Quilting and sewing come with lots of tools and supplies. We tend to collect lots of fabric as we develop a palette for our work. Then we need thread, cutting supplies, sewing notions, design materials, and more. How we keep our spaces organized before, during, and after actively sewing can make a big difference in our creative process.
For me, I need to see all of my fabric options. I wouldn’t do well if my fabrics were tucked away in drawers- they would all be pulled out all the time, covering every possible flat surface, and probably across the floor, too. However, I’m fine with notions kept in drawers, and I can usually remember exactly where each item is within each drawer.
The way we work shapes our organizational style, and each person’s needs differ depending on the type of work we do. I design patterns and sell fabric in addition to creating original work for shows, so my organizational needs may differ from other quilters. However, many sewing spaces could benefit from some of my favorite fixtures!
I like a lot of IKEA organizational items, but the pieces I chose to feature in this post are special. After using each one, I went back and bought it again to use elsewhere in my sewing space.
I’ll warn you now: I took all the photos in this post this week with no special cleaning or organizing, so be prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly!
(This is not an affiliate post. I occasionally include affiliate links in my blog posts, but I will always tell you which posts contain them.)
Billy Bookcases
I had one, then two Billy bookcases in my old sewing space, and added several more when I moved into my new studio. I am now up to ten, and would add more if I had the wall space!
These bookcases are the perfect depth for holding bolts of fabric, and only the middle shelf is fixed so that I can adjust the other shelves with minimal wasted space. I use the shorter shelves to store my backstock of patterns and workshop supplies.
You can also buy doors for the Billy bookcases, and two of my units have them. I chose all-glass doors with a solid white backing panel. These doors are on the pricier end, but I can write notes on them in wet-erase markers, which makes them a much more useful surface.
Since I have tall ceilings, I’m adding a shelf extension to each bookcase.
I don’t use all of the shelves in the units for fabric on bolts, but the extras are great for my personal fabrics.
One of the best parts of this bookcase style is how quickly they go together. I went from this stage (below) to a finished bookcase in an hour.
In recent years, the back design has changed to include pre-drilled holes and two-piece “nail” units that fit easily and align exactly where they need to go.
Alex Drawer Unit on Casters
I love furniture on wheels, especially in a studio space. This Alex drawer unit on casters has played many roles in my sewing and office spaces, and right now it holds my larger-than-average printer. This unit is made to fit under one of the standard office tables/desks IKEA carries, and I missed having all those drawers easily accessible while I’m at my computer. I decided to fix that this week by adding a new office-supply unit.
This unit also works well under a sewing table or long arm. The drawers are a great height for rulers, notions, and thread.
Skådis Pegboard
These Skådis pegboards have lots of options for hooks, baskets, and shelves. In my old office, I had these pegboards on the wall, but in this space, I got clamp attachments so I can use them freestanding on my L-shaped desk. This arrangement also means I don’t have to look at the back of the printer.
Vattenkar Desktop Shelf
These Vattenkar desktop shelves are one of the newer items I’ve added to my space. I’ve been using one on my computer desk, and I just added them to my cutting and sewing machine tables. The shelving unit clamps to the edge of the table, so it won’t fly off if I bump it with a bolt of fabric. My favorite rotary cutter fell off the other side of the table and broke earlier this year, so I’m hoping this shelf will help prevent further accidents!
Your Studio
Do you use any of these items in your sewing space? What are your favorite organizational items?
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