Escape Fabric Overwhelm: Discover the Japanese Method for Organizing Your Stash

Stop forgetting the fabric you have with this Japanese-inspired organization method for your stash. Learn how to tidy up and store your fabric in a way that will inspire you to sew from your stash and create beautiful projects. This fabric storage technique not only saves space, but also keeps your fabrics organized and easy to find. Watch now and start sewing your stash today!
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The Life Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo
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Plastic Alligator Clips to hold fabric in place
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[@davederrick9431]

I agree with you, I think fabric talks to you. I was buying fabric for my daughter, saw light cotton with hydrangea print. The moment I saw it, I knew it was a nightdress for my wife for a Christmas gift. She loves it.😊

[@SewSewLounge]

I glad to know I’m not the only one fabric talks to. And how thoughtful of you to make a nightdress for your wife ❤️

[@rewritingastory]

Hi Toni. Great job. I organized my fabric collection a few weeks ago, with plans to sew through it this year. Wishing us all luck!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! It feels good to get organized. Good luck to all of us indeed ❤️

[@bunnypep55]

I am watching this now and almost thru it all. I see and admire so much your love for your fabrics. I am a fellow creative and have the same passion. Each piece means so very much to you as you fondle and dream on screen. You share your passion for each piece with us all. I love it. However, this is not organizing. My organizing side is going crazy watching this video, for the second time, mind you. I wanted to make sure I wasn't imagining things. Your eye is not on the prize. It is on the fabulous fabrics which I totally understand. Each one lights up your heart and mind. But organizing? I don't think so. You have all sorts of fabris in all sorts of different places. They are all totally mixed up, mixed up by fiber, mixed up by type, mixed up by color, print or solid. They are getting folded in a better way but they are going back in a drawer with all sorts of other fabrics in a dresser that holds drawere that have no plan. To me they aren't organized at all. It has taken everything in my power not to get on a plane and fly down and help you. The way I pulled from Kond0's book and practice, it ALL comes out of where it is. Then you go thru and purge, purge out of all. Then and only then can you effectively organize back into a working plan. So, it takes a day or two. Once there, you start dividing, I do mine by fiber first. Then I separater by type and color within last.You could have a closet with all your woolens, or drawers with all your linens, shelves with all your rayon prints, the better to ogle and be inspired. Do you see where this is going? When you want a piece, you know exactly where to go to get it. When you bring it home and wash it, you know exactly where to put it away, with its like friends. So easy so simple so organized. I wish you the best with your methods and if it works for you fine but I bet if you tried the actual complete Kondo method, you would find a lot more time to be creative. The method is freeing when done and clears your mind for far more creativity. I know personally. Best wishes on your project.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching. My system works for me. It’s a suggestion for other sewers to organize their fabric with a system that works for them, not a hard and fast rule. As for organizing by fiber most of the fabrics I use a natural fibers, and mostly cotton at that, so there’s no need to organize by fiber content. But I appreciate your organization skills and suggestions.

[@kcastillo0319]

On s scale of 1-10,I give this approach a 6 or 7. I don't fold fabric, I roll it to keep from setting creases from the fold lines. I also pretreat ALL my fabric before it goes to my sewing room. In addition to rolling, I snip a corner to tell me it's been washed. I think I will start indexing those snips so that I can use the index card to remind me of what's in my stash. My fabrics are organized by apparel woven, apparel knit, and craft. Handbags are another category. But each category is frankly a mess, and I'm thinking through how I should reorganize. This was inspiring and thought provoking. Thanks for giving us ideas and showing some of your beautiful collection. Kay in Dallas, Texas

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching and sharing your fabric storage process Kay!

[@kathleenhensley5951]

Definitely. I saw a printable page on a website that could be put in a 3 ring binder that had a space to put a little cut of the fabric, what it was, yardage, etc. I like what you are doing but I would like to try using the note book page also.

[@SewSewLounge]

That a good idea too, but I’d need too many notebooks 😂

[@karingrif7238]

I cut a piece of the fabric and stick it in a book with the date length of material linen etc and what I think I want to make with it. It’s great to see all the things you made and when…. A new page for the next fabric purchased …

[@SewSewLounge]

Oh that’s a great idea! I usually write the day on the pattern when I finish sewing it, but having a fabric swatch would be even better. Thanks for the tip!

