Welcome back everyone!
Last post, I launched into a HUGE topic … organizing your quilt space.
Organization can be challenging. And the amount of available space, time and funding all factors in. But regardless, most of us agree that when our quilting space is organized, we’re more efficient and creative.
So, let’s continue this journey together. Last post I covered how organizing your quilting space into zones for cutting, pressing, sewing and quilting boosts your process by resulting in a more efficient workflow.
This post I promised to talk about organizing the ‘stuff’ of quilting … our treasured fabric and thread, our libraries of books, patterns and digital files, and all the other tools we use in our craft.
I started by thinking about my own space, all the quilt areas I’ve been privileged to visit when setting up our Handi Quilter and APQS longarm machines, and what I’ve seen at shows, in print and on the internet. Then I tried to pull together the commonalities.
Here’s what I discovered. Ready? Let’s tackle organizing the ‘stuff’ of quilting!
Fabric Organization
How to organize our fabric is a constant topic of conversation as well as a constant struggle! Basically, organizing it comes down to two main considerations: how we store it and how we sort it.
How to store your fabric
Okay, let’s look at how we store our fabric. This depends on several factors … available space, location of the space, funds available, quantity of fabric, etc. Basic options include cabinetry, shelving, wire storage, fabric bins and plastic containers. Nothing new here. It’s how we use that storage that matters.
Consider the following tips:
- Choose cool, dry locations where you can avoid excess humidity and creepy, crawly pests.
- Avoid sunlight that can fade or weaken your fabric.
- Display your fabric so you can easily see colors, themes, types, etc. This will help as you select fabric, plus you’ll see what you already have in your stash.
- Store vintage or delicate fabric in acid-free paper to prevent yellowing and damage over time.
- Rotate your fabric to prevent excess creasing and crushing. Also, being more aware of what you have may prompt you to use your older fabric before the newer additions.
- Label any containers holding fabric so you easily know what’s in them and can locate the contents quickly.
- Avoid hanging fabric for long periods. Hanging can cause stretching and distortion. Try to store your fabric folded and stacked flat or vertically wrapped on bolts.
- Use breathable storage when possible (e.g., open shelving, fabric bins, etc.) Plastic containers may trap moisture that can ruin your fabric.
And what about storing fabric scraps? (Another common challenge!)
First, determine what you consider a scrap. If it’s a big enough piece, put it back in your stash.
If it’s too small for your use, consider paying it forward to someone who uses smaller pieces or just get rid of it.
Then, sort your scraps.
- Designate a space or container for miscellaneous pieces that can still serve multiple purposes. Store these pieces so you easily know what’s available.
- Cut any other scraps into predetermined sizes that you’re likely to use (e.g., 2 ½ or 5-inch squares, 2 ½ inch strips, etc.).
- Store these pre-cuts in clearly labelled containers.
How to sort your fabric
Sorting your fabric is truly personal choice. The size of your stash is probably the biggest factor, with the more fabric you have resulting in more categories.
Basic sorting options include by color, fabric type, fabric theme, size of cut, manufacturer / designer or by project. And often, there’ll be some crossover.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer to how you store your fabric or how you sort it. Choose solutions that improve your workflow and efficiency while inspiring your creativity!
Thread Organization
Organizing our thread, like fabric, involves two main considerations: how we store it and how we sort it. However, this task is usually easier because we don’t need as much storage space.
How to store your thread
The basic question is: Do you want your thread out and visible for easy selection and access?
If you want to see your thread, consider storing it on a hanging rack or in a display rack/case.
If you’re okay with keeping it under wraps, consider storing it in drawers or in clearly labelled containers.
Reminder: If you prefer the drawer option and you have a Handi Quilter longarm, there’s a good chance there’s a My Secret Drawer that will provide an excellent solution!
PLUS read to the end of this post.
Handi Quilter has a great April special featuring a My Secret Drawer as an option!
How to sort your thread
Basic options include sorting by color, brand, weight, type (e.g., polyester, cotton, monofilament, etc.), identifying color number, or purpose (e.g., longarm, piecing/sewing, embroidery, hand, etc.).
Reference Material Organization
What about storing all those patterns, books, magazines and digital files we accumulate?
Options include shelving, bookcases, wire racks, drawers, file boxes and plastic containers.
If you have the space, consider developing one central location where you can store all your reference materials. A benefit of this is that you can see everything you have at a glance.
An alternative is storing your resources by function. Perhaps you want your patterns stored by your cutting table, your free-motion and ruler quilting books by your longarm machine, etc. Remember, efficiency is our goal.
My main tip is labeling anything that you can’t immediately identify. If you use binders, title each one and use tab dividers and clear sheet protectors to organize the contents.
You’ll benefit from organizing your digital files as well. Group like content and rename files when possible so you can easily recognize what it is. Use electronic file folders to help.
AND BE SURE TO BACK UP YOUR DIGITAL FILES! You don’t want to have to go back and redownload / reorganize everything!
