We've put together the ultimate resource guide to organizing your sewing space. Our hope is that these tips help you to have a craft or sewing space that inspires you and motivates you to create something amazing!
For more great tips about creating the ultimate craft space, be sure to check out this article from Redfin, which features an expert tip from Cinnamon and many other sewing and crafting enthusiasts!
Giveaway Alert! Be sure to scroll to the end of this post to enter the Amazon Gift Card giveaway! Use your prize to get your sewing room in tip top shape!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Pattern Storage
One great way to store printed patterns is to place the pattern pieces and summary of instructions in a file folder, then store the folders in a filing cabinet or file box like this one. This is a great way to keep cut-out pattern pieces all together for the next time you want to use a pattern, and it's very convenient to file the pieces away with the summary of instructions if you've printed that too. Writing the pattern name at the top tab of the file folder makes it easy to search through your pattern box or filing cabinet for just the pattern pieces you're looking for.
One tip for organizing your digital PDF files is to come up with a system that works for you. This could include having a specified folder on your computer that you put PDF pattern downloads into, or even a group of folders where you sort patterns by category like "Tops," "Dresses," etc.
You could also consider storing your pattern downloads on the cloud so you can access them from any device; Dropbox™ or Google Drive could be great options for this organization strategy.
Storing Fabric
Our favorite way to store fabric is by folding pieces around comic book boards to create a neat and tidy display of all our fabric. This helps avoid a few of the common problems of fabric storage, like the messy pile that inevitably results from trying to have a folded stack of lightweight or slippery fabrics. It also is a great way to store fabric so that all of it is visible, making it easy to remember what you already have and find exactly what you are looking for without having to dig or sort through any boxes or piles.
The size of boards you may need depends on the depth and height of the shelves on which you plan to store the boards. We have found that these 7-inch x 10.5-inch boards, or these 6.75-inch x 10.5 inch boards are what work best on most book shelves.
Storing Notions
The best way to store notions is to make sure that every little thing has its place. You can do this with the help of a variety of tools, like drawer inserts and small bins to help organize things like elastic or hook and loop tape.
We also like to have clear acrylic drawers to store things like needles, beads and embellishments, zippers, etc. The clear drawers are great because you can easily see through the top and sides to locate items at a glance without having to comb through each drawer.
Another helpful organization tool for notions is clear glass jars. We use these for things like buttons and loose trims, and like the clear drawers, they make it easy to find exactly what's in the jar with just a glance. They also make a great candy-store-esque display!
Patterns For Displaying and Organizing Your Doll Clothes
If you're looking for ways to organize and display dolls, clothes, and accessories, Pixie Faire's got you covered! Be sure to check out our Organize and Display collection, which includes patterns for helpful items like dress forms for displaying outfits, hangers, accessory bags, and more.
Use a custom made Dress Form to create a visual type of storage for your most favorite pieces! Create a variety of sizes and display collections that showcase a theme or color scheme. Change them up seasonally to switch things up!
An Over the Door Doll Organizer is a great piece for your studio or craft room! Use it to keep things organized and hidden out of view!
Custom Hangers are the perfect accessory, use them in tiny closets or hanging from pegboards. Display finished garments or projects in progress!
Now that we've covered organization tips to make your sewing or craft space functional, it's time to consider how to make your space beautiful too.
Use beautiful fabric and notions to your advantage!
Whether your space is big or small, make it inviting! Use your craft supplies as visual displays. This not only keeps the space organized, but it also puts everything out in view and at arms reach. for example, take care to arrange your comic boards of fabric into a rainbow of colors to add intentionality to your space.
Take Time To Clean Up
A craft room is notoriously messy. Take 5 minutes at the end of each day to put things back in their place. This simple habit will change the way you feel about your space and inspire you to be creative and get more done each new day! A bright, light, and tidy space is sure to be a happy space.
Get an insiders tour!
If you're looking for more organization tips or sewing room inspiration, be sure to check out Sewing WIth Cinnamon! If you join the monthly recurring membership, you get access to a full set of videos that walk you through all of these suggestions. The content is a free bonus with membership. Or you can purchase the course as an instant download for just $19 HERE.
To enter this week's contest, simply click the link below and then enter through the giveaway widget at the bottom of the blog post, there are many things you can do to earn multiple entry points!
Contest Details: You enter through the entry form that is embedded on this page and appears just below this paragraph, if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices. The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. This is not a comment contest - in other words, leaving a comment on the bottom of this page is not an official entry method. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget. One person will receive the Amazon gift Card. You can enter once, or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increase your chances of winning. Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island. This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire.
We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us - what is your biggest organization challenge in your sewing space? Commenting below and confirming your entry in the widget above gives you one entry method, the other methods are listed in the widget above, be sure to enter in as many ways as you can to receive the maximum amount of entries to win one $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Thanks, everyone!
The Pixie Faire Team
for me, the biggest challenge in organizing my sewing space is figuring out how to make everything easily accessible.
Organizing my fabrics is a challege
I need all the tips I can find! Thank you so much!
My biggest challenge is not being able to see all my stored fabric to know what I have.
The biggest challenge to organizing my sewing space is eliminating the notions, supplies and fabrics that I really do not need. I have changed the focus of sewing from garments when I was in the work world to machine embroidered quilting, purses (Sew Powerful, especially) and very basic garments. No longer tailoring or worrying about close-fitting silhouettes. But if I part with the three yards of plaid wool I might need it to make … That is why I still have stuff.
Staying organized is my biggest challenge.
Sewing room storage is a lot like putting on a girdle or spanks… got yo get the most stuff in the least space. Right now,during the stay at home order, I am thankful for having too much since I can’t just go to the store and pick up a few things. My huge stash has been a blessing rather than a bother!!
My biggest problem is that we move a lot so all my storage options have to be movable and fairly lightweight
My biggest problem is not enough space
I live in a small one bedroom apartment, so my biggest challenge is always space and organization.
I have a large sewing now so my biggest problem is finding time to do all the projects.
I struggle with spending money to organize because I would rather buy more fabric or patterns with my limited resources. I love to be in my sewing room but would enjoy it more if it was organized.
My biggest challenge is a small space with a wide variety of sewing and craft projects plus the machines.
My biggest problem can be all the fabric people give me for my doll clothes. Sorting what I will use from what is too old and what has too large a print and getting it put away right away is the challenge. I took a half day last week and went through about half the stash and now the problem is – what to do with the fabric I will not use. I guess it goes to the good will shop.
The biggest challenges I experience are efficient space planning and clutter. When I am unable to find a sufficient chunk of time to sit and sew, large projects are often left on the sewing table or small ones placed in box and set aside.
Finding a place to put all of my stuff and then remembering where I put things.
Space, space, space. I am a fabricholic. I struggle keeping it seoarated.
My biggest challenge is scraps! What to keep, what to just toss..
My biggest ‘problem’ is pattern organization. Unsure about how or if to keep paper patterns. Have stopped buying paper patterns whenever possible in lieu of digital. I still have WAY more paper in my storage than I think I ‘need’….
My biggest challenge is storing items so that I can find them again! I have multiples of most sewing supplies (and some patterns, too). My sewing/craft room is a good size for a bedroom but not-so-much for an avid reader and crafter.
My sewing space is badly in need of organization right now so thank you for this. Even though I have a nice space, after two moves in less than 4 years, I don’t know what I have anymore or where things are.
My biggest challenge is storing fabrics so I can see what I have.
My biggest organization challenge is having many pieces of fabric collected over 50 years merely stored in large plastic tubs, some of which are stacked out in the garage against a wall.
I have so many supplies that I forget what I have. I have tried to organize and label items. My sewing room is also a guest room. Thank you for the suggestions above .
Fabrics! Boxes and boxes of fabrics, many of them fat quarters which are too small to use for the patterns I like. Ugh!
Too much collected over 60 years!
having a queen size bed in the room doesn’t help. want to some day to get a wall away bed to have more space.
