Hello, friends! Today I’m sharing all things sewing room with 5 Tips to Set up Your Sewing Space and more Sewing Room Ideas and thoughts on Sewing Room Organization. This post was originally published in 2019, but I’ve updated it and added even more organization ideas since going through this process twice in less than a year. I have found some things that really worked as well as some things that I wish I had thought out a little more.
Sewing Room Ideas
1. Consider the Work Surfaces First.
The most important parts of any sewing space whether you have a dedicated sewing room or just a corner of a bedroom or even the dining room table (I’ve used all three over the years) are the work surfaces. You need to have the following three workspaces in some format:
- You need a workspace for your sewing machine. While a nice sewing machine table is a luxury, I’ve also used smaller tables and the dining room table.
- You also need a dedicated cutting space. Again, a separate cutting table is a true delight, but over the years I’ve used my dining room table and my kitchen counter when needed. It is nice if the cutting space is in close proximity to your sewing machine, but you definitely get extra steps in if they are further apart.
- An ironing space is a must. I love my large ironing board and new steam station (I’m thinking of a post on this in the near future as well–my new iron is a complete game changer–and a necessity). But even a small tray table can be fitted to make a nice ironing surface that sits right next to your machine.
2. Next, Plan for Organized Storage Spaces.
What I’ve found over the past couple of years in moving into a new sewing space (twice) is that shelving is the number one option if you have a choice. I recently read that Marie Kondo said storing things vertically is the desired method for storage, and book shelves prove that point. I do love storing things in boxes, bins, baskets, and drawers, but shelving definitely makes the most of your real estate. Basically, you should try to have as many shelves as possible for storing fabrics, notions, and accessories. I’m really grateful that I was able to line two different walls with two groupings of bookcases because it gave me a lot of extra storage. While we were waiting to move into our new home, my sewing room didn’t have a closet. The shelves were definitely lifesavers.
3. Sewing Supplies, Tools & Notions Should be Easily Accessible.
Consider the tools you use most frequently and make sure they are readily available. I have a terrific organizer for scissors, rotary cutters and other tools that sits at the back edge of my cutting table and don’t know what I would do without it. I love having easy access to those items. But there are other items I have stored in a variety of bins and boxes. Some other thoughts on this topic:
- Most-used items should be visible. They have a place. And when I’m finished using them, I return them to their spot immediately. (If I don’t I end up searching for them later).
- Less-frequently used items are stored in labeled containers.
- My most-used items: rotary cutters, scissors, threads, fabric, rulers, pins, needles, and pincushions are all stored in easy reach. (See my favorite tools and sewing notions here).
4. Labeling is Key to Organization.
I don’t label things that are clearly visible. But whenever I store items in a box or bin in which the contents aren’t entirely visible, I make a label. I have a couple of containers that have been hard to label, so I have a list tucked just inside of those bins. I simply don’t want every single tool or item I have stored visibly, and it’s nice to contain those items. But it’s also really nice to be able to find them quickly and easily when needed. You might also want to consider a master list of where everything is if you forget where stored items are kept.
5. Make a Plan for Regular Upkeep & Editing.
Having a nice well-organized sewing space is a blessing. But after making a plan for your space, the very next thing you should do is decide on an upkeep and editing schedule. By editing I mean purging, sorting, or donating things that just aren’t being used. Of course you don’t need to worry about donating things that you love, that inspire you or are part of a collection you might be showcasing. If you’re having trouble deciding what to donate, invite a friend over to help you make those decisions.
More Considerations for your Sewing Room
Here are just a few more ideas I’ve found important when setting up my sewing rooms:
- I love natural light and how helpful it is when sewing. If possible, utilize a space with good natural light.
- Think about the decorations you’ll have in your space–mini quilts, fabric and notions, and photos can all be inspiring decor for a sewing room.
- Consider using jars, pegboards, and other organizational items meant for other spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Routinely sort sewing supplies so you aren’t having to organize products you aren’t currently using.
