How to organize a sewing room

McI7096342
by McI7096342
  5 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 11, 2017

    http://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=sewing%20room

  • GRANDMA GRANDMA on Nov 11, 2017

    Start with a purge, usually we have many unfinished or botched projects we assume we will get back to, or mending that was never done. Unless the clothing is very high quality it is probably outdated if it has sat awhile. Also check your fabrics for damage from storage. Once you have done this sort your tools and supplies, put sewing and craft items separate. I have found plastic storage drawers that fit right under my cutting table and use these for crafting supplies. (I found mine at the goodwill).

    If you truly sew on a regular basis keep your scissors, tape measures, marking pencils, pins, needles and thread where it is easy to access. I have a spool holder that is mounted within reach of my machine for thread. (purchased at a craft fair) I keep a plastic organizer by my machine with bobbins.

    Your patterns can be stored in plastic baskets from the dollar store, just take one with you to be sure of size.

    If you have a designated closet you can hang fabric on pants hangars to keep it from creasing so heavily. Stackable crates are also attractive and inexpensive and can organize anything from trims and zippers to fabric and crafting supplies.

    I use the clear zippered packaging from bed linens to store projects in progress. You can package all in one, fabric, thread, pattern, notions needed. This way as you work on each one you can reseal it to be sure no pieces get lost.

    Be sure to have MUSIC and DAYLIGHT if possible, as well as a stand light or Ott project light for your detail sewing.

    I have comfortable upholstered straight back dining room chairs for my sewing table and cutting table, they push in flush and the straight back helps me not to fatigue when sewing.

    I also used wall space for a full length mirror and plenty of photos of my grandchildren and family, they are usually my inspiration for projects.

    My cutting table is a glass top aluminum patio table, the glass top is super smooth and does not melt if I am crafting with hot glue. I found it for $15 after season.

    Make it yours and be inspired.

  • Karen Tokarse Karen Tokarse on Nov 11, 2017

    First, separate your room into sections for Sewing, Embroidery, Serger, Crafting, etc. Make a diagram of your room (draw it out on paper). I bought some storage units from thrift stores and painted them all the same color. I already had a big desk with a hutch, so I put an embroidery machine on one side of the desk and the regular sewing machine on the other side (chair on each side). On the end, I have the serger. On one of the 36" high storage units, I superglued a measuring tape on the front edge and placed a large cutting mat on the surface. On one table I have a Scan n Cut craft machine with a small storage unit for those supplies. Go to the Dollar Tree and buy white baskets that fit in each storage area. You can spray paint those to match your room colors. I keep an Epson label machine close by. This labeler creates a HUGE font so you can see the labels clearly. Oh, and the BEST thing I did was clean out the closet in that room and put in two 36" high storage units. I used the hanging rod to hang my fabric -- by color, of course! The only thing I would do differently is I would put castors on all the furniture because, believe me, you will want to "rearrange" at some point. Once you start envisioning this space, your natural creativity will kick in! What a great project. God bless you!

  • Ohhhdear Ohhhdear on Nov 11, 2017

    If the room has a closet, install several closet rods and hang folded fabric from skirt clips or hangers with clothespins. Use graph paper to design your setup, making a list first to decide what you want in the room and where. If your room has a window, you might want to locate the sewing machine where it will have good light. Consider tables and ironing boards that fold up into the wall to conserve space, or cabinets that have a door hiding a lift up shelf for your serger or sewing machine. Talk to a room designer at places like Lowe’s or Home Depot.

    • Mary Lou Mary Lou on Nov 12, 2017

      I have converted one of our spare bedrooms into a sewing/arts and crafts room. I purchased two 8 ft folding tables. I purchased 6 crates and stacked 2 crates which fit perfectly under one table. I like this because all of my fabric, batting and yarn are visible. I also purchased 3 three drawer storage containers that fit perfectly under the second table and have see through drawers. Being that this is a spare bedroom means that it has a closet and I am able to store completed projects, such as Christmas gifts which are not visible. It also keeps me from hanging things on the wall keeping the walls from being damaged. One table houses my computer and other needed items. The second table houses my sewing machine and leaves plenty of work space. Your ideas are very good but they didn't work for me.