[@bettyeames6812]

Yes, yes and yes! I just reorganized my fabrics but this video held some new insights so I ordered the tape and I’m committed to keeping up with what I have so I can make some beautiful things! Tfs!

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s my plan too- stay organized and use the fabric I forgot I bought. Then the oldest fabric store in Houston is going out of business and I just HAD to buy more fabric 😉

[@dboutine]

Thank you so much. These tips are much needed. I started a few days ago, and with your video I'm definitely not going to stop. Thanks again.

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! It takes time but it’s so nice to be able to find your fabric and get inspired! I just bought more fabric that needs to be organized!

[@michelleswike4452]

As someone who just ripped their studio apart yesterday, this was the video I NEEDED in my life!

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay! Glad to know that it helped! I’m still working on getting organized too 😉

[@Acapulc941]

What an incredible amount and variety of fabrics! But it does look very satisfying to get it organized.

[@SewSewLounge]

There is still a lot more hiding in the closet. I’m happy to be able to find things now ☺️

[@lovly2cu725]

I don't have stash fabric. I put fabric pattern and notions in a clear box from target. Yes it takes lots of space, but I can find what I want to work on.

[@SewSewLounge]

Clear bins work best in my closet. And you’re right being able to see inside and remember what you have makes all the difference.

[@bunnypep55]

I so wish I was there to help you along. I love to organize and am an avid sewist and fabric lover. 5 years ago I did a huge purge of my space pending a major move. I've learned a lot and have managed to maintain order in my new home and offer a few suggestions here. I did my purge/re-org at the height of Kondo love. First, I don't think her joy question is appropo to fabric collectors. We love pretty much all of our fabrics. The question I asked of ever fabric I owned was "Will I ever really truly sew this piece of fabric?" Then I had to be honest with myself. It brought my stash down to half and a realization that there is always more to buy along with the fun that brings. OUt it all went. It felt light and wonderful. I did the same with notions, books, etc. Next, ALL, ALL, ALL fabric came out to be judged and organized further. No drawer by drawer, closet by closet. It made true organization far easier. Third, all the cardboard measuring you did for your drawers can be done faster and easier with a 6x24 inch acrylic quilters ruler. The extra length makes things easy to fold. The hard suface lets you smooth the fabric perfectly and with no wrinkles anywhere. Every fabric is a perfect match. You keep the ruler inside the fabric as you fold around it and then slip it out at the very end. Works for whatever size you need up to 24 inches. Next, Do each storage situation one at a time but totally empty. In other words, take out all drawers of the little dresser and empty all of them. Lay them sideways and start stacking your fabrics in them. This way you can put various fabrics in drawers, one of a kind to each drawer, knits in one drawer, quilting cottons in another, etc. You can even arrange by color. This takes not extra t ime doing it this way. I guarantee you, it will bring you joy. Have fun. Fly me in and I will help with the rest! ;)

[@SewSewLounge]

It seems like you are a professional organizer!! I don’t have any quilting rulers, so I’ll need to borrow some from my sister. Some of my fabrics no longer bring me joy AND will never get sewn 🤣 so they are out. Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@bunnypep55]

I use my 6x24 all the time in my garment sewing. I was a quilter long ago so it came along as I went back to my true love, sewing clothing. @@SewSewLounge

[@bunnypep55]

Oh, it's great for folding patterns and getting them perfectly back into the envelope! Here's a link. I basically do fabric the same way, just the width I need for the tote or shelf. lasewist.blogspot.com/2008/10/pattern-folding-101.html

[@user-wu7sv6hr7v]

I need and want to sew from my stash but probably wouldn't put in all the time to fold everything like you are, TBH - I admire it, but I know me - I'll probably continue my current method of storing fabric in large plastic containers. I go through them before each season and pull out likely prospects and put them in a visible spot in my sewing room as a visual reminder - because out of sight is out of mind and I forget what I have, too!!!

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m still in the process of folding everything- it takes a surprisingly long time to fold all that fabric 🤣 it was kinda fun finding fabrics I forgot I bought. Now I need to plan to sew them!

