4 Secrets to Failproof Fabric Storage

[@cherylbrown4058]

I really like what you said… Don’t buy more storage, use more fabric. I should adopt that motto for the coming year. Hopefully it will be my year of re-organizing a really really really using, did I say using what I already have.

[@rachelburgener819]

👏👏👏 😝❤️😀

[@Kate98755]

I have 3 quilts in production just for that reason…because these are quilts i was going to make someday…someday is now….instead of storing I’m cutting it and sewing instead of storing it!

[@nancysmith3907]

Too much just talking.

[@Kate98755]

@lovesdogs8616 I seldom buy fabric

[@debmoore629]

Anything I make this winter is going to be from things I already have in my craft space. Spending freeze started December 1st. Then, and only then can I buy new pretty things!

[@cynthiajones1461]

I'm so glad my granddaughter wasn't here when you mentioned keeping stash in the guest room bath which is exactly where she found my oversized stash that I was hiding from a husband who doesn't get it. A shower curtain in an unused guest bathroom hides a multitude of fabric. In my defense fabric is given to me from people who know I sew and quilt, rarely bought. Good quilting fabric is too hard to turn down.

[@elainejudd4892]

Isn’t it interesting how fabric just arrives? Particularly if you do charity sewing. Send it out, in it comes! 😅

[@wickedirish]

If you hang your fabric, it looks like clothes. :)

[@HereatJodstas]

Love it 😍 greetings from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@suedavis1835]

Thanks for the motivation and the reminder about not buying more storage - but use more fabric! I have a fear of cutting my “good” fabric and then not liking how the project turns out. I need to watch this video again to remind myself that it’s only fabric!

[@maldridge1311]

I saw another quilter (don't remember her name) say her husband asked her why she doesn't use her new fabric instead of keeping it a long time? I have been guilty of "saving" (frugal background) it for a special wonderful project, also afraid I won't like how it turns out. My major issue is I can't picture how what I put together will look. Choosing combinations is HARD for me.

[@misstweetypie1]

Maybe the solution for this is to make a mock-up either out of a lining fabric or a plain fabric, so that you are sure you like the project before you cut out your nice fabric.

[@ru4repeattoo]

I have found taking pictures of my fabric then using that with the block pattern to test what it might look like before I cut anything helps to visualize it.

[@KnittyKitty215]

I had that problem with yarn but I learned that I can rip out anything and re-use that yarn. It's not the same with fabric. You can cut again but with each time the projects have to get smaller.

[@JesusisKing222]

Plus, it’s a real investment of $ right now. My quilting skills are way behind my fabric collecting skills😂

[@mio.giardino]

When I first started buying fabric many many years ago, it wasn’t the best quality stuff at all, it was actually quite pathetic. So now I have a few bins of this fabric and I need the space so what I decided to do with it is make little quilts for animal shelters. My logic is that I will use the fabric. I will practice my quilting, techniques, practice, quilting, blocks, etc. and it’ll go to a good cause and not the dump.

[@nicola.p]

This is what I am doing also. I love quilting but there are only so many quilts I have space to keep. And I have some fabric I need to get rid of, and when we adopted both our cats they both came home with their own knitted/ crochet blankets and I thought why not make some little quilts for the rescue cats.

[@nancymcdonald3706]

@@nicola.p I thought about making cat quilts !

[@coffeequeen3291]

I love this!

[@cdnpow4852]

I have become an avid fabric collector that is absolutely not keeping pace with the sewing AND because of lack of an organizing system like yours, I often find that it's easier to buy the fabric I need rather than dig through my bins! Your system and logic are great and I'm going to implement it today!!! Thank you so much.

[@DonnaBush-ul3gg]

Same here! Just yesterday, I bought over 10 different one-yard pieces of fabric that are being discontinued at Hobby Lobby. I told myself that I couldn’t pass up $2 a yard! 😂 I do have plans to go through all my fabric, pick out what I REALLY want, and give the rest to a quilting friend.

[@bkfacs]

I have been ‘filing’ my fabric for most of my life! As a sewing teacher who received numerous ‘free fabric’, I wanted to be able to see everything at once. I have used the cardboard (I made my own). As a fashion/quilt sewist, I measured the fabric, cut a sample and marked it on a 3x5 card which I keep on my shelves. My fabric is put away, unexposed to light & dust.

[@dyanstoutenburg9974]

Would love to see a picture of that!

[@elayned6147]

That’s really awesome 👍

[@lindagroskopf3749]

My solution is similar to yours, 20 plus years making theater costumes has led to an obscene amount of fabric. But having index cards with samples, yardage and bin location has been amazing.

[@datasciyinfo5133]

Me too, I have 4x6 index cards. I cut a 3x3 fabric piece, tape or staple it to the card, write purchase date, store name, price, yards, and any projects I bought it for, or ideas. I don’t put bin location, since I don’t have that many. When I make an object I update yards on the front, and on the back, what I made, year, any comments, how well the fabric performed, any sewing issues I solved, thread and needle type used, etc. I store the index cards in a decorative tin box, next to my main sewing tools caddy. Thanks for your tip.

[@HereatJodstas]

I have seen other people use foam core to wrap the fabric and store it on a shelf looks very good.

[@mandyt8178]

Perfect timing... There is a blizzard happening now and I'm looking at a stack of fabric that's about to fall over. I emptied a large dresser drawer and filed my stash away. Brilliant! Thank you so much.

[@miwako1431]

I have fabric in every room of my apartment. Main storage is the hallway linen closet where it's rolled, drawers in my sewing desk in the living room, velvet hanging in the bedroom closet, and a bin of scraps in both the coat closet and the kitchen. But it hasn't made it into the shower... YET!

[@maryschneider5537]

I like the idea, but I am obsessed with fabric, quilting, and sewing. I think I always need more.

[@PamDoughety]

filing instead of stacking..... Best solution ever for all my fabric.... Makes choosing fabric so much easier. More importantly, I feel more organized... not overwhelmed.. Thank you again

[@prosperity.]

"It is not the time to buy more storage but time to use or purge" no truer words spoken.. here I am searching you-tube yet again for fabric storage idea's and I came across your video. Thank you oh! definitely love the dresser idea. ❤

[@albertsmyth9616]

This is extremely useful as I have fabric spilling out of plastic storage bins and piled up on bookshelves and none of it works, and I’ve been looking for a solution for so long. Now you have provided one. Thank you so much!

[@beccacoleman498]

Your fabric storage really IS perfect! I make cloth menstrual pads. Its just a hobby, i make them for myself and to donate to the church so they can take them on missions trips to Uganda once a year and to give to friends and such. I buy 1/4 yard at a time most of the time because, well, pads are small products. But i have shopped frequently, because collecting fabric is another hobby too! I just went through my fabric because of space restrictions, and now i have less then half of what i did have. My new years resolution this year is to NOT BUY FABRIC until i have worked through what i have. Same with my yarn too. Being more intentional about my crafting hobbies and having a plan before buying.

[@m.k.1543]

You can also use the multi-layered pant hangers in a closet for larger amounts of fabrics.

[@pjacksreads536]

That’s what I use for larger fabrics

[@waltermerkle8816]

Great idea. My wife stored hers in the storage cubes using the cloth bins. Each wrapped so they didn't crease. Like colors together. She liked to be organized.

[@kathygann7632]

I have a lateral filing cabinet that I got from a large company when they started storing everything online. It works for patterns in one drawer, and fabric in other drawers.

[@obietravels652]

This is awesome, I use the same system!

[@KristiFoxNelson]

At my old house, I had all my fabric displayed on shelves and I loved being able to see it all (even though I did worry about fading). We moved to my husband’s family farm, and the house is much smaller. My fabric went into a tall dresser. And while I miss having it on display, the system is so much better for me and my fabric.

[@Barbara-JT]

Love this storage idea, I have my fabric in my drawers, but stack them, I will now stand them, that is such a good tip! Thank you for this video. :))🧵🪡♥

[@pjc7351]

This podcast should be linked with "closet organization." I looked for ideas a month ago to store things in my walk-in closet. I ended up "filing" my gloves with foam core in between each pair, sideways so to see the color, in a clear drawer container. I also used the idea of bolts of fabric around a cardboard idea for my scarves and wraps. Again I used foam core, all the same size (width, depth) of the clear storage box with lift up lid, and folded each item (made sure they were clean first) and stacked them in the display box. Now I can see all the scarves and they stay dust free. Keeping things dust free as you suggested is the key to storage, and keeping things out of the light. Thank you for the great idea of using an old dresser. There are plenty of those to go around these days!

[@phyllisdippert2216]

I have a really small sewing space. I have tubs to store my fabric. I went thru them and filed everything. What a change! I can open them and see all! Thank you so much!

[@blufaerie]

I want a large dresser/cutting table situation but we are about to remodel and I don’t want to buy any more furniture. So I use my old luggage to “file” my fabric. I loved this video.

