5 Tips for Setting up for Efficient Sewing

[@marianal7345]

Finally, this is the first video I have seen that has actual great tips for an efficient sewing room.

[@marianal7345]

I made a calico sewing table organiser with custom designed pockets that are really easy for me to access the needed items. My hunny bought me a fold out table that is the same height as my other table, which I have put another calico sewing table organiser for the embroiery machine things. I find having large pockets towards the back and sides od the table help to keep the organiser in place. You can store stabiliser and other items for sewing behind there. Wonderful tips I think I will change the table layout to match the U shape. :)

[@marianal7345]

I also have two large long curtains near the window, and habe hidden away my two ironing boards, one small one that goes onto the table and one larger one. I like how they are out of the way and are hidden from sight. I also hide stuffing behind a small armchair, and also have a laundry basket that looks like the basket wicker one. But it holds my excess bags, and iron. So I can keep some extra things hidden away but can get these out when needed.

[@marianal7345]

Have just put a lay buy down for a janome serger, and this will fit nicely on the foldable table to the right side of the craft table. It would be infront of the window which I dont mind. Perhaps when the machines arent being used, I can fold away the table and put the machines on the one table in the middle of the wall. I have an embroidery machine, but dont use this one as often. I am thinking of getting a horn sewing cabinet to hide this machine away. But still not sure.

[@cynthiamasonyoung4518]

I keep my tools, including screwdriver, cleaning brush, all in a very fab coffee mug...started when the handle broke off + I couldn't bear to throw it away. All your advice is very practical! Thanks!

[@suzisaintjames]

I keep three small pots by my machine, one for my tools, one as a trash bin for my threads, and one for my tea. xoxo from Arizona.

[@Threadquarters]

Tea, very important!!! I have a bin under my desk where I throw my threads...when I remember - most of the time they end up on the floor! lol

[@suzisaintjames]

Suzanna Forsythe, I have a floor bin too. For bigger pieces like graded seems and such, but right next to the tool pot, the trash pot works great for catching all the threads and trimmed corners. It has to be a shorty (the height of your machine bed or less) or you'll be knocking it over. Try it next time you sew. Soon you'll have little trash pots everywhere. I have one on my desk to keep my staple remover. When I take out a staple, the staple and the remover go right into the pot. It's kinda like the wrist pin cushion, you don't realize how valuable it is until you try it. xoxo from Arizona

[@lindafoote8697]

I do that too!

[@airmom8716]

Having a rolling chair that is the correct height is an ergonomic must!

[@celestemckop8563]

Loved those tips, especially snips on ribbon round neck. I also love a wrist pin cushion. Thank you.

[@ElizabethMadeThisSEW]

Your setup is so space efficient! That's so smart to keep your ironing board at your same level. I would be utterly lost without my embroidery scissors around my neck!

[@LS-vq2or]

This is exactly what I need !!! a sewing space where I don’t have to get up as a chronically ill person that would help me a lot love the ironing table next to the sewing machine!!

[@tonyadelcastillo5351]

Great tips. I have my iron and a lamp (along with other things) on a power strip and push one button to turn everything off. The lamp is my visual insurance so I know I turned everything off.

[@Threadquarters]

Clever idea!

[@delciejo]

Me too! My big lamp, iron & sewing machine. One flick!

[@TaDarling1]

I use a powerstrip also. Very efficient.

[@karencvicknair3645]

I usually have mine on a strip but moved my room and reorganized everything so now I need a new strip! I hate having four things to shut off one by one. Yes and I need my light cause my Bernina light is out.

[@rosiebrough8918]

My iron and a small beautiful stain glass lamp is on their own power strip. So light on..my iron is on! I love the wrist idea, but can't get it to work for me..lol I keep knocking the pins out when putting blocks or triangles together. 🤦‍♀️

[@maryamahmed1180]

Very good and useful tips

[@laurajones4088]

Excellent tips! I'm in the process of setting up a room for sewing-can't wait to have the iron next to my sewing machine again.