[@cherylmiller4591]

I recommend folding fabric a bit closer to the top of the drawer for thinner ‘bolts’ . Also, placing them left to right ( front to back of the drawer will let you see all the fabrics without pulling the drawer all the way out. I hope this is clear though it might not suit everyone)

[@SewSewLounge]

Great tip!

[@UtahGmaw99]

I am going to try this. Thank you for the great idea.

[@bunnypep55]

I find it helps if you put the drawer standing up on end. Then itis easy to stack the pieces in the drawer and rearrange as needed. YOu can match the tops to be even too!

[@marilynk7491]

For my garment fabrics, I have two large underbed storage containers; one is for KNIT fabrics only, and the other is for WOVEN fabrics only. They are folded lengthwise, then rolled. I have lots of scrap cottons that are cut into strips, and those strips are tied around the rolled fabrics, and marked with the width and length of each piece. For my quilting fabrics, I have another totally different system for storing them (we won't get into that!)

[@SewSewLounge]

That sounds like a good system too! I’m glad that I don’t have to worry about quilting fabrics in my stash-I wouldn’t have enough room 🤣

[@joulsw3739]

Love that for getting inspiration for a piece of fabric.

[@SewSewLounge]

I love fabric. It inspires me when I don’t have any specific plans at purchase.

[@janellvincent8046]

As a quilter, I’m a fabric collector extreme! I probably have at least 4 times the amount of fabric you have…5 dressers full in my garage. Plus 3 dressers full in my sewing room. Plus 12 bolts of basic fabric for backing and binding. But I’ve been collecting for over 10 years. Love your folding method!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks Janell! Plus I have a few boxes of quilting fabric for you to add to your stash 😉

[@cathyvierse9835]

OMG!! Your technique worked wonders on my fabric drawers! It took me about 6 hours but it was totally worth it! I wish I had a way to send you before and after pics! I also measured each piece of fabric and inserted a piece of paper with the width and length of each one. I saved enough space to store my steamer and a few shoulder pads. Thank YOU!

[@SewSewLounge]

You are very welcome! I’m still in the folding process and I’ve got about 4 hours invested-so far! I still have a ways to go since I’ve got so much fabric but I’m super happy with the result. And I’m glad to hear that this system is working for you too ☺️

[@suzannakoizumi8605]

Yes, my sewing room and a closet or two are stuffed with fabric. I know there are some pieces I do not want. I will try my hand at selling them online. I need to find what I actually want to sew for spring. Thank you!

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! I found quite a bit of fabric that I forgot I’d bought! No more shopping for me, at least until I start using up some of my stash!

[@seestellysew8472]

I’m in the process of doing the same. My husband built me some shelves in my closet and I’m organizing them in this manner. I’ll organize my bins of fabrics that dont fit on the shelves or in the drawers the same way.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay! Glad to hear it. It’s a lot of work but it feels really good to see and know where everything is.

[@suegraves6357]

Great ideas Toni. I organized my stash by type in different bins. I think I'll go back and do a little more folding. Since I don't want to pull fabric out and check the tab and put it back in if it's the wrong size, I'm thinking of fastening the ID along the top of the fold, like file folder tabs. I wonder if the tape will leave a mark. Worth a try maybe.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s A LOT of folding, but the end result is worth it. The fabric ID tape doesn’t seem super sticky so it probably won’t leave a mark on cotton and poly fabrics. But I probably won’t stick it on any silk to be on the safe side.

[@user-ci4uj1cv9f]

Thanks for the tips on how to sort, fold etc. Here in Pasadena, CA where I live there is a store, Remainders Creative Reuse, where fabrics etc. can be donated. Other suggestions would be to donate fabrics to women's shelters or maybe schools for craft projects.

[@SewSewLounge]

I found a similar place here, the Houston Art Asylum- they take all sorts of fabric and art supplies and then teachers and other non-profits can “shop” (for free) and get supplies for their projects.

[@DH-qz2so]

I also keep yardage on bolts...and the rest are in clear tubs on shelves in my quilting room, by color, or fabric line, or precut. I also found a rolling drawer trolley at the thrift store with 12 drawers...that I keep for fabrics that I find at the thrift shops, for my Charity Quilts...to keep that separate..