[@colleend2977]

I’ve been trying to use my scrap lately for quilts and it’s been fun! I try not to hoard fabric and only buy what I need for a project but there are always the cuties I can’t pass up.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Oh, truer words! "Don't buy more storage, use what fabric you have!" I think a lot of storage has to do with the type of sewing you do. As a general rule I sew clothing rather than smaller projects. So because I have more yardage, I do wrap mine on foamcore boards made from the ones at Dollar Tree, because I use all of what's on the "bolt." The small amount that's left I just roll up, wrap a rubber band around and stuff into an open cube organizer that is also my pressing station. I try not to save less than a yard unless it's cotton. The boarded fabric lives in more cubes that form my cutting table, away from direct sunlight. I like to see what I have and use it as part of the decor. But there's a LOT to be said for closed storage when it comes to fading and dust. You are so right about fabric not being so precious it has to wait to be used. I'm so guilty of that, waiting for just the right pattern. There's always another piece of gorgeous fabric and I need to remember that! One last thing - I just got drawers for under my sewing machine table. I've struggled with a good way to store my thread for a long time and I love the way you do yours. I looked and looked for a replacement drawer for a Husky table to no avail - so I went back to the drawers made by the company that made my table. I had to get 3 but I'm pretty sure it will take care of the thread and a few other gadgets I use at the my machines. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@caroltown3162]

Great advice especially about don’t find more storage but use up existing fabrics. Guilty😂

[@billieclark1661]

Great tips and reminders about purging and using it up! I have bins where my fabric was filed as you did in your drawer, but I need to move them to the drawers. What a hassle to get the bins out to find the fabric I want! Thank you for the motivation!!

[@paulaneary7877]

It has been my attitude for many many years, I say, "I do NOT need another box, I need less stuff" and it works great! I live in 400 square foot mobile home and have only what I need and I LOVE it. My large 6 drawer dresser in my bedroom has 3 drawers with clothes, socks and T-shirts, and swimwear, and the other three are full of sewing notions and fabric. I live in California, and seriously don't even need seasonal clothing. I am going to try to start folding my fabrics and utilizing the droors the way yours are, I LOVE the way it looks all neat and tidy and you can SEE everything, Incidentally, my freezer, fridge, and all cupboards in my kithcen are packed in a way that you can SEE stuff. Just a habit I have had for a long time. Great video, and have a great holiday.

[@rachelburgener819]

Yes, I agree with store it so you can see it at a glance! ❤️😀

[@antonette8009]

What was I just researching the past week? Storage bins? Yes, but not gonna after this video. Thanks for the idea! Good and needed inspiration to get organized.

[@elainejudd4892]

I love your storage solution! And all your videos. I have too much fabric - I am a serial quilter. I admit I have from time to time changed my system to accommodate an increasingly large stash. I tend to purchase sets or coordinates for quilt projects (yardage, precuts, panels, etc.) and I do store them on the acid free comic book cardboard. I do this because I write the yardage on each card, and don’t have to measure to know if I have enough for a specific project. I can just look at the card and see exactly how much is there. They stand upright in a cabinet with doors, but unfortunately with a row across the front, and a row behind so I can’t easily see what is in the back row. I also have fabric in plastic file boxes, which are hidden out of the sun but are heavy to lift and shuffle. I am three-yard quilting my way through yardage for foster kids’ quilts, but I will never let my stash grow this large again. I have some cabinets with drawers, and might just see a fabric storage revamp in my future! Nobody needs a huge stash these days as sadly there are frequent quilter estate sales practically giving away fabric, and plenty of church groups and guilds with ample supplies for those willing to make charity quilts. I think I will help them out by moving some of my stash out in the new year. I wonder if they want the fabric pre-measured on comic boards? 😂

[@cc83jc85]

Hi, I'm in AUstralia, nearly 69, and an average sewer of over 60 years...(quilts for the last 15!) ....You are th first person I can agree with about storing "wrapping fabrics around cardboard"...I'm like that too- I thought I was the only person who hated that! Thank goodness for common sense...I've now just joined your page! Cheers!