My biggest sewing room organization problem is bobbins! I have a holder for them, but it seems no matter what I do, the thread unravels all over the drawer. Thank you, Cinnamon for all you do!
We had a flood in my sewing room right before Christmas. Only carpeting was damaged, but the “movers” who packed up all my stuff just placed things in boxes. Now, as I unpack, there are things missing. It’s already April and I still haven’t found some of my stuff!
My biggest problem is where my sewing/crafting space is. We have a small house so my space is in the basement. I have many heavy duty shelves and clear containers for my things, but still too little space, plus my husband keeps putting stuff on my cutting table and sewing desks. What’s a crafter to do??
My biggest challenge is my only work space is the dining room table. Running a very close second is finding what I need when I need it.
My biggest sewing organization problem is space. My supplies are in several rooms.
My challenge is that I have essay too much of everything?
My greatest organizational challenge is how to display & use my vintage & antique sewing machines! I LOVE the history of the sewing machine & I LOVE the beauty of each machine! Off hand, I’d guess that owning 5 treadle sewing machines is the most challenging- making sure they are easy to access & use!
I seem to be fine tuning my sewing room every week. It’s pretty good now, but I still find ways to improve. I have recently decided to stop saving my printed pdf files (except for a few I know I will use again). I only print the pattern pieces, and I do this when I am ready to make the outfit…it sure saves on space. I think my biggest challenge is with ribbons, trims, buttons, accessories since they are out of sight.
My biggest problem is remembering where I have stored the “perfect” fabric for a project! I say it is a problem, but I love looking through all my fabric. It gives me great delight!
My biggest challenge is finding what pattern I want. The PDF ones are not organized on my computer. The ones that are printed are in page protectors in binders and kind of sorted by designers or type of pattern, but I have so many that it takes a long time to find what I need. Also, my 5 lifetimes worth of fabric likes to overtake the room!
My problem revolves around the sheer volume of my sewing and craft supplies.I have a 12×16 ft sewing room on the top floor and a second one 24 X 12 feet in the basement. I have a sewing supply walk in closet 10 × 10 ft and still have stuff in the spare bedroom closets. I spend a lot of time running up and down stairs because I need something on another floor for the current project. I don’t think it matters how much space you have you expand to fill it. My favorite organizer is one of those large stainless steel chest on chest carpenter’s tool boxes. The numerous metal drawers are very strong and are great for storing all the different types of thread , notions and tools. I also have an old metal pattern cabinet from a fabric store that I use for notions too. In my defense I worked for both a fabric store and a fabric wholesaler.
My biggest challenge is storing fabric scraps of all types of fabric. I just kind of separated fleece ,knit, wovens, etc, but they are not yet put away.
My biggest challenge is trying to find where I put my supplies for the project I want to work on. I have everything in totes but which one?
My biggest challenge is keeping my fabric organized so that I can go back and find what I’m looking for! I do put it away, but then it’s out of sight and I waste time looking for it. I do not have enough space to organize everything in a “visible” way.
My biggest challenge is too many hobbies with too many projects started.
My biggest challenge is way too little space for the amount of things I have. I can’t possibly bear to part with a single thing in my sewing space, so it’s getting pretty crowded! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Not being able to find what I need at the time because I can’t remember where I put it. Have been trying to get it all in one room, but have too many different things.
My biggest challenge is space. We live in a small house and when I sew, I have to use the kitchen table.
I just moved so everything is in boxes. I miss sewing. I have a tiny extra bedroom for sewing and crafts. I need organizational information about vertical storage leaving enough room for machines and cutting table.
My problem revolves around the sheer volume of my sewing and craft supplies.I have a 12×16 ft sewing room on the top floor and a second one 24 X 12 feet in the basement. I have a sewing supply walk in closet 10 × 10 ft and still have stuff in the spare bedroom closets. I spend a lot of time running up and down stairs because I need something on another floor for the current project. I don’t think it matters how much space you have you expand to fill it. My favorite organizer is one of those large stainless steel chest on chest carpenter’s tool boxes. The numerous metal drawers are very strong and are great for storing all the different types of thread , notions and tools. I also have an old metal pattern cabinet from a fabric store that I use for notions too. In my defense I worked for both a fabric store and a fabric wholesaler.
