fabric and paste to the outside of a shoe box of a similar color.
Utilize Available Space [5]
If you're converting a closet space to a place for your quilting supplies, begin by measuring your usable space. Select a uniform bin system that lets you maximize the width and height of your space-allowing you to store more!
Painted Pegboard [6]
Pegboard, spray painted to match your decor, is easily adaptable for myriad storage solutions. Consider using it to hang thread, rulers, or even some basic sewing tools, such as scissors, rotary cutters and a tape measure.
Tucked Away [7]
Uniform decorative bins add a sense of order to a variety of contents, but don’t overlook some closed-door storage in your scheme. It's a great place to store oversized objects and eliminate clutter on your sewing/cutting surfaces.
Sort and Store [8]
If underbed or big tub storage is what you have space for, don't pass up the chance to organize fabrics within other tubs by using smaller boxes or dividers to keep fabric collections or like-size fabric pieces together.
Rows of Color [9]
Organize fat quarters by color on an open shelf. They're easy to access and the pretty display of fabrics may inspire color combinations.
Sturdy Storage [10]
Well-anchored track shelving hung inside a standard closet space with bi-fold doors provides great at-a-glance storage space for fabrics sorted by color.
Set Scraps Aside [11]
Don't toss out fabric scraps. Instead, stash them in baskets sorted by color. When you're ready to make a scrappy quilt, pull out your baskets and get busy.
Sorted Storage [12]
Coordinate fabrics by designer, style, or manufacturer, and store in baskets of different shapes and sizes. The baskets allow you to keep various bundles and shapes of fabric in one location. Label the baskets to take organization to the next level!
Dare to Dream [13]
Claim a wall in your sewing room and list out what you want-space for a small television, your computer, favorite books on open shelves, magazine storage, display space for treasures. Armed with your list and the measurements, grid out the components you need to turn your dream into a reality.
Double Duty [14]
Don't overlook storage spaces that can do double duty. For instance, this storage bin system holds fabric and also serves as the base for a cutting and ironing surface.
Unfinished Business [15]
What to do with finished quilt tops until you're ready to quilt them? Store them over hangers and keep them in sight so you don't forget what you have to work on.
Customize Your Space [16]
Have a sewing room with a view? Tailor your storage to work with the space you have. In this room, low and broad storage is the best option to prevent obstructing the windows.
At a Glance [17]
Stop searching and start working. Clear, resealable bags can hold magazines, fabric, and works in progress. Just open the bag and start sewing.
Sort by Size [18]
Whether you cut specific sizes from every fabric or cut yardages with a particular quilt project in mind, sorting by dimension is a storage option. Use clear-plastic storage boxes to hold fabrics of the same size and label the boxes for true efficiency.