Note: This post was originally published in February 2019 and updated in January 2020. Hello! I’m getting ready to design my new sewing room and thought a review on Sewing Room Organization Tips might be in order for me and for some of you. I refer to some of these ideas within other post topics but haven’t ever devoted an entire post to just this subject. Here is a little of my sewing room history: When I was ten I received a sewing machine for my birthday and proudly placed it in my room. Back then I used a nice wooden sewing box for notion storage. (I kept that in my closet when I wasn’t sewing). And at that time I usually just worked on one project at a time, so there was no need for storing anything else.
Sewing Room Organization Tips
If I fast forward to life as a young married woman and young mom…my machine was also kept in my bedroom. We simply didn’t have the space for a designated sewing area for many years. When I worked on big projects like prom and wedding dress sewing or Halloween costumes for my children, I would often take over our dining room table. I actually spent years looking at beautiful sewing spaces and thinking “one day…”. But about seventeen years ago I moved my machine into our small office area, and then a couple of years later I was finally able to have a designated space.
A sewing room or space doesn’t need to be very large in order to be effective, but there are some things that will really help make the most of any space. A comfortable work space, good lighting, a designated ironing area, and simple storage are key components to a great sewing space.
First, Create a Comfortable Work Space
Having a comfortable work space is one of the most important factors in choosing where you’ll sew. And that space might be different at different times of your life. Your space needn’t be large, but you should have a sturdy sewing table at the right height to prevent shoulder and back fatigue while sewing. A comfortable chair is a must as well. (My machine is a Janome Memory Craft 6600P, and the table it sits on is also by Janome).
Next, Utilize Great Lighting Features and Colors you Love
Terrific natural lighting is one of my favorite things about my sewing room. If you’re able to sew in a well-lit area, so many aspects of sewing are easier. If the lighting isn’t terrific in your sewing area, then definitely invest in good sewing lamps. It makes a world of difference. Additionally, I love the extra light provided by this simple addition to my sewing machine.
If you’re able to do some decorating in your sewing area, be sure to use the colors that make you happy. The majority of our home is decorated in soft neutral colors…but my sewing room and laundry room are both my favorite shades of aqua. I just feel happy by walking into those rooms!
A Designated Ironing or Pressing Area
Being able to have a designated ironing and pressing area is a necessity. I keep my ironing station in front of the window so that I have a nice view when ironing a lot. (My ironing board is from Costco, and I love it)! I also keep a wool pad on top of it for pressing blocks and block pieces. Recently I compiled an entire post with my favorite iron and pressing essentials. You can find it here.
Simplify Your Storage
Storage is one of the most essential topics related to sewing room spaces. Good storage is essential but need not be expensive (for years I kept projects in pizza boxes while I collected other boxes and bins for project storage). I recommend not purchasing storage items until you’ve first used items you might already have available for storage and until you’ve done some basic organization and made a list of what you might need. Here are a few of my favorite storage solutions:
- I love to use pretty bowls and dishes where possible to store sewing notions and items. Glass Mason jars are another favorite storage item.
- I still have lots of things in plastic bins and drawers, but I’ve been slowly moving toward using baskets and bins so that air can circulate around my fabrics and projects.
- Labels help a lot…and they don’t have to be fancy. Find a labeling system that works for you and use it.
- Store like things together. My most-used tools are kept within an arm’s reach of my sewing machine. My next most-used notions and tools are on my cutting table. Things that are used less frequently are in the closet or in cupboards. Everything is stored together with other similar items as much as possible.
- For specifics on my favorite organizing products and resources, see this page.
Create Inspirational Displays
A lot of artists utilize an inspiration board in their work areas. And I do love having an inspiration space above my sewing machine where I keep favorite quilt blocks and even inspirational quotes. But I decorate throughout the room with favorite things which also helps keep the space motivating. Like many other quilters, I hang mini and smaller sized quilts in favorite designs and fabrics throughout the room.
More On Organizing Your Sewing Space
- 20 Steps to an Organized Sewing Space
- Organizing Quilting Fabrics
- Tips on Organizing & Storing Project Left Overs
- Organizing Quilting & Sewing Supplies
- Organizing Rulers and Cutting Tools
I hope you’ve enjoyed these sewing room organization tips! I plan to share my step-by-step process for organizing as I update and organize my new space over the next few weeks. And I hope your week is off to a terrific start. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Carol Moss says
Your ideas are great! Thank you! You make me think I can do better with my space. This really helps.
Question: where did you find that wonderful long holder across the back of your table? The one with all the holes in it? I love that!
shirley freeman says
I love your ideas and I did get a few things that i am going to use. thanks
Sharon Howell says
This is very helpful. I too work in my bedroom. Look forward to more.
Hildy says
I love this post and the tip about simplifying storage is the best. I constantly fighting a battle there and really need to downsize my stash.
Victoria says
What is your wall paint color if you don’t mind sharing – it’s quite lovely.
Alison says
YOur space is lovely. Please share how you hang the small quilts. Thank you!
Emily says
Great tips! I really need to apply more of this in my cluttered sewing room.
Sherly says
Thanks for the great tips. I will difinitely be useing them since I’m setting up my quilting space.
Lisa says
Your sewing room is gorgeous and looks highly functual, as well. What is the shade and brand name of the aqua paint you used? Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing!
Marguerite Auger says
I love your sewing space, it’s so inviting, organized and simple. I can see why it’s so easy for you to accomplish so much, you are always ready for the next step or project. I too sew with a Janome 6600, now for 13 years. I hope I have her for many more. Love that machine.
Leah J says
Gorgeous space! Thank you dinner the great organization tips! I’d love to know what paint color is on your walls
sherri McConnell says
Waterscape by Sherwin Williams…thank you!
Gail says
Always find a new idea and you come up with such great ideas Sherri. Another great post and do look forward to reading these…thanks!
Caryl Brix says
I love seeing the small storage items in you ur room. This time I noticed the backboard with big holes in it with pencils or markers and other stuff. What was that originally supposed to be? I love it! ???
Sharron Rudnik says
Wish I could find a spool holder like you have, they evidently quit selling them. Love your sewing studio!
Jane Holbrook says
Thanks for a good write up on a complicated topic. I have found that keeping like items together, labeled well, really helps. I also keep a written list so that I don’t forget about projects on the bottom of the stack. Decluttering and getting rid of items that don’t make me happy has really given me and my studio a sense of peace. When I go into my studio I am much more motivated to get to work.
Monica Kostak says
i enjoyed seeing more of your space and learning of your organizational skills. I seam to be taking a little time each week and moving things or rearranging. I feel like if I can keep up with the UFO challenge that many of us are participating in I will really knock out some projects –and acquire more space-and I will not allow myself to get to this point and overwhelmed again. Your space is a happy place. I plan on repainting my walls when I replace the flooring. Thanks for sharing….