[@angelqueen9352]

Thanks for these tips. My favourite is the snip necklace. I'm doing that as soon as I get into my sewing area. I repurpose dipping sauce plates, one beside my sewing machine and one on my ironing board. I just toss my needles in them when im done.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh nice idea!

[@juliadroy1179]

Great tips I like the idea of lowering the ironing board.

[@dwd080376]

Simple but effective. Most helpful ☺️☺️

[@MennoniteFarmhouse]

I'm working on setting up a sewing room... what doing differently is making a sewing mat/machine cover for my sewing machine... while working it lays under the machine and hangs down over the desk with pockets to keep all the small tools you mentioned... I want to hang a peg board to hang key items so I'm never spending half the day looking for them... my husband installed a serg protector on the side of my desk so I can easily unplug my machine. I also put my cutting table on bed risers so it's at better height for cutting fabrics. I have my garment patterns in clear 13x9inch clear plastic envelopes... labeled of course... and all my attachments for my sewing machine in a clear tool box... Happy sewing!

[@Threadquarters]

Sounds like you will have a wonderful room! Happy sewing and thanks for sharing xxx

[@Antonina81]

I made that sewing mat ( mashine cover) too. But I am not using that. Now I will start, because you remanterd me on why I actually made it. Than you. 😉

[@suzisaintjames]

I found that s Beenie Baby fits perfectly around my wrist, so I sewed some hooks & eyes to the pig's feet and he never complains when I stick the pins in his head. 😆 xoxo from ⛅ partly cloudy Arizona. 71/44f today.

[@Threadquarters]

Ha ha ha, love this!!!

[@alyonavant.9013]

Thank you for sharing your tips! I find it helpful. I will try to remodel my sewing space after yours.

[@katelaycock4502]

So helpful. Thank you! These are key especially when we only have nap time to sew! Sometimes I find myself spending the whole time I had allocated for sewing organizing myself to sew and then I don’t get around to actually sewing anything!

[@Threadquarters]

Hahaha, I can totally relate!

[@Lisamakes]

Great tips! Why did I never think of lowering my ironing board? Brilliant!

[@Threadquarters]

It is so handy! xx

[@doro8856]

Love the idea of having my space U-shaped. I'm about to relocate my sewing space, and now that I've seen this video, am going to make my new space U-shaped. Thanks a bunch for this. Have thumbed up and subscribed.

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks, I'm glad you found the video useful! Hope you enjoy your new sewing space!

[@meman6964]

The Gilbreths would be so proud of you. They were the original "time-motion industrial engineers . I shape work space most efficient.

[@celiahaddon4087]

I love these tips! I'm going to set up my sewing room the same way. Thank you.

[@Threadquarters]

Glad you found them helpful!

[@PattymacMakes]

So many great tips! Thanks for sharing.

[@alisonlee4723]

Thank you Suzanna for your time & really great tips, love the Bohin pin cushion, already ordered !! I now have my snippers on a cord around my neck, why didn't I think of that !!!!!!

[@Threadquarters]

Fantastic! So happy to help xxx

[@LalaTranslated]

Oh this was cool. Thank you for sharing! I have little magnetic dishes i keep in the throat of my sewing machine and next to the iron.When I pull out a needle I can just toss it toward the dish and the magnet picks it up. When i first started sewing I considered a wrist pin cushion because it seemed so convenient but I just don’t like wearing anything around my wrists (an odd pet peeve, i know).

[@Threadquarters]

Oh yes, I have one of those magnetic pin dishes because everyone raves about them....but I just kept having to look for it somewhere around my room! lol. Having more than one would certainly help that!

[@vickismith540]

LalaTra

[@Happybidr]

I already do this, except as a gadget geek, I have set all the lights in the room,etc. And hooked them onto each power strip all around the room. Then just before I leave the room, I turn off everything just using the master control. I have an extra remote control on my main seeing space. I also have a full set of tools set up next to each machine.

[@maryriley6163]

This is a very nice presentation. I love to see how people arrange their work space and the U shape with ironing board handy is really efficient. (And isn't it nice to have your own space to work? I used to do use the kitchen table...talk about intermittent sewing opportunities.)