[@jo-annevandermey2704]

I do have a large stash right now. I was not going to add to it and work it down. But there was a couple of reasons I choose to increase it this year. I'm a retired empty nester and have more time to sew. I sew things for a local shop. More for fun then for a wage. Butvit keeps me engaged and in thread. I have decided to donate to a couple of charities each year to go to kids and women shelters. The fabric I have been buying has been for $2 to $5 dollars Canadian from people destashing. This means I can make 4 to 10 pillow cases for one charity for the Christmas drive. If I bought new fabric I could make 1. Printed fabric costs $20 a meter (1 yard plus 3" ) i probably have enough fabric to make for a couple of years. I also give my mom fabric cut out to sew. She is 88 and finds it hard to pay the canadian price. So what have I done with it? I am currently washing and folding it. I fold it like you do and vertical file it in Sterilite Clear Boxes to sit on my shelves. I label the box with the colour or type. It will be a lot of work but I tend to nest in January, put on a good movie or show and clean up my stash from the years work. I find it oddly satisfying. One year I colour sorted my button collection. I seem to get buttons from people who are cleaning up. But i always shop my button collection. Some day I will have to deal with down sizing but i figure it will be a good few years (hopefully) and my daughter is a quilter she will know what to do with it. We are all at different stages. I started out using a chest of drawers. I probably will end up that way when we down size. Meanwhile I am enjoying being able to gift a little love jnto each project i make. Some will be treasured. I am sure some won't be. But I am ok with doing that. When i was younger i didnt have the time or money to do so. I think my style of stash is of a practical minimal maximist! Lol I love your channel! I get alot of pleasure from watching you. Have a wonderful holiday season with your family!

[@lynx1357-f3c]

That is what I do too! I actually fold them kind of like fat quarters, and have larger pieces folded in the bottom drawer and store them in color order. I use clear bags of scraps by color but like your idea better as you can just reach into the tubs and have easier access.

[@jenniferboehm3088]

I am currently moving my quilting room out of the basement into a bedroom on our main floor. I have been watching reorganizing sewing/crafts rooms on You tube. I have a huge stash, most of which I have inherited from family members purging their own stash. I have been struggling with the fabric bins and lids stacked in “piles”. I have such a mess! And yes, I almost bought the comic book boards! I am taking this advice to heart and will try to work it in to my options. A mix of the bins as drawers on wire shelving. Thank you, thank you. And I love your channel.

[@diannerabon3524]

This was great! My after Christmas plan is to get my sewing space organized. I know I have too much fabric and I love the suggestion to use it up. I sew a lot for charity and find thrifted fabric a bit hard to resist. I’m blessed to have a dedicated craft cave in my basement but it’s a bit dark and sometimes cold in the winter. I will be watching you other sewing space videos!

[@karenneiman856]

You may be interested in Karen Brown's January declutter on Just Get It Done Quilts. You can sign up for her daily email with KZbin link for the task of rhe day. I did it last year and am already signed up to go again next month! 😊😊

[@janeleslie4192]

Me too! Come back later and we will see if we completed the challenge!😉👍

[@mrogers2345]

I am so tired of moving & moving my fabric. I have curated and collected some awesome fabrics. I would love to just snap my fingers and be able to sew again. I am giving myself time to heal and being as patient as possible. You are spot on about light and dust. All my precious’s are in tubs. I do organize them by substrate type and color though. This temporary solution has turned permanent as of late. I can’t wait till the next and final move. Sewing space set up over the next 2 years is my goal. Great Share.

[@krissyt6683]

This is a fantastic idea! I don't have much fabric now but I think once I build my stash I will do this. Normally I like to see what I have in open storage but since I don't sew often this makes more sense for me. Love it! Thanks Nikki!

[@pLanetstarBerry]

I'm guilty of the bins, but to counter this I like to keep a notebook full of info about my fabric inventory, including fabric type, measurements, where I got it from, which bin its in, and a section for notes such as what I end up using it for, sewing machine settings, stuff like that.

[@PiperSunnydale]

Love this tip. I'm just about to move my sewing room to my son's bedroom as he bought a house and moved out. There is a chest of draws in there that i was going to move but i'm going to use if for storing fabric. It will save me loads of time when i am searching for fabrics i have stacked.

[@lindak8664]

I’ve been using the cardboard wrap method for years. I learned very early on to carefully pin the loose edge and to attach a small note written in pencil, (not ink which can stain the fabric) with the width and length of the fabric. If it’s a remnant from a project, i might go to the effort to draw a quick diagram with measurements. These days, i still wrap around the cardboard but i have an app where i store a photo, measurements and type of fabric.

[@HereatJodstas]

Wow what’s the app called?

[@pjacksreads536]

Great advice. We tend to get attached to our precious fabrics. I have plenty of fabric and have decided to only shop my stash. That should not be a problem because I’m still learning to sew. I’m a confident beginner. purchasing fabric is definitely my 2nd hobby. I have my fabric filed but out in the open or on hangers in my sewing room closet. Not stacked. I can see it all when I walk in the closet. In my sewing room I have a cabinet for smaller pieces only. If less than a yard they come out of the closet.

[@nancymcdonald3706]

Thank You so much ! I was going to just donate everything ! I am going to pull a dresser into my sewing space !