[@SewSewLounge]

Good idea. Thanks for sharing

[@pjacksreads536]

Great video. I recently organized my fabric. I think I have a lot for a beginner sewist but definitely not as much as you. I have the yardage stacked in my closet by type. I can see all of it when I walk into the closet. This year I’m only shopping my stash. I’m making room for the ridiculous haul I intend to do in June on my trip to Japan. I’m going to visit NIPPORI!

[@SewSewLounge]

Omg I’m so jealous you’re going fabric shopping in Japan!!! That’s a dream of mine. Definitely shop your stash and save money for your trip. I’m so excited for you.

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

Will you be making a video on organizing your "scrap" pieces? Partly because I am a quilter in addition to making garments, I have a lot more scrap than I do fabric that folds well like you are doing. I currently use plastic bins sorted by color (well, I have to resort it now, honestly...too long of a story). Some of my "specialty" fabrics, like filmy, satiny, or silky things have their own box, regardless of color. On the bright side, I always fold my fabric before I put it in my boxes.

[@SewSewLounge]

Because I don’t quilt and only sew clothes, I have very random shaped scraps 🤣 right now I throw those in a bin and dig them out when I need to test a stitch on my machine or serger. The biger pieces that are usable for small projects go in a drawer for now. It’s not terribly exciting. I’m trying to come up with some ideas for scrap projects to use them up!

[@lorirees4248]

Great method. I’ve used the KonMari method with clothes. Yes! I plan on only sewing from my fabric stash this year.

[@SewSewLounge]

It didn’t work as well with clothes for me-I’ve got too many black t-shirts and I couldn’t tell them apart 😂

[@marjawood5097]

Great ideas and yes I hope to sew from my stash this year too.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m trying really hard to sew from my stash. I’m avoiding fabric shops so I won’t be tempted 🤣

[@cjhines726]

Such a motivating video! I need to fold my fabric AND buy the KATM id tape. Thank you❤

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful. It takes a lot of time but the end result is so satisfying. You won’t regret your efforts. And the tape is awesome 😉

[@bunnypep55]

I have that tape, too. I stick it directly on the fabric, no issues. Love it.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@bunnypep55 and it’s so satisfying to use!!

[@lovly2cu725]

I imagine having a sewing space. One reason why I'm moving.

[@SewSewLounge]

It makes such a huge difference to have a dedicated space. I spent years cutting on dining room tables and sewing on tv trays 😂

[@pamanderson5841]

Really neat idea.... thank you !!! 💙💜

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@julianachandler2975]

I think this is a great idea, especially if you have smaller amounts of cotton. I have a lot of lg cuts of knits which will require folding on the floor and I’m not sure that they will stay vertical in the bins. I will try it with my cottons first.

[@julianachandler2975]

Ps. I measure my fabric, write what it is on a piece of paper and then photograph it on the fabric. I have my photos in the cloud. I also photograph the front and back of my patterns. When I’m at a fabric store I can look to see what I have and how many yards I would need to make a particular pattern.

[@SewSewLounge]

I mix my knits in with the wovens to hold them in place! The knits seem to do well on cardboard bolts too.

[@bunnypep55]

I put the bin sideways, ,like Tony, and just stack. Fill it full enough and they stay standing nicely.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@julianachandler2975 I have so much fabric and so many patterns that my cloud would be full 🤣 but your system sounds super organized!

[@SewSewLounge]

@@bunnypep55 I’m still working on filling it up! On the plus side, I’m going to have some empty bins once I’m done with all this organizing.

[@chi2tan]

Fantastic!!!! Do many ideas to try. Thank you.

[@SewSewLounge]

You are so welcome!

[@daleodberg6714]

Real good, thank you.

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching ☺️

[@rebeccachulski3797]

I did the drawers I have folding the quilting fabric like you did. I need to get the bins. All of my garment fabric that I have room for are on hangers in closets. I am going to try your clear bins and put them in like you showed. My fabrics are out of control. Would like to see you do a video (you may have and I just haven't seen it) on pattern storage.

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad to hear you are inspired to get organized too! I keeping finding fabric I forgot I had 🤣 I have not made a pattern organization video…yet. When I figure out the best way to do it and feel inspired to tackle my enormous pattern stash I will surely film it! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@doreenv3609]

I put mine in sheet protectors and organize by type (dress, shirt, pant, etc) and put in binders.