Tool Organization
Your tools are probably the one thing that you DO want dispersed throughout your quilting space. Tools that serve one particular function belong in that work zone. Those that don’t may be duplicated or stored so they can be transported between the shared work areas.
Main tip: Keep your frequently used tools handy so they can be accessed quickly and easily!
Possible options for storing your other quilting tools include:
- drawers with dividers,
- peg boards,
- plastic containers (clearly labeled),
- tool caddies, and
- rolling carts.
Quick commercial break!
I’ve got an economical tool to share with you that can help you with your organizing needs throughout your quilting space! Have you seen Hugo’s Amazing Tape?
This product IS truly amazing! It’s a no-glue self-clinging tape that can be reused over and over!
There is NO sticky residue. And it’s strong and durable.
Possible uses?
- Wrap jelly rolls, pre-cuts and fabrics for a project to keep them together and easy to store.
- Wrap spools and cones of thread to keep ends from unraveling and tangling.
- Wrap containers to keep them closed and books to keep pages open.
- Wrap tools with small parts to make sure nothing gets lost or misplaced.
Once you try Hugo’s Amazing Tape, you’ll find even more uses to fit your personal quilting needs and more! Find the details on the Notions page of our website.
Some Final Thoughts for Organizing Your Quilting Space
Here are a few last considerations for making your quilt space more effective, enjoyable and inspirational.
1. Maximize lighting
Supplement your ceiling light with more direct lighting.
A great Handi Quilter option is the HQ HighLight! HighLights provide a bright LED lighting solution for your quilting area. They come in a variety of sizes, are easy to assemble, can be adjusted to the appropriate height and use a simple on/off switch.
And the HighLight isn’t for just over your longarm. They work wonderfully over cutting tables, sewing centers … wherever you need bright light! Checkout the Longarm Accessories page of our website!
Again, read to the end of this post.
Handi Quilter has a great April special featuring the Highlight as an option!
2. Protect your body with cushioned flooring
If you’re standing a lot in any of your quilt areas, give your feet, legs and back a break by installing some padded carpeting or cushioned floor mats. Prioritize ergonomic support and comfort for your body!
3. Stage your work-in-progress
Consider dedicating a quilt rack or ladder to hold your finished tops waiting to be quilted or backing needing to be squared. No folding and storing these larger items, and they’re readily available to use. Plus, you’ll remember them and be able to ponder quilting options, thread choices, etc.
4. Create a design/inspiration wall
A design wall allows you to plan your quilt layout, arrange blocks and piecing, audition color and fabric choices, and finalize your design. It can be made of flannel or batting. Attach it to the wall, hang it on a portable frame or mount it on a board.
An inspiration wall feeds your creativity. Display finished quilts or other items that hold special meaning to you and make you happy!
5. Design a sitting/conversation area
If you have the floor space, consider creating a comfy sitting area for hand work, sketching, designing, flipping through reference materials, or just taking a break! Enjoy this space with friends as you bounce ideas off each other or work on shared projects!
6. Protect your electrical equipment and work surfaces
Maximize your quilting efficiency and enjoyment by protecting your equipment so it’s ready to go when you are! Use surge protectors, especially for your longarm and domestic machines. Unplug your machines for the ultimate protection.
If you have a plastic grid covering your longarm’s back table, cover it to protect it from dust and sun damage. If any of your machines won’t be used for a while, cover them as well.
Clean your work surfaces and machines regularly. This allows for early detection of any potential wear or other issues. Have your machines serviced as recommended by the manufacturer.
Between this post and the previous one, I’ve given you A LOT of information to think about! Take time to process it. Remember, there’s no right or wrong. Figure out what works best for you and your space. And don’t try to do everything at once. Experiment and have fun!
Okay, remember that April Handi Quilter special I mentioned? Here are the details!
Give us a call if you’re interested or have ANY questions!
Finally, do you have any ideas or tips to share regarding the organization of your quilting space? Maybe you have some pictures to share? I’d love to see them and pass them on!
And, as always, I’d love to see YOU in person and chat about ANY quilting ideas or questions you have. Add the following quilt shows to your calendar so we can make that happen!
Upcoming Spring Quilt Shows!
These are the shows that The Quilting Connection will be vending at in the near future.
April 19th and 20th
Evergreen Quilters Guild Show
Green Bay Community Church, 600 Cardinal Lane, Green Bay, WI
Cost: $8 daily admission, $12 two-day admission
Hours: Friday 10AM – 5PM, Saturday 9AM – 3PM
May 4th and 5th
Sinnissippi Quilters Show
Indoor Sports Center – Sportscore II, 8800 Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL
Hours: Saturday 9AM – 5PM, Sunday 10AM – 5PM
See the Events page of our website for additional information.
Please join us! We’d love to see you!
Can’t make it in person? No problem! If you have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
Please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie