Tips to Organize Your Sewing Space

The Ultimate Resource Guide To Sewing Room Organization

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. 

How To Organize Patterns, Fabric, and Notions

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 Organizing and Displaying Doll Clothes

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!

Cinnamon's Tips For a Beautiful Sewing Space

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.

 

ENTER TO WIN An Amazon Gift Card!

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. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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


98 Comments

Melanie
Melanie

April 29, 2020

My biggest organizing challenge is fabric! I have so much of it.

Marietta
Marietta

April 29, 2020

Color coordination of my fabric stash

Marlene
Marlene

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is fabric. It is more than a yard. Some 6! Bulk and lots of. I used clear storage boxes. Boxed by type: furs, polar fleece, vinyl, flannels, cottons.

Connie
Connie

April 29, 2020

my chalenge is to let left over fabric. i am always thinging of what you can make with the scrapes, so i become overwhelmed with so much. and you keep moving the fabric out of the way until it gets lost in the pile and you forget what you saved it for.

Tamara G
Tamara G

April 29, 2020

Reading through many comments I see a lot of us have the same problem — too much stuff in too small a space! My sewing room is pretty organized but I have a very difficult time keeping my craft table clear so I can actually USE it. It has become a random storage surface as everything else is filled. What I need is a class in letting go of things!!!

Laurie
Laurie

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is, I’m like many who like to re-purpose and don’t like to throw any scrap away that is big enough to make something that doesn’t take much fabric. Then needing the time to make that small item to get rid of that small bunch of fabric.

Deb E
Deb E

April 29, 2020

By far my biggest challenge in my quilt room is light. I have no windows in the area, and the lighting isn’t ideal by any means. Eventually I hope to get a ceiling fixture replaced by a new one with spotlights, which will help a great deal. Ideally, though, I’d LOVE to get a light that uses ‘daylight’ type bulbs. It would make it easier for my older eyes to see when hand sewing.
Thanks for the opportunity to win! Deb E

Sarah
Sarah

April 29, 2020

Storing the irregular fabric pieces I acquire from recycling old clothing for doll clothes. It often doesn’t fold neatly around boards, even when cut apart.

Mary
Mary

April 29, 2020

My biggest problem to organization quite honestly is cleaning up and putting things back in their place after my frenzied day of creating. I make a mess and then don’t put things back that same day. I then have to spend extra time when it builds up to a mess. Putting away as I go would be a much better option rather than letting it build up.

sue
sue

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is that the room is multipurpose. Craft room, sewing room, office, and playroom when the little ones visit. I also lack a good area for cutting when doing larger projects.

Pat
Pat

April 29, 2020

I have the space, but organizing it all is my biggest challenge.

Darlene
Darlene

April 29, 2020

Havel lots of fabric, trim, etc. Not good at organizing. Enjoy learning new crafts, unfortunately each one takes its own amount of new supplies. .

Tracy Cherry
Tracy Cherry

April 29, 2020

By far the biggest challenge is organizing and storing fabric and notions. I have a set of plastic pullout drawers which has helped, but is not ideal. I love the idea of using comic book boards! I’m definitely going to try that. And storing notions in glass jars (which I have a ton of) sounds like another great idea! I also need to think about adding floor to ceiling shelving on one wall for a better place to put fabric and other supplies, instead of stuffed in bins in the closet. Thank you!!

Emily
Emily

April 29, 2020

This is super helpful. As a new sewer, I am getting tons of materials for each project (like pins and clips and bobbins, etc.) and it is getting more and more cluttered.

Laura
Laura

April 29, 2020

I have rearranged my sewing room but still look for ideas to do it more efficiently. The room itself and one bedroom full of materials. Oh my. I need to get stuff done or give away.

Susan
Susan

April 29, 2020

Years of collecting fabrics for quilts, doll clothes, home fashions, and me have resulted in an overflow of fabric in all weights and styles. Once something is out it is hard to get it back and
as a private room – quick clean up for visitors often results in non-sewing being thrown in.

Shirley
Shirley

April 29, 2020

I have a small space so my biggest issue is finding space for all of my sewing and knitting tools, fabrics, and fibers. Of course, if I refrained from buying new pretties, it would probably help. Lol

Jill
Jill

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is storing projects im currently working on. They seem to take over my whole cutting table. And fabric scraps, they are always piling up.

Suzi
Suzi

April 29, 2020

My biggest organizational challenge in my sewing room is too many windows! They are good for the light but take up wall space that is needed for shelving. that said, I choose the windows and being somewhat unorganized!

Mary
Mary

April 29, 2020

Fabric Storage is my greatest challenge. I would like to be able to easily see each piece rather than having it stacked in clear tubs that I have to sort through.

Joyce
Joyce

April 29, 2020

Lack of space and storage for fabric

Gretchen Easley
Gretchen Easley

April 29, 2020

Too many supplies, not enough room. I hate to throw away fair sized scraps, and organizing them is a challenge.