[@cathyvierse9835]

I forgot to ask...do you have any ideas for storing the digital patterns which you print at home? The paper is so much thicker; and, they don't fold so easily. I've tried rolling them but they end up to be such odd sizes.

[@SewSewLounge]

I use 8.5x11 manilla envelopes for my digital patterns or any patterns that a trace from one of the expensive ones that I don’t want to cut. Then I label the front with the pattern info. I find in the case of digital patterns the instructions (if you print them) fit nicely inside with the pattern pieces.

[@cathyvierse9835]

Thank you! I'll give the manila envelopes a try@@SewSewLounge

[@SewSewLounge]

@@cathyvierse9835 you are very welcome ☺️

[@cathyvierse9835]

Super idea! I have been storing my fabric in the drawers of a dresser but I had used the "traditional" method of folding. Eager to try this! Do you have any ideas for storing the "scrap" pieces which are not large enough for a garment? I want to keep these pieces for smaller, possibly pieced, items. Thank you for your ideas, encouragement and energy!

[@SewSewLounge]

I think you will be surprised at how much fabric you can fit into your drawers/bins with the folding method. It’s surprisingly compact! Aside from the really big scraps at the bottom of the bin in the video, I keep smaller scrap pieces in a small bin. They are all jumbled but I use them for testing stitch length and with my serger to get the tension right.

[@karingrif7238]

Hi Toni great organisation…… I will be doing the same. Don’t feel guilty….get rid of the scraps…. No room in my brain for them

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m trying to come up with some scrappy projects that are useful for sewists and not related to quilting since I don’t quilt. I’m still working on the organization too- it’s surprising how long folding fabric takes!

[@daxxydog5777]

I did the Kon Mari version where I roll the fabric and stack them on a bookshelf. I also sort by wovens, knits, and quilting cottons. Are you going to show your organization of your notions and tools, too?

[@SewSewLounge]

Oh that sounds like a good idea too. I have too much fabric and not enough shelf space 🤣 I hadn’t thought about showing the rest of the organization of notions and tools. Maybe eventually. I’m going to be done with organizing for a while after all this fabric folding!

[@NancySchober]

When I buy fabric I take a picture of it with my phone and keep the photos in an online album. I wash it and then it either goes in the woven or jersey bin.

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s a good idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@anietamccracken2182]

Maybe an inventory sheet. Then you can do a find by color and/or fabric before you buy more?

[@SewSewLounge]

That's a really good idea! I don't think it would stop me from buying more, but at least I'd have an easier time remembering what I already have 😂

[@bunnypep55]

@@SewSewLounge If they were sorted by type and then color they would be easy to find.

[@ritaadler-everett5392]

I have a fairly sizable stash, as I was in 'collecting, trying, learning mode, my first 3 years of sewing. I've recently done a reorganization myself and organized by type as much as possible. i.e. corduroy, viscose, sweater knits, athletic fabrics, dress making cottons, denim, etc. It makes finding them much easier. I don't have a big sewing community around me, so I'm still hanging on to the 'inferior' quality fabrics because I don't know what to do with them. I do use them as toile fabric, but once finished and of no further use, they get added to my ever growing 'stash' of scraps & project left overs, which I also have no idea what to do with. What did you do with all the scraps you took out of the bin and put on your table? Thanks!

[@SewSewLounge]

I have some fabrics in the same situation as yours-not great quality that have been in the stash from way back when. The scraps are still sitting on the table by the window🤣 I’m not sure what to do with them either. I need to see if any of them are big enough to use for something else.

[@annamarieh333]

Love this!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you ☺️

[@Upcycledbaglady]

Toni where do you find your fabric tape?

[@SewSewLounge]

I ordered mine from Kyle and the Machine- I put a link in the description below the video. If you read through the comments one viewer gets it from a website in the States but I don’t remember the name of it.

[@poodlegirl55]

I can mostly only see you, the camera isn't on the cutting table to see what you are doing.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

Comic Boards are thinner than cardboard, takes less room

[@SewSewLounge]

I have some of those but they don’t seem the be sturdy enough for the weight of my fabric.

[@karolmolpus9536]

It’s time to get sewing 🧵 Toni!!!

[@SewSewLounge]

I know! This week I’m going to finish up projects and start some new ones.