Learning to sew is no doubt a fun and exciting experience. However, storing and organizing your sewing tools isn’t much fun – it can become messy and complicated.
As you’re learning some more new sewing tricks and ideas and at the same time dealing with lots of sewing accessories, be careful about storing them in the right place where you can remember them the next time you begin sewing again.
Proper sewing storage allows you easy access to your sewing essentials. It will also prevent accidents and injuries, especially if you have a curious toddler or pet who will pick up anything in sight, such as a needle or pin lying around – you cannot afford to be careless with your sewing stuff.
Things to consider before buying or setting up a sewing storage
Developing good sewing storage habits and having the right storage system can easily solve your usual sewing storage dilemmas. Before checking out some excellent sewing storage ideas, first here are the important factors you should look into:
- Pick the right sewing box, container, etc. – The right sewing box or container should have ample space and enough compartments of different sizes for various sewing notions and materials.
- If not a box, find a spare area to store your sewing essentials – The great news is that no space is too small – as long as your sewing machine fits. If it’s a small and tight space, you need to adjust how you will work and store your sewing essentials.
- Make labels of each needle type – Whether you are an experienced sewing enthusiast or a beginner, you may have had a few or several different types of needles by now. They will be needing labels. If not all needles, at least label those you use frequently.
- Create labels for the needle sizes – When you are just starting to sew, you may have a hard time remembering which needle is which. Thus, create labels for the needles you use most frequently. Now you will have a sewing storage box that holds everything you need for your every sewing project. Having a sewing storage space lets you access the right needles with ease.
- Consider your budget – Depending on what storage system you choose – buying a simple storage box or setting up sewing storage space – your budget may be a limiting factor. Sewing can be a pretty expensive hobby. But sewing enthusiasts are usually creative and resourceful folks, so you probably know how to work around your budget and still manage to end up a decent storage system to house your sewing essentials.
Sewing storage systems ideas
Pegboard – One of the usual problems with organizing your sewing accessories is that there are so many smaller tools and other miscellaneous items to be considered and displayed. A sewing pegboard will be the perfect solution to this problem! It will keep your sewing essentials ready at a moment’s notice.
A sewing corner – Don’t worry if you don’t have an entire room devoted to sewing. Look around – if your room has a spare corner, nook, or built-in closet, you can turn it into a sewing sanctuary. You can paint the walls with an accent color to set it apart from the rest of the room. Then you can place your sewing desk and install a shelf on which you will store your sewing accessories, keeping them organized and neat.
Thread organizer – If you’ve been sewing for a long time, you may have probably owned lots of threads already. To keep your threads from getting tangled, get yourself a thread organizer. It is an excellent storage solution to keep your spools, floss, bobbins, and other small sewing items. Thread organizers can have as many compartments depending on the manufacturer. There are also portable variants.
Jars – Every sewing beginner has the mistake of throwing all their accessories in the same container. Have clear jars and save yourself from the headache on where you will find your needles, threads, ribbons, buttons, fabric scraps, and other embellishments. Plus, you can easily see and locate which accessories you will need to use for your project.
Any transparent storage – It’s also a great idea to use transparent plastic boxes and containers of various sizes so that you can easily locate the accessories you need, when you need them. You can buy as many containers as you need and place them on your work desk or shelves, or inside drawers or cabinets.
Portable sewing organizer – If you’re the type who likes to do sewing, knitting, or quilting even when you’re away from home, a portable sewing organizer allows you to carry your sewing essentials wherever you go. Many of these portable sewing organizers have compartments, zippers, wear and weather resistance, handles, and straps. Larger sewing bags and totes even have wheels for easy transport.
Toolbox – A toolbox isn’t just for hammers, nails, screwdrivers, and some power tools. Choose multi-level toolboxes that offer numerous trays and compartments for a handy sewing organization. The best part about toolboxes is that they’re portable, so you can take yours while you’re on the go.
Workbench or workstation – If you think workbenches are just for carpentry, electronics, and industrial stuff, they’re for every other hobby as well, including sewing. Workbenches make a heavy-duty sewing storage solution. They are available in stationary or mobile (with casters), and some workbenches come complete with numerous cabinets, drawers, and even a pegboard.
Organizing your sewing essentials is pretty simple if you have the correct sewing storage systems. That said, these storage ideas mentioned above are the perfect choice regardless of whether you are a beginner or a pro. Each box aims to keep your sewing essentials safe and organized while saving you precious time. Of course, the workstation should also be big enough to accommodate a sewing machine. If you are looking for a new sewing machine to replace your old one, read our Guide to Selecting a Sewing Machine for tips on how to find a machine easier.