- If you have a closet, be sure to organize your closet in order to make optimal use of space in the room.
Sewing Room Organization Ideas
If you’re looking for some more ideas on sewing room organization, here are some other posts to look at:
- 20 Steps to an Organized Sewing Space with free printable
- Sewing Room Organization Tips
- Organizing Quilting & Sewing Supplies
- Sewing Room Tour (the first post after setting up the sewing room I have now)
- Sewing Room Tour with Video (this was posted most recently with lots of product links and a video)
I hope you’ve enjoyed these Sewing Room Ideas for creating the perfect sewing room layout. It seems my sewing room is frequently a work in progress, so I’ll keep sharing more ideas as I go!
Happy quilting, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Lorna Weber says
I have used a steam generator iron for many years – on my second one now. They are a joy to use and indispensable. Please write about your experience.
Jackie says
Hi there, so I am not much of a commenter but I felt like it is time to tell you that you INSPIRE me! It’s not just this post, I pretty much hang on every word you write in all of your posts, no matter the topic. This one is especially helpful because my son recently (fiinally) moved out and within 2 hours I was working on converting his bedroom into my dream sewing room. 🙂 I am just getting back into sewing/quilting after many years away and it sure looks like much has changed! One thing, my ironing equipment sucks and there are a lot of different pressing options out there so if you need a suggestion for an in-depth post I would so appreciate one on pressing. Thanks for all you do Sherri, I am probably your most silent but biggest fan!
sherri McConnell says
Thank you so much for your kindness! When my oldest daughter left for college I was converting her room into my sewing room within hours as well. My steam station is amazing. I had used one at a couple of different events over the past year and finally got one! I love what it does for my blocks!
KIm G says
Thank you! This seems to be a never-ending concern of mine. Lots of good ideas.
Linda in Calif. says
Thanks Sherri. I’ll be setting up my sewing room in the next couple weeks, and this is a very well thought out list. I especially appreciate #3. That’s a really good idea. You do have a beautiful sewing room and beautiful fabric too. Now I’m off to go check out the additional links you have listed.
Hildy says
Great post thank you! But now I’m curious about your new sewing space please show us!
Vicki Kashon says
Love your new shelves! Your fabrics look beautiful on them and everything is organized so nicely! I always love seeing sewing room ideas and can’t wait to see your new space.
Rosalie says
I love your organization. Question-how are you attaching your quilt projects to the walls?
sherri McConnell says
I hang some with push pins, but most with dowels and command hooks!
Rosalie says
Thanks!
Cori says
This post came at the perfect time. I am reorganizing my sewing room and needed storage space ideas. I had looked on line for shelving and was having no luck. This line is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so much. I am going to get the white Billy Corner unit!
gailss1 says
I really love those shelfs and looks like great space …and they show off your fabrics wonderfully!
What is that iron system and looks like it would need a bit of space on your ironing board.
Connie Lindstrand says
Hi Sherri. I love your sewing room. How do you hang your mini quilts?
Linda Hamilton says
i m impaired hearing and i love your video and wish have closed caption on
Margot says
The timing for you sharing this again is perfect for me! I’ve been mulling over the reorganization of my craft/guest room – which has really been taken over by crafting items. This has served as a good checklist of things to consider and my thoughts all heading in the right direction!
Sue says
Thank you Sherri for another great review of sewing room ideas. I like how you gave your topics great descriptions. You inspired me and helped me to rethink some of !y present space. I am blessed with a second bedroom for my sewing space.
Carlotta says
Hey Sherri-how did you fold the fabrics that you have in that first picture under hint number 4? The fabrics between the 2 potted plants is all the same size & very precise. I bought the 8” x 10” comic book bards for my fabrics that are 1 yard or more & I cut styrofoam boards for my fabrics under a yard. They don’t look that neat though.
Carlotta says
Correcting my wording above-should say the fabrics… “ARE” the same size.
Gretchen says
What is the storage piece at the back of your cutting table. It looks wonderful?