[@KristenABales]

My mothers fabric collection is. . . . massive. We literally have full bolts. I like the filing storage idea, but for the size of fabric we have to work with. I'm not sure this system would work well. Though. I may be able to do a file system in the totes, so that the massive chunks of fabric are easier to get to and utilize. I have a huge undertaking of organizing her craft room, so I can use it for my biz, and anything in it is free game.

[@moominkraft6427]

This is great! I've always had problem with dust. The dresser will be perfect for my fabrics by the yard.

[@tambikhai3601]

Excellent advice! I'm going straight in to "file" my fabrics! Another issue with shelves, if you live in an area with intense sun, like here in Florida, even a little sunlight hitting the fabric, it will fade the area it hits!

[@cathymartin3379]

I used bookcases and comic book boards and it's a fantastic system! I can see every fabric that i own all at once, easy to put fabrics together for a project, rather than going through various drawers. As far as rewrapping, it doesn't take much more time than refolding it and putting it in a drawer. I can spare the extra few seconds lol. Whatever works for us!

[@Erika_sews]

Fun to hear, and glad you’ve found a system that works for you. Is very geared towards quilting though, your big pieces are smaller than some of my scraps 😂 Honestly, no way if use this system for my expensive wools, that I most often have 3-4 meters of full width. They don’t like being stored folded to begin with. I’m planning on storing them on full width rolls (like in a fabric shop), on shelfs that gets covered to protect them from sunlight. My jerseys will be rolled in smaller rolls and stacked, but they are easy to access and easy to see what I have. My lingerie supplies are stored like your fabrics, filed in drawers. But they are wrapped around cardboard, otherwise their just be a pool of material. So I’d say how fabric is best stored depends on the type of fabric 😊 4 meters of coat weight wool will not and should not be filed in a drawer 🙈 And maybe quilting cotton don’t need to be rolled carefully without any folds 🤷‍♀️

[@PinCutSew]

This is a good point!

[@8squishyfishy8]

I'm a minimalist who is just now learning sewing. Wow thank you for your wisdom here, it is a breath of fresh air in a very intimidating and often overwhelming crafting space.

[@susanlee1827]

Ah yes….the pull of the new treasure. The “get it first before it all sells.” The “my favorite designer” collecting. I’ve definitely reined myself in due to severe lack of space (I live in an RV😂). It’s a struggle for sure.

[@JesusisKing222]

I was stunned to learn that the designer quilt fabrics are released, then sell out. Any remainders end up on ebay or etsy at full price…

[@susanlee1827]

@@JesusisKing222 yup! That’s the rush of marketing!! lol. Bad part is that if you don’t get your mind set on what you want to make, right it down, map it out and then buy enough for your project…you end up scrambling on Etsy! But…I must say I have several favorite Etsy shops I love and go to first for preorders and such.

[@jessicanaquin9466]

I love this video! Thank you for focusing on fabric storage that’s practical ❤

[@rosemoore5364]

Thank you. I have way too much fabric and need to sew it up and stop buying more. Just purchased fabric online this morning. Don't know what the heck I was thinking. Have a nice day.

[@Mrs.StacyPhillips]

You are adorable and your videos are very helpful!! Keep doing what you’re doing!!

[@foechicken8023]

I have cabinets where I have to stack because my sewing room is also my dining room. The cabinets bave doors so the fabric is shut up tight keeping dust and light off of it. Ideally I wpuld be able to store it the way you do but again that is an ideal. Bonus: I scored a vintage solid wood ironing board yesterday. It's so sturdy.

[@nitasolis9235]

Did this over the holidays. Works great in my small space - I can see what I have!

[@nancysullivan6827]

I’m impressed. I’ve been trying to find something for my quilting fabric that I now store in those awful plastic bins that don’t stack well. But needed to be kept from pet hair. Sun and smoke also. Actually thought of old dressers etc. and the filing is so great. Never thought of it. I don’t have a lot of fabric most was bought for certain projects. Of course I have bits and pieces of tops I was working on. Forget the plastic. I’m going to go back to the thrift store and look at furniture. I don’t have much room I’m in a studio apartment. But it will look at lot better and more accessible.

[@bethiebigs550]

I am so grateful I found this video when I did! I am reorganizing and purging my craft room and I’m to the point of organizing 4 Rubbermaid containers of fabric and feeling overwhelmed thinking I wanted to file on shelves like a fabric store! After seeing this video, I realized I have a dresser in the guest room that is completely empty and ready to organize like this! Now I’m not overwhelmed, I’m excited!

[@8698gil]

I just love getting new fabric, even though I may still have leftovers that I can find a project for. I just love cutting into the new stuff.

[@beckymarchbank9512]

I currently have 3 dressers in my sewing/craft area. Great advice!

[@bonniebonnie7149]

Great ideas! We took the door off a small closet approx 80” wide and 30” deep and put vertical wood shelves across it in the same size, about 12” higher than each other. (Start at the bottom ). I got many clear bins about 20” wide x 28” deep and created “bin drawers”. I fold my fabric like you do and sort by use and color. It is a successful concept until I buy more fabric that now lives in the guest shower too! Thank you for a great video! P

[@maureenmorris4217]

I like your "Be Here Now" quilted sign (behind your head!

[@cathymontowski1263]

Thank you, that is a great idea. I like your scrap idea, I’m going to try it. I’ve been taking my larger scraps and cutting them into manageable sizes like, 2, 2 1/2” 3” or 5”. Common sizes for projects. Not by color just sorted just sizes. I have mine in larger cuts in kitchen cabinets that have doors. When I buy larger pieces of fabric like 2-3 yards, I flat fold them on a 4” ruler, I slide out the ruler & fold in 1/2 and try to store by theme/solids. It’s gotten out of hand at times before I started doing this. My friends have seen how I store my fabric and incorporated it into their room.

[@carlyar5281]

I do the Mari condo style folding, but I filed them in 9 inch deep square sided bins with lids. I don’t have a dedicated sewing area, so this way, my fabric is stored and organized and I can grab (or get my husband to grab) the bin that has the type of fabric using whether it’s fashion fabric or crafting cotton.

[@quilting7595]

This has been my New Year’s resolution this year. Thank you for reinforcing my mission. 😊

[@robincomeaux7383]

Amazon drawer organizers for shirts, panties and bras would help. I love the idea of filing the fabric

[@amybiblewski6038]

You have a great system for your space. I have a closet with bi-fold doors & my husband added extra shelves; the fabric stays out of the light & dust-free. Anything greater than 1/8 yd up to 1-1/4 yards is on two shelves by color. Greater than 1-1/4 yard is on a higher shelf by color. Smaller than 1/8 yd (but too big to cut up into a square or rectangle) is in a small bin labeled "chunky scraps." As I finish a project and have small pieces they are cut into squares & rectangles up to 3.5". I have found that, other than 2.5" for bindings, I don't use strips so I've gradually used them up & don't cut more. I log all my fabric in a spreadsheet & assign it a SKU based on color or, in a few cases, by theme (ie, super hero, snoopy) so I can keep track of it. I love my system. Everyone needs a system that works for them and you sometimes have to try a few to find the best one for you.

[@pamstrong8709]

Great tips, as always. ...and the most practical fabric storage solution. Thanks Nikki!

[@gloglos100]

Exactly. There used to be superb silks, linens and wools in the 50s and 60s, now like good leather, good boots it’s hard to find quality. Good reason to buy fabric when it turns up and thus exceed the sewing. Thank you for this.

[@christinehowell]

I caught your video some time ago but then couldn't find it when I needed to check back. Thanks to KZbin another of your videos popped up and I decided to check what other topics you covered, and here I am! Your methods and ideas are so useful and it's made my day to be able to remind myself of these techniques. It brings me such joy to find the perfect way for me to store all those different sized fabric pieces. Thank you... subscribing now!!!

[@obietravels652]

This is a great storage idea! I store my fabric in a large lateral file cabinet 😇 it IS stacked, but it’s closed storage, and the file drawers slide out For ease of access. I use a lot of upholstery/decorator-weight material, but also have yardage of vintage quilting cotton and flour sacks. I generally sort by size and weight, with the heaviest & largest yardage in the bottom drawer. I have small clear bins for small project pieces that stack on top of the cabinet ( which is 4’ wide X 5.5’ tall). The file works great & I picked it up at a thrift store for $30. It weights a TON, but I’ve been using this system for 15 years, and could t be happier, I try to use up every single tiny scrap in art projects, so I have teeny bits in metal tins that I store with my art supplies and break out when I’m making cards or collage. I used to have lots of fabric in plastic bins and stacked on shelves, but I De-stashed when I moved recently, and had to downsize my studio. Super happy having it all in one place now. ( except bolts of fabric don’t count 😂 They’re in the closet :)

[@teresarathurn824]

I have an abundance of quilt fabric. I am redoing my sewing area and decided on a lateral file cabinet to store fabric in the drawers.

[@helenhershtjader5759]

Great tips! Different from my own, but completely practical. I have stacks in clear bins; the biggest difference is I try to minimize fabrics folds. Have mainly reproduction fabrics so they do not go out of style. Loved seeing your methods.

