How to Organize for Sewing in 9 Square Feet

Any person who sews will tell you when you organize for sewing, every project naturally goes smoother. Spend less time looking for sewing notions, supplies or trim when your sewing area is organized. This article will show you how to organize for sewing in 9 square feet of space.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Sewing scissors and storage.

   To organize for sewing in 9 square feet, start by using valuable wall space for storage. Hang a vintage set of oversized scissors with a thimble wall pocket on the wall of your sewing area. Find a set like this on auction sites like Ebay. Stash sewing scissors and pinking shears along with measuring tape into the thimble.

2. 
    
   Sewing notions storage.

   Still utilizing available wall space, hang a white melamine 8" deep x 24" long shelf with black iron shelf brackets centered over the sewing table. Find this helpful combo at any home improvement or hardware store.
   
   Scour second-hand shops for items like this undershelf spice rack with bottles that originally came from Pier 1. Secure rack under shelf with 4 small wood screws. Fill the empty, clear glass spice bottles with colorful buttons, bugle beads, etc.

3. 
    
   Sewing table with shelves.

   Find a second hand sewing table that measures no more than 2' deep x 3' wide. Look for a table that also has shelves to allow for additional storage. Store sewing notions such as fabric pencils, thimbles, snaps, hook and eyes, etc. in a rattan container on top of the sewing table.
   
   To organize for sewing in 9 square feet, you will need a sturdy stool that can be pushed under the sewing table when not in use. Make or buy a comfy cushion for the stool. Note when the stool is pulled out, the sewing area will measure 3 ft x 3 ft, for a total of 9 square feet.

4. 
    
   Under sewing table.

   Utilize available floor space under the sewing table. At the local discount store purchase affordable 3-tiered plastic storage drawers on castors. Make sure you attach the castors before filling the drawers with small fabric remnants and various sewing and craft notions. Always store heaviest items in the bottom drawer.
   
   Store fashion and craft patterns neatly in a dark wicker suitcase tucked next to the storage drawers on the floor. Find suitcase-like containers at most import stores or you could use a vintage suitcase or carry-on to store your patterns.

5. 
    
   Store sewing thread.

   Store spools of thread and extra bobbins in a container like this vintage porcelain refrigerator box with lid picked up for $3 at a local thrift shop. Place the box along with a variety of storage containers on the handy shelves of your sewing table.

6. 
    
   Fabric storage.

   Store larger pieces of fabric draped on a wooden dowel 20-arm swivel pant hanger meant for closet organization. Secure this handy space saver by screwing into the corner of a closet or behind a bedroom door.
   
   Organize for sewing in 9 square feet of space by utilizing every square inch. Keep your sewing area tidy and as simple as possible, by storing smaller items away. Hang an old round wall mirror reflecting a few vining plants to add interest. It's sew simple; enjoy! :)

Tips & Warnings

• The plastic drawers on castors can be quickly rolled out to gather items for needlework projects done at night while you're watching tv.
• When you organize your sewing area, go through all your items first to see what you wish to keep. Look at home first to see what storage containers you may already have that could be used. Then, go shopping for whatever else you need.

[Susanh]

on 5/13/2009 Fantastic ideas for creating a cozy and organized sewing area!

[FrazzledNanny]

on 5/5/2009 Thank you for the great article. I have a SMALL space for my crafts, sewing and writing space. Your article is very helpful to me. 5*

[zahzel]

on 5/4/2009 Good sewing room ideas. Z

[shannonny]

on 5/4/2009 Going vertical is always a great way to find room. Great ideas for maximizing a little bit of sewing space.

[Handmadedreams]

on 4/30/2009 These are great tips. I love it. I am currently sewing and ehowing in the same space, the laundry room off from the kitchen. I think it is smaller than 9 square feet. LOL