[@weaver7249]

Thank you for sharing your tips. The dress you have on is beautiful.

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you Dana. Its actually just a top (The Gable Top by Jennifer Lauren Handmade), but it would be lovely as a dress!

[@CP-gq5fw]

I really like the tiny shears w/ribbon tip👍 and I’ve been looking for a ‘stylish’ wrist pincushion. Thank you 🙂

[@mylifeasjen8732]

Love the snip tip. I'm constantly losing them. Now I just need a tip on how to keep from losing my glasses.

[@louiselill1528]

I am definitely going to use the snip tip and make a holder to protect the sharp bits

[@mimihoward4798]

Put on top of your head, just pull down when needed. You just simply have to get into that routine. Used it for years, now they are on my face all the time.

[@cassieoz1702]

I keep mine on a command hook on the front of my machine (which doesn't have a thread cut function)

[@juadonna]

Really pretty eyeglass necklaces / lanyards are available. Study them on the internet and see if you could make one yourself. I have also seen magnetic brooches with a loop to hang them from. search for 'eyeglass holder magnetic' Until then, always check the top of your head first! LOL

[@iloveharrold]

Lovely room and great ideas ❤️

[@elizabeththiebaud196]

Thank you. I love this video. Thanks for sharing

[@dianneeverett1633]

Very good tips.

[@christinecrabb1911]

Thank you for sharing. I also like to use a magnetic pin cushion cos I love just throwing pins at it. Looking forward to the Toaster sweater next week 👍😊

[@suzisaintjames]

Christine Crabb, they have magnetic wrist pin cushions too! xoxo from Arizona USA

[@christinecrabb1911]

Suzi Saint James I’ll be ordering one of those, thank you 👍😊

[@louiselill1528]

Lol me too but sometimes I miss

[@mgs783]

I prefer either the magnetic or “pink tomato” pin cushions. I tried a wrist type but I would wear it on my left wrist and thats where my watch is! Good tips. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@dianneross2801]

Great tips especially the caddy with all the things I’m definitely going to adopt that tip 👍😍

[@MsSherrydarling]

Great tips! I have small scissors attached to ribbon that l then tie to the handles of my machines. That has saved me lots of time. I have a fabric covered cork board on the wall behind my sewing machine to pin my instructions to and it is so helpful. To store on the little notions, l bought one of the small drawer units from the tool department. It has 20 little drawers that hold skirt hooks and snaps, D rings and needles and stuff like that. I’ve had it for over 20 years and still works great!

[@Threadquarters]

Those are some really great tips, thanks for sharing Sherry!

[@goddess6341]

These are lovely tips. I spend so much time looking for pins and my little clippers! I just subscribed. Thanks again! 😊✌🏾

[@faizagaldhari1215]

great tips. thank you so much. I'm going to buy the snip gadget and take all your advice. it all makes a lot of sense.

[@kathyboden7231]

I like your tips.The only thing I would change for a health reason is moving my ironing board so I have to get up.Its easy to just stay sitting and work for a very long time but it is very hard on the circulation for your legs. It is very important to get up periodically to keep the circulation going and going to the ironing board seems to be the best for me.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh good point, if you are going to be sewing for long periods of time it's certainly a good idea to get up every now and again (they tell you that in an office as well). I never get a chance to sew for long periods of a time though! lol

[@eileenharrison7816]

Great ideas. Thank you ☺️

[@mishyfishy389]

Awesome, thank you for the lovely tips :) -Michelle

[@doowopshopgal]

Wrist pin cushion is perfect 👏👏

[@Threadquarters]

I love it so much, one of my best purchases!

[@marienugent3794]

Really like your top, please could you advise pattern & fabric?

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Suzanna, I really love 💕 those tips. I wish my sewing room was as tidy as yours!!!!!!!! But, I am going to be sewing a couple of things soon, so you’re tips are invaluable.

[@Threadquarters]

Glad you found the video useful. And don't worry - that corner of my sewing room is only tidy for videos...the rest of the room was a pig sty while I was filming this! lol

[@barb2083]

You look so lovely in that Gable top. Is that your favorite tee pattern noa? I'm putting a wrist pincushion on my wish list😊 I have an ikea magnetic strip on the table between my machines (they face eachother) and I just kind of toss them while I sew...very satisfying, but not handy when ironing or cutting. Thanks for your fun videos!

[@Threadquarters]

Oh that's a good idea about the magnetic strip - much bigger than the smaller magnetic pots! Yes, I do like the Gable Top at the minute, but I think the Plantain is still my fav.

[@crystallionaire]

you are adorable! i made myself a wrist pincushion with some crap fabric and ill never go back to sewing without it haha

[@kathleenkeenan4296]

Love your pin holder

[@sagepreaumx9903]

The U shape arrangement makes a lot of sense. In interior design the kitchen is designed that way to with the sink, refrigerator and stove. Nice, helpful tips. I also like the magnetic pin holder in my basket.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh that's a good point about the kitchen. Ha, very similar!

[@lindamcneely]

I put a tablemat underneath the edge of my sewing machine and the end of it that hangs over is divided into pockets for all the little things that you store in your jar. as for pin cushions I have several and one is at my sewing space another is at my ironing board and another is on my l shaped table where I lay out what I am working on . I also have a small padded surface on that table with a small iron.

[@susijang]

Very useful indeed, thank you for sharing.

[@Threadquarters]

You are so welcome! Happy sewing x

[@TaDarling1]

I purchased a Sewing Lamp/Caddy at my local Joann's Fabrics Store that's a nifty tool. It has a super bright light for upclose sewing and the base of the lamp is a caddy that rotates and has multiple compartments for snips, large scissors, seam gauges, markers, seam rippers and a myriad of other tools that I like to keep handy next to my sewing machine.

[@joanfinn474]

Very,good,tips,I would,like,to,seelyour,lamp

[@lisafrost6020]

Great tips, I’ll have to get myself a wrist pin cushion

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Great tips. I had a wrist pin cushion for Xmas as had one years ago which was invaluable. I wear my scissors round my neck too but I don’t have such a good place for an ironing board. I must look into how I could achieve this great arrangement. 🤗

[@suzisaintjames]

Ruth Lanwarne, Search KZbin for ironing board. There are some innovative ideas and even diy videos how to make a table topped ironing board. Mine is a rotary cutting mat on one side and a ironing board on the other about 15 x 20 inches, but you can make them smaller or much larger. xoxo from sunny 🌞 Arizona

[@joycelondon1639]

Thanks for sharing from Atlanta Ga USA very helpful first time here 👀 next time

[@Jin04115]

A sewing mat with snips, chalk, bobbins, measuring tape is a must. I have a little trash bin attached to my Matt as well.

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Great information, Suzanna!

[@LRRPFco52]

I made a THERBLIG efficiency armband that holds my seamster's pencils, lighter, pen, seam ripper, and my thread scissors. I'm currently designing a new high efficiency workspace with a geodesic faceted arrangement so that all my pegboards are within arms reach for thread, rulers, seam ripper, bobbins, sewing machine tools, needles, lockstitch tool, pliers, rolling cutter, pinking shears, pinking roller cutter, etc. I'm planning out the room with a flow path based on orders.

[@diysewingstudio]

Hello, I really love your videos

[@sandraweaver1638]

Good ideas!

[@sewgatormomm]

Great tips! I recently bought that IKEA table you have (not built yet) and look forward to making my sewing room more efficient.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh fantastic!

[@muhlenstedt]

Hello Suzanna I love the fact that your sewing space has no clutter, is full of light and efficient.Such an inspiration.Thank you ver much for your tips.A question:do you have a separate cut table?I find this is an issue sometimes, if one does not have big rooms and an young back.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh thank you....but I have to be honest and say it's only tidy when I need to film or if I have a guest staying! Its very messy the rest of the time! Hahaha. No, I don't have a separate cutting table unfortunately. I use a fold out table (which my sewing machine is sitting on in this video), because I need something that can fold away when I use my room as a guest room. If I have a really big thing to cut out I'll move my dining table and cut on the floor in my kitchen!

[@angek4975]

I do all these things too, except the ironing board at sit level. My sewing room has huge windows & I like to spy at the neighbours when I iron so standing is a must :-) Also, am I OTT for having 2 magnetic pin dishes & a wrist pincushion. I like to toss my pins into the general direction of the magnets but have pins on my wrist for when I need them. lol.

[@Threadquarters]

lol @ spying on the neighbours!!!

[@paulawyatt3872]

Thanks for the tips! Enjoy your videos so much.

[@laurastreet7600]

This was wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing! I have very small spaces so this was good to learn before I acquire a sewing roo hopefully someday.

[@LindaPenney]

Awesome update

[@NoLabelDIY]

Thank you!! Great tips. I loooove your sewing room, very beutiful!!

[@cedeleon70]

Great Tips,Thanks

[@carolinlozada9722]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing

[@ginawells8230]

Good tips wrote them down.thank you!!!!

[@petmomful2260]

Very good tips! I am reorganizing my sewing room, but it is too small and crowded!

[@MsRoosmarii]

Thanks. I made my own pin cushion usin the wristband of a broken blood pressure meter. I filled the cushion with my own hair which I collected when I was at the barberer! Cotton is not so good as filling.

[@janetehoffman]

Very good job, thank you so much

[@brendawallgren8354]

Thank you for the video! I love to see other people's sewing spaces. My own is constantly evolving because I'm always trying to glean whatever I can that would be practical in my own space. So I take and apply what I know will work for me, now, and the rest of the ideas that I wish I could use but can't, get filed away in my brain for a future time or space. There are so many little ideas a person can do something with in order to make it workable, and I find even a few tiny adjustments to things can sometimes take a kink a make it run smoother than it ever has before. Thank you again for sharing this! Have a great day!

[@Threadquarters]

That's so true! xxx

[@oneatatime8677]

Great tips very true.

[@vns6935]

Very helpful tips, thank you. ☺️ Please recommend some makes/models of sewing machine that would be ideal for someone looking to resume sewing after a hiatus of several years...me ! Thank you.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh dear, I'm afraid I can't really make any recommendations, because I've only ever used my sewing machine. Its the Singer 7446

[@clothandthemachine9734]

Thanks Suzie :-) I am always looking for my scissors and pins, ha ha. I have a wrist pincushion but always end up taking it off as it is uncomfortable. I was given one recently, which is better, but too small. I am after a goldilocks one that is just right ;-). That one looks very nice.

[@suzisaintjames]

Cloth and the Machine, I found a beanie baby is just long enough to fit around my wrist. So I added some hooks and eyes to that pigs feet and he never complains when I stick the pins in his head. Very comfortable and makes me smile. xoxo from sunny Arizona 🌞

[@clothandthemachine9734]

Suzi Saint James Love it Suzi! 😁 Hi from Australia 👋

[@Threadquarters]

I love Suzi's solution to your wrist pin cushion hunt! lol. I do love my one though, but I have read some reviews saying it's too tight so do be aware of that. I don't find it annoying, but I have very small wrists (for some reason).

[@missrugbyaust]

I don't know if you quilt but have you tried chain piecing? This way you reduce the threads you need to cut off as well as it creates some tension from the piece before. I often do this when I'm overlocking sleeves and the main body of my top.

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you, yes I use chain piecing all the time! I was actually working on a follow up to this video (which is about setting up your sewing space) which would focus on efficient techniques while sewing, and was going to include that tip!

[@loriar1027]

I thought of getting a wrist pin cushion but for right now I just have about 4 different pincushions scattered around the room.

[@bobbirowlett6728]

LIked the video. Would like to see something about how to store your fabrics.

[@Threadquarters]

Your wish, is my command: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5nZmaKAm956eKM Lol, enjoy x

[@veronicaduplessis1219]

Handy tips Thank You

[@dsstudio76]

Love your tips and your channel!!! Thank you very much for sharing it all! 🇧🇷💕

[@tinadegnchristiansen1742]

Thanks for Sharing 😊 How did You maske tyst beutifull neckline?

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks Tina. It's the Gable Top by Jennifer Lauren Handmade. The neckline is an extended piece which is folded over and sewn at the shoulder seams. Then top stitched. Probably not very helpful without seeing the pattern piece though, sorry!

[@jeanbkelly]

Just want to say Janome has a scissor necklace .small clippers that insert into a sleeve attached to a ribbon.very prctical,and SAFE. Enjoyed your video

[@Threadquarters]

Great to know, thanks Jean x

[@A347baker]

Fiskars does as well

[@empressnoel1661]

Thanks so much for sharing your organization tricks!🙄

[@janetcozens4623]

Amazing ides

[@cherryminer3761]

look at Brochu Walker designs to see your cardigans in a leopard print knit. looks good with a little belt too.

[@kathleenkeenan4296]

Would you advise a built in ironing board

[@Threadquarters]

I'm afraid I have no experience of a built in ironing board, and I guess it would depend on the space and layout you have.

[@cararainbow3953]

What height would you suggest the cutting & work area to be?

[@Threadquarters]

Ideally about waist height for your cutting area, to save hurting your back. Your work area where your machine is should just be a comfortable height in relation to your chair.

[@cararainbow3953]

@@Threadquarters thank you ☺️

[@yvobalcer]

I 've notice I did not see a cord on your Singer, so where is the outlet? Is it on the wall or floor?

[@Threadquarters]

On the floor

[@katesterling8915]

Brilliant tips. I had a wrist pin cousin but it didn't have a hard base to it so I kept stabbing myself when putting the pins in!! Ouch!! Excellent ideas. Thank you for sharing. ☆

[@Threadquarters]

Yeow!!! That wouldn't be nice!

[@erinb.6197]

Thats a nice setup. My sewing space is in the laundry room, its not ideal but it works!

[@brigittelogue6678]

One of the tips I have for you is when I sewed commercially we had padded tables so we could iron everywhere. I have my cutting table set up like that too. That way your ironing board does not take up valuable space.

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks for that tip, that would be lovely to have that! Unfortunately, I need to use my sewing room as a guest room, so I wouldn't know what to do with the padded table when I'm not using it!

[@mgs783]

You could also make a sewing board that is on the table top to your right, it’s portable & easy KZbin tutorials. Or get a wool ironing mat, they come in different sizes and make excellent pressing base & again can be next to you within reach.

[@louiselill1528]

Fantastic tips I just have to get myself a sewing room lol my way is arghhhhh where's my scissors where's my pins

[@vessyioannou259]

I like your hair. I just cut my hair the same length as yours.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh thanks!

[@hillyj1]

I just can't sit and sew, I've got to stand up. Now and again I'll sit on a high chair. Thanks for the idea though

[@meman6964]

I purposely keep ironing board across room, no deep vein thrombosis and little bit of exercise throughout the day.

[@karencvicknair3645]

I just made over my sew room and painted a chalkboard above my table for notes while I’m watching KZbin

[@lemtaz]

I gave up the wrist pincushion the second time I stuck myself with the pin. Now I just use a vintage tomato that belonged to my grandmother.

[@Threadquarters]

Yeow! Hopefully I will manage not to stick myself...but who knows, it's easily done! How lovely, to have a vintage tomato which used to belong to your grandmother. I'm sure you think of her whenever you use it.

[@SimpLeeBeth]

💗

[@ryzaiora]

I totally discourage Tip No 3. What happens if u fall or fainted, the scissor or snipper u hang on yr neck might poke to any part of yr body.

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you for your opinion

[@MyChilepepper]

Great tips by not getting up ten times but do we know hours of sitting can potentially change the shape of our booty over time. It is called the Giordano effects. He has seen this in his patients that go from a very active job to a job that involves lots of sitting. "An anterior pelvic tilt (tight hip flexors) can make your booty appear flatter." Lol 😂

[@Threadquarters]

Ha, well that explains a lot! All those years working in an office!!!

[@lauravazquez3180]

I just would like to point out that I think that it might work for your sewing but I think that placing a sewing machine on the left of the table as you do it would not be suitable for a large piece of sewing ...l

[@lyndasmith593]

Lo ve your room