[@nancyhurt7145]

My mind works just the opposite way! I want to see it all! I have fabric stored by type and shelves labeled linen, wool, flannel, etc. I do fold fabrics and stack where they can all be seen. Quilting fabrics are on comic boards and filed upright with smaller cuts folded in clear containers. I do have quite a few years on you with much more fabric! But I agree on going through and donating every so often. I also sew for Dress a Girl around the World each year so 50 or so quilting cottons are sewn up to narrow down my library even further! The key to me is knowing what I have and using it. Don’t overbuy!!

[@opheliahamlet3508]

great and practical advice Love the dresser idea

[@poodlegirl55]

I do a lot of scrappy sewing and I have four rolling three tiered carts which I like because I have three sewing machines and move around. One is all lace and trim, one is thread and embroidery stuff and two have fabric. I have the fabric folded like yours. Sometimes I like to sew in the kitchen while I'm canning so it's nice to be able to just roll a cart out.

[@sherrielouks419]

Love your ideas! I picked up a couple of small fabric bins from the Dollar Tree last night and am going to start with that to file my smaller pieces. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@donnabush7938]

I wish you’d posted this video 2 weeks ago, before I bought 6 more storage bins! I live in the Houston, Texas area, where we have a lot of heat and humidity, so I’ve been storing my fabric in clear Sterlite bins that have rubber gaskets in the lid. I keep all 13 bins of fabric, (along with 17 vacuum bags full of yarn) in my closet, which I’m currently trying VERY HARD to organize. I’m so glad you said to start using the fabric I have. My only problem is what to make with it!

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

I love your storage philosophy. I have the smallest of my three bedrooms as a sewing room. I complain about the lack of space. But it is an actual room with two windows and a closet . I’m going to try your method. Thank you. Happy New Year!!! 🎆

[@michellelutz2721]

Awesome storage for fabric! I craft with a lot of different supplies ... was lucky to find office auction file cabinets ( old style with wire racking) I can add cardboard sides and use as drawers. THANK YOU for sharing and showing!!!! Have a great day !!

[@karenherndon1811]

Great ideas! And I heartily agree…use what you have before buying more! Thanks for the reinforcement of a great idea! Merry Christmas and a blessed new year for you and yours!

[@FoxyHam]

Your idea is such a wonderful idea! Thank you.

[@m.m.4645]

I have just started two scrap projects - one is a handsewing hexagon english paper piecing in blue /green tones which I take along on our vacation/trips. In the meantime I have a lot of bigger pieces so I can start putting all of them together. Everything layed out is already a Queen size! The other project is sewing scrap strips into 4"x12" pieces to finally make a King size quilt. I have about 40 of those so far, have chosen a connector fabric and now I want to put these on the Design wall! Both are very pleasing projects and they help getting rid of my evergrowing stash. I store in a big cupboard (with doors!), but also easy to see what is available. For scraps I use clear Ikea plastic bins with a lid. All sorted by color for an easy overview. 😁

[@lynnlegault9297]

I'm also a minimalist, I'm amazed that some have more fabrics than my local quilt shop.

[@gaitedgirl85]

I found two sets of rubbermaid 2 drawer sets on the side of the road and i have been storing my fabric in them ever since, much like how yours is! Mine is organized by topic (holidays, solids, etc).

[@AnneluvsKatz]

This is sooooooo helpful! TY for sharing mi suck at organizing!😊

[@conniekline9881]

I am so happy I came across your channel, you have said and showed so many things that are inspiring and encouraging. I don’t have the space or money to buy more fabric, but I have plenty stored on top of one another in bins, so hopefully I can change that. Thanks again.

[@katherinebrockhoff8476]

I’m a garment sewer and use the comic book cards for silks, slippery fabrics and trims. This allows me to see exactly what I have on hand. The rest I roll & tag and store on end in clear totes by type: top/dress weight, denim/bottom weight & tech/specialty fabric. Love your system for quilting!

[@amydement.]

LOVE this - ALL of it! I have too much and am using it in a 100 quilts challenge this year - I'd like to get rid of lots of current storage! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@suesotelo3711]

I have my in bins and sorted by colors. I have them stacked and have to look deep for what I want. Thank you for the file idea, I will resort mine filed to see all the colors.. but still keep them in the same bins.

[@marywiggins7411]

I file my fabric in 15qt storage containers folded like fat quarters. That size works really well for quarters, fat quarters, or half yards. I store by genre or and then color.