I have various hobbies in addition to making doll clothes and I need to separate the materials for each of the hobbies—and maybe finish one project before I begin another!
My biggest challenge is having too many projects started at the same time and they begin to accumulate on my work table until I have no space to actually work. I need to get a process in place that keeps each project organized and together without filling up my counter space.
My biggest challenge is adequate work space and adequate ways if organizing fabric, notions, etc.
My biggest challenge is adequate space for all my piles of fabrics,and how to make them more easily accessible.
My problem is to much stuff with to little space. Friends know I sew and are always donating to my stash. It is all to good to get rid of. Thus an over abundance of supplies, now floor to ceiling! Need to sew more! Seriously, how does one cull when it is all good?
My biggest organizing issue is finding storage space to put and organize my things as my sewing space is a corner of a room with an old style desk which I love because I can use it for sewing, cutting stuff out, even ironing with a pad. It has drawers for a lot of my notions, patterns, and odds and ends. I have a 5 drawer and 3 drawer plastic tower near my desk that holds buttons, velcro, zippers, ribbons and lace, etc. My material is in boxes in the closet which also shares space with granddaughters clothes, cross-stitch storage. In the room is my computer desk and printer stand, book case 5 foot with books on it. A barbie house and a wall bed with side storage and another unit by the barbie house that houses barbie supplies and a tv. so trying to figure out where I can store stuff cause I have a container on the desk for mending and notion drawers and thread on the wall. I think I want to take the computer stand out and get a taller unit that incorporates the printer and supplies on the bottom and fabric storage on boards on the top.
Find stuff after I organize it and putting it back when I’m done because I have to keep part of my stuff downstairs.
Too much stuff & too little space. Thanks for the tips!
y biggest challenge is fabric storage. I use clear boxes and sort them by color, but have run out of room!
my biggest problem is keeping the supplies current and getting rid of the old. It’s very frustrating to pick up a tube of glue or paint to find that it’s dried out. So I thought that I had what was needed for the craft project when I really don’t.
My biggest challenge is keeping little bits and bobs organized. And finding them after they have been organized.
My problem is having too many different categories of stuff such as scrapbooking, crafts, quilting and sewing. I go to room and I’m overwhelmed and can’t find anything.
Too many cute things!!
My biggest organization challenge is not having enough table top space. I am constantly rearranging furniture, searching for desks and I always com up with the same result.
My biggest organization challenge is not having enough table top space. I am constantly rearranging furniture, searching for desks and I always com up with the same result.
My biggest challenge is not having a dedicated space to work in, everything has to be drug out and set up and them put away. I would have more time to work if I didn’t have to do so much to get started.
my problem in organizing my sewing space is that maybe I have too much stuff—-Never!
Space. Multi functioning room.
My biggest problem is too much fabric and not enough space to store it.
My biggest challenge is space, I have a lot of fabric that I have ideas for but not enough time to get to them. So I am going to try some of your ideas for storage. Again as always thanks for the great give away and the helpful tips.
My biggest problem with my sewing area is that I don’t have the proper storage units. I have old furniture cast-offs that somehow all ended up in this one room. I need more shelving and more drawer space. Plus I need to weed out some of the craft items I no longer use.
My biggest challenge is dealing with my own brain.
I can’t make myself thin out my stash (I see potential in everything!), and my space is too small to neatly display my fabric.
However, I don’t remember what I have if it isn’t in front of me, so when I want to make something, I have to dig through bins and bags. I pull out potential fabrics for auditions, and then they don’t get put away for a while.
I’m my own worst enemy!
My biggest problem is storing my notions. My ribbon reels are stacked and I’m in need of storage for elastic, zippers, threads and trims. In need of better organization.
My biggest challenge is just not having enough space. As a person who loves to organize, my sewing space is well organized and clean, however I feel like I could use a bit more space.