Heather
Heather

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is all my sewing is done in a small room with a guest bed and a huge old desk. It’s hard to find space for all my stash and projects while still getting around in that little room.

Linda
Linda

April 29, 2020

My biggest origination challenge is utilizing the space I have. I can’t seem to get it all in one room. I also have problems finding what I need.

Lynn
Lynn

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is organizing my fabric. I use repurposed fabric, so I have everything from bedsheets to cut apart shirts to leftover quilting bits. It’s everywhere!

Nancy
Nancy

April 29, 2020

My biggest organization problem is that my sewing room is also my storage for my needlework and knitting supplies, my library, and my design and research room.

Melissa L
Melissa L

April 29, 2020

I struggle deciding where things should go and what organizational items I need 🤔

Connie
Connie

April 29, 2020

I have kept everything and I am finding that I need to get rid of fabric, tools, etc that I am not using. And then find “places” for the things I do have.

H. Dahl
H. Dahl

April 29, 2020

I am lucky to have a good size sewing room, but my biggest problem is organizing all the bits of leftover trim and ribbons that are too good to throw away.

Sandra S
Sandra S

April 29, 2020

I would also need someone to come help, I am drowning in my sewing room LOL

April
April

April 29, 2020

Space is certainly an issue, but I find it hardest to organize all the tiny notions.

Linda
Linda

April 29, 2020

Need more shelving and containers for storage of EVERYTHING!

Ruth
Ruth

April 29, 2020

Just need to clean and sort out things.
Excited to do it tho !

Feriba
Feriba

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is a room that is only for sewing ,that doesn’t have 3 door ways so there isn’t traffic going through all the time

Karissa
Karissa

April 29, 2020

My biggest organizational issue is having too much fabric and not enough space! Every drawer in my 12-cube organizer is packed full!!

bren
bren

April 29, 2020

The biggest challenge for me is taking the time to put all the excess fabrics back in their allotted spaces, instead of just hucking them into an empty box “for sorting later” because the “for later” never comes LOL. Great ideas posted here!

Christine
Christine

April 29, 2020

I am the biggest stumbling block to organization. I start organizing and then I see an unfinished project, I get excited about and start working on it. Too easily distracted!

Ellen
Ellen

April 29, 2020

Just have too much of everything! Needing a way to organize in order to see what I have.

Jocelyne
Jocelyne

April 29, 2020

I have a very small space for my sewing room ( small home). When I sew, everything spills over into my kitchen area and kitchen island.

Doris
Doris

April 29, 2020

I think
I just have too much! lol; definitely not organized.

Carole
Carole

April 29, 2020

Fabric, fabric, fabric HELP!!!!!

Maria L. B.
Maria L. B.

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is space!!!! live in a 2nd floor coop, so I have the attic for my fabric and a little room for my sewing, embroidering, and serge machines. My cutting table is a small desk that has to be used also as ironing table (no space for a real ironing table). Yarns are also in bins in the attic, so whenever I need something, I have to go to the attic to look for it.

Tammy
Tammy

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is not knowing how to make the best use of the space I have. I just keep “reorganizing” with bins on shelves and too much fabric in totes, but it never seems to work really well. The fact that my sewing room also is the laundry room/pantry area doesn’t help either!

Sara
Sara

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is that I sew and craft in almost every room in my house! I do not have one space dedicated to sewing and crafting, snitch means I keep my things in various totes that I stash in different closets by category. All the crossover between types of handwork make this a big challenge. I’m always swiping tools from one closet to use in work I’m doing somewhere else. I waste money buying duplicates of tools because I forget what I have or grow weary of wasting so much time looking for things because I can’t remember where I stashed them last. I so wish I could put everything into one room—-a goal to aspire to!

Sara
Sara

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is that I sew and craft in almost every room in my house! I do not have one space dedicated to sewing and crafting, snitch means I keep my things in various totes that I stash in different closets by category. All the crossover between types of handwork make this a big challenge. I’m always swiping tools from one closet to use in work I’m doing somewhere else. I waste money buying duplicates of tools because I forget what I have or grow weary of wasting so much time looking for things because I can’t remember where I stashed them last. I so wish I could put everything into one room—-a goal to aspire to!

Pat Apple
Pat Apple

April 29, 2020

Too much fabric. Need to donate what I know I will not use. Loved the organization ideas!

Aggie  Bollhorn
Aggie Bollhorn

April 29, 2020

I have way too much fabric, in cupboards,bins, boxes. I really need to use it up. With the stay home order, I am forced not to buy any more as I don’t like to buy fabric on line.

Candy
Candy

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is getting started organizing! I do lots of hobbies, some of my materials are in the basement and others are in the extra bedroom which was to be my craft room. I really need shelf space to place the bins I have to sort into. I don’t have anyone to put the shelving into place.