[@Kellyschacht]

Love your idea of utilizing drawers......have not found a neat, convenient way to store my fabrics until I watched your video. I don't like my fabrics out collecting dust and i have a few Rubbermaid totes that I currently use for storage but have to dig through when I am looking for something. I also use Marie's system for my clothes in my dresser so, it makes sense to use drawers for my fabrics. I see a lot of dressers on Facebook market place for short money and could use a taller cutting table. Thanks again for the tips and keep the videos coming.

[@leximoriarty5529]

You are speaking directly to me, I can tell. Thank you for making this video. I definitely am leaning towards being the person who likes to collect fabric, possibly more than I like to sew. I have the Rubbermaid bins that I store under my bed when my guests are using my sewing/guest room. It's becoming a problem... I guess I needed to hear it from someone other than my husband and my sewing friends. My resolution this year is to use what I have to bring order to the chaos! Happy New Year!

[@sarahcloward3007]

Our rule is anything over a yard gets wrapped on a board and filed on the shelf. (We used 20x30 poster board cut into fourths to make mini bolts.) Under a yard and it goes in one of 2 places: cottons are filed into bins of fat quarters and eighths for my sister's quilting, fashion fabric gets folded into a remnants bin for me. And all little scraps are in a couple clear "flour" canisters.

[@gailmaltese7277]

I file label and stack in shallow 6” high tubs and sorted separately by color or season. Love the vid.

[@lindamcgehee7216]

Great video and tips presented with a friendly informative manner. Thank you! I needed these ideas to get my fabric under control!

[@EcstaticTeaTime]

My sewing is on the backburner in favor of my crochet...my yarn stash is now organized to remind myself I don't need to buy more yarn. It's a bit tricky to pass on fabric but at least I can say my craft priority doesn't align with it; my brain has accepted that answer for now. Crafting stashes seem to always be a tale of two hobbies: buying and using.

[@L.i.s.a....]

Excellent video! I had a good chuckle when you mentioned at the end there are lots of uses for dressers through the house not just bedrooms. So true! I have a gorgeous wood giant 90" long dresser in my kitchen used as a buffet. I have 2 dressers that are in living areas rather than bedrooms. I'd rather hang clothes, so it works great. I think I may take your advice and move it to the sewing room. Thanks for the great idea! ❤

[@rosemarymonty5399]

I was amazed at the amount of fabric you have. I really like your storage system. I love buying fabric. And I have started to donate fabric this past year. As I seem to have found that I am a pack rat. Probably due to the fact I grew up very poor and when I was working and even now I can still buy what I want. But now I we will be moving from our acreage to a condo in the next 5-10 years and it’s time to start decluttering. I have definitely found that too much stuff or fabric causes you to not know what you have. Ergo, you buy more fabric for a specific need. I really like the size of your table/fabric storage.

[@rosemaryrigney4251]

Thanks for sharing! Happy sewing Christmas to you and your family!

[@gwenj5419]

I don't have big drawers, but I file my fabrics by color in sweater size plastic bins which then go on shelves in my closet. My bigger fabric pieces (possible backings) are filed in a large plastic tote. I mostly scrappy quilt so most of my fabric is in fat quarters or less than a yard.

[@susanjacquier5358]

New subscriber from Australia here. I'm glad you touched on the folly of storing fabric ( folded) in an area that is exposed to light. A large retail fabric store here has bolts on racks and obviously, some of those bolts have been there awhile. I bought chambre denim to make my hubby a shirt and found when I placed the fabric on the fold( as per the pattern), the fold had faded as so to create a long 'stripe' down the middle of the back :(. Like you, I store my fabric in large drawers for that reason.

[@robinwhite-underwood467]

Very helpful! I do use the comic book technique because shelves I do have: bookshelves left over from the kids growing up and moving out. But the fabric IS exposed to sunlight (not directly), which concerns me. I would love a dresser for my fabric storage, but that's not an option right now. My sewing room is pretty big, so I'm lucky there. I knit as well (not well) as sew (again, not well), so storing both yarn and fabric is the constant battle in my large room.

[@kathleennewbern480]

A curtain for your bookshelf could be an option.

[@robinwhite-underwood467]

Thanks for the idea. It won't work for my room, but I appreciate you taking the time to offer me help. I hope that someday I can copy this one person's craft room organization: she used some nice shelving units with doors, all from Ikea. It would cost me about $640, so...not happening anytime soon. Stay healthy!@@kathleennewbern480

[@tammymasson2343]

I love seeing my fabric on shelves, sorted by fabric type. I am more inspired this way. I love looking at it and "playing" with it, planning out projects with patterns and seeing what goes well with what.