My biggest craft room storage challenge is storing thread spools and coordinating bobbins together.
I have a problem with storage for thread. I like it close by but do not have room for a thread organizer that sets on a table or hangs on a wall. Right now it is in a plastic cabinet with drawers but I’m running out of drawers.
My biggest problems is trying to do too many projects at one time and not completing any of them very quickly.
My biggest Craft Room organizing challenge is not enough shelves to hold storage bins. I have a lot of boxes on the floor.
Biggest challenge is making a space in our apartment for my sewing table and then having all other sewing stuff in another room.
Thanks
My greatest challenge is finding space for all my sewing and wool craft supplies. My shelves are exploding! I use cardboard moving boxes which are all the same size and tried to label each box for fabric type but need to dig through the boxes to see what is in there.
my struggle is just keeping everything organized so i dont lose things
My biggest challenge is that I start more projects than I finish! I’m always drawn to something new before I finish previous projects. I need to come up with a “first in, first out” filing system!
I love to pull fabrics (and trims) from my stash to “audition” for the construction of the next doll garment, however I’m not always great at returning the losers back to their assigned storage boxes or zip bags. Who knows, I might change my mind and want to retrieve something?? Pre-Covid-19 “company coming” always keep me on my toes to organize and clean the house. Hum, I also know that someday in the future I will have company coming again and the day of reckoning will happen and I will need to face a major tidy-up job. However until then I think I will day dream and pull more fabrics and trims for the next several dresses I plan to make.
Storing fabric is a big challenge. I’ll try some of your tips to help.
My biggest issue is that my space also doubles as an office and it’s hard defining a clear space between the two areas.
The hardest thing for me to store is my fabrics. The majority of them are in a clear box and drawer but the rest don’t have a home. Little scraps that can be used as stuffing for stuffed dolls/animals are also hard to store.
My biggest challenge is keeping all my notions organized in a small space.
My biggest organizational challenge in my sewing space is finding room for everything. I have most of my sewing supplies in large totes which makes it hard to find specific things I’m looking for.
My biggest problem was storing all my theatre scraps. With making masks, I have destashed most of my material stash. Patterns are my next problem as I am a hands on person and print all my purchases. 3 inch binders help. I have a binder with just the pictures and pattern location,
My biggest problem is finding room to store everything. I have fabric, beading, misc. crafts, ribbon, trims, etc. I purge periodically, but I seem to have too much stuff!
Biggest organizational challenge in the sewing/craft room is storage for all the small items:
needles (hand and sewing machine), bobbins, buttons, snaps, etc.
Storing little pieces of fabric,thank you for all the giveaways Pixie faire!
For me it is scraps! I have gotten really organized with all things sewing- I bought another shelf for fabric, my patterns are either in wooden bins or in binders and I have holders for magazines or books. I have bins for scraps. But I can never seem to get rid of enough scraps. I’ve begun making hexies with some scraps. It just never seems to lessen the pile!
Storing lace, Thank you for the chance of winning this!
I have a problem with all the left over fabric from other projects. Where and how to store it, never ending problem. In the end I forget what is in the pile of fabric.
My biggest hurdle is two adult daughters who also sew, but not everyone puts things away when finished or where it should belong.
I don’t like to throw away scraps if I think I can use them for anything so I struggle with finding ways to store fabrics by scrap size to dig them out for future projects.
My biggest organizations challenge is the the small “scraps” but still quite useable pieces of fabric, interfacing, ribbons and lace.
I fold my fabric over plastic hangers then hang them on a clothing rack. I hang similar colors together so I can easily match fabrics. Saves a lot of time looking for fabric!
My biggest challenge is shelving. I never seem to have enough.
I’m having trouble organizing my machine embroidery designs.
My biggest problem is storing my fabric. I get it folded and nicely stacked and then I need the piece on the bottom!
So much for being neat!
Patricia T.
April 29, 2020
My biggest challenge is not enough space for all the different crafts I enjoy doing. I try to keep tools hung on a peg board, but to many times something is set on a tool and I can’t find it. I have duplicates of a lot!!