Vicki M
Vicki M

April 29, 2020

My sewing space challenge is keeping everything I need handy & visible as well as at a height I can reach. Storage is always an issue along with getting a surface that is the correct height for sewing comfortably. Thanks

Beth
Beth

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is knowing what to do with lots of small scraps of fabric.

Vickie
Vickie

April 29, 2020

Too much fabric and supplies, not enough space!

Diane
Diane

April 29, 2020

Fabric – I buy more than I will probably ever use, and it seems to have legs of it’s own and get all around the room

Christine
Christine

April 29, 2020

I like to work on different projects so I need the workspace to keep different things out. I’m in the process of moving so all my fabric is in tubs. I’m think I’m going to use the comic book board idea you shared when I get some new shelving.

Debra
Debra

April 29, 2020

I forgot to add that I need the file folder boxes because storage is my biggest problem. Thanks again.

Judi Bergsagel
Judi Bergsagel

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is space. No more room along my walls so new favorite item is rolling cart with 3 shelves. I might have 3 of those now!

Cindi T
Cindi T

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is Fabric storage . I need to see it!

Lisa
Lisa

April 29, 2020

My biggest organizational challenge is keeping all of my threads somewhat together and not tangled. Thread racks do not work for me, I have too many spools. I use smaller spools, serger cones, embroidery spools, and then there are all of the bobbins to match. I have been using the artbin storage cases lately (and I have about ten of them completely full) but it slows me down trying to find the bin with the right color when it comes time to change from one color to another.

Kathy N.
Kathy N.

April 29, 2020

My biggest sewing room challenge is organizing my fabric. I have it all neatly stacked then I need to ‘root’ through it to find my fabric of choice. No longer organized after that!!

Debra
Debra

April 29, 2020

LOVE those file folder boxes! I need to get some of those! It is an excellent idea for storing printed PDF patterns. Thanks for the GREAT idea and thanks for the opportunity to win an Amazon gift card.

Christina Sapp
Christina Sapp

April 29, 2020

I have a hard time keeping my patterns and fabric organized

Gwyn
Gwyn

April 29, 2020

More equipment than space is my problem!

Kate
Kate

April 29, 2020

My children have all left home, and I am determined to take once of the “empty” bedrooms and turn it into my sewing room. I am still in the process of weeding through their stuff so I can claim a room as my own. Then I need to figure out how to set up the room. I also need to find some rational way to organize my fabric. I have a lot, and it is extremely frustrating to have to paw through bins and piles of fabric looking for something that I know I have but just can’t find. I’ve tried organizing by color, by fabric type, by potential frequency of use, etc., and it just ends up stuffed back in bins and piled on shelves. I need HELP!

Susan
Susan

April 29, 2020

I am in the process of remodelling my small sewing room. The main challenge is using space for more than one purpose – for example, designing fabric storage units that are on wheels and can be moved against the wall as counters or away from the walls as cutting tables while retaining easy access to the fabrics inside.

Linda
Linda

April 29, 2020

Time and space! Not enough of either. Also not wanting to get rid of anything I might have a use for at some time down the road.

susan
susan

April 29, 2020

my fabric is my biggest problem

Dee
Dee

April 29, 2020

Less than a yard of fabric.

Connie K
Connie K

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is that I have multiple hobbies and everything is in the same space…sewing, embroidery, scrapooking, rubber stamping, jewelry making…all crammed in the same space. I need a separate house for my stash!!

Michelle
Michelle

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is to find room for everything. I do too many crafts! LOL!

Jeni
Jeni

April 29, 2020

My biggest craft room issue is what to do with a project in progress when I’m done for the day so I don’t lose any small pieces, and still keep it organized. I tried bins… But the I spend so much time sorting bits & pieces before I can get to work again!

Susan
Susan

April 29, 2020

My biggest problem for sewing organization is that I buy more fabric before I finish a project…lots more fabric because it is all so pretty! And that has gone on for years…also part pack rat.

Deb F
Deb F

April 29, 2020

my biggest challenge is fabric! I have way too much and it’s mostly remnants. Currently I store in those big rubbermaid totes so I can’t even see the fabric. I did label the totes so there’s cotton, felt, organza, upholstery etc but I have about 20 totes so I can never find what I want :{

Deb F
Deb F

April 29, 2020

my biggest challenge is fabric! I have way too much and it’s mostly remnants. Currently I store in those big rubbermaid totes so I can’t even see the fabric. I did label the totes so there’s cotton, felt, organza, upholstery etc but I have about 20 totes so I can never find what I want :{

Oma
Oma

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge in organizing my sewing room is my notions. I need to know what I have so I can use it. Right now I’m making masks and the floor is a mess. Fabric, elastic, pipe cleaners and flannel.

Dellasue
Dellasue

April 29, 2020

The problem with my sewing area is too much stuff and the space I have. I need all of it. I can never find exactly where my things are. I can’t use up the fabric fast enough!

opal davies
opal davies

April 29, 2020

Mine is storage of fabrics. I have so much & I save all left over pieces no matter how small. 😄 I have tubbs of small pieces each piece ‘might’ work on doll clothes… Then I can not find that one piece I want….🥴

Becky Johns
Becky Johns

April 29, 2020

Currently I am sharing my husbands office as my sewing area. My fabrics are in totes. I have a plastic tote to store odds and ends. He has promised to make be a sewing room. . But I’m not holding my breath..

Patricia
Patricia

April 29, 2020

I struggle to organize my fabrics and scraps more than anything else.

Barbara
Barbara

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is keeping my projects contained within my space and focused on completion so they no longer take up space needed for new projects.

Dotti G
Dotti G

April 29, 2020

I read Maureen W.’s comment and laughed because that is me too – fabric in big plastic tubs; some in recycled grocery bags; some still in the bag it came in; some in bags that I use to take projects with me when traveling.
I did organize by color at one point and that helped. But I have added lots of fabric since then.
My other issue is same but different – trims, buttons, snaps are in a million different places. I want to buy plastic containers and start gathering each item to put all together in one container.
I did buy a sewing table with drawers and a new chair which is a great start to having a place just for sewing.

Carrie
Carrie

April 29, 2020

My biggest craft room challenge is finding space for everything. My mother recently downsized and I got a lot of her fabrics. Now it is trying to fit it all in.

candy
candy

April 29, 2020

Bins and Bins of fabric. Because I am the “sew powerful purse” lady, people are donating fabric all the time.

Patricia
Patricia

April 29, 2020

Wow. This gift card would be amazing to help organize my sewing/craft room. Thank you.

Barbara
Barbara

April 29, 2020

Easy access time fabric and scraps for appliqué

Mary
Mary

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is labeling. I am good at cleaning up at the end of the day, but I need to have a specific place for notions with it labeled so things go in the same place time after time.

cheryl
cheryl

April 29, 2020

Storage space is the biggest problem. I probably buy too much fabric. I see a design and think, I should add that to my stash. Making doll clothes is starting to use up my ‘little piece’ stash.

LINDAK
LINDAK

April 29, 2020

Biggest problem is not enough floor space! When I have my folding cutting table open & in use, it takes up most of the floor area. I’d love my SEWING table to be larger, but there isn’t room.

Diana
Diana

April 29, 2020

My fabric is all in tubs. I would love to sort it on shelves so I can see what I have. That is my biggest challenge right now !!!

Sparkle
Sparkle

April 29, 2020

My dining room is my sewing room so it is difficult to keep it looking spiffy. I try but I could improve on my organization. Once in a while I put all the sewing stuff in one corner and actually use it as a dining room.

Heather Hogan
Heather Hogan

April 29, 2020

Tooo much fabric tooo little space
Tooo many notions Tooo many scissors
Tooo much time Too little time

Oh yea and too little room to cut

Gloria
Gloria

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is storing fabric. I have several rubbermaid tubs and have to look thru each one to find what I am looking for. None of it is sorted but just piled in. Waste a lot of time looking for fabric.

Liana
Liana

April 29, 2020

Lack of space is my biggest challenge for all that I’m trying to store in it :)

Cheryl R.
Cheryl R.

April 29, 2020

The most challenging issues in my workroom is the need for counter space and need more drawers and shelving.

Carole
Carole

April 29, 2020

I need to have an inventory of all my fabrics and notions. I have n electronic system to inventory. Now I just need to use it!

Allison C
Allison C

April 29, 2020

My biggest challenge is having to store everything and haul it out again when I want to start a project (or do a minor repair). I don’t have a dedicated space just for sewing!

Maureen W.
Maureen W.

April 28, 2020

For me, mostly it is finding different ways to ‘sort’ out all of my fabric~’some are in those big Rubbermade tubs; some in recycled grocerybags, ugh, it is a mess ….and it really is a challenge, at least for me, anyways, Thanks for the chance(s) to win a lovely gift card. YA!

Isabella
Isabella

April 28, 2020

My biggest issue is finding a place for everything in a small area. I have my own sewing machine and equipment as well as my great grandmother’s, as well as other craft supplies, meaning there’s stuff everywhere.

Amy G
Amy G

April 28, 2020

My biggest craft room challenge is taking the time to organize everything. I do not have shelves yet, so instead of folding my normal fabric, I roll it up and it is stored in a cubby. I will admit, my dolls take up a lot of space in my room, especially without shelves to hold them.

Denise Darby
Denise Darby

April 28, 2020

everything in my sewing room backed to the brim. To small of space but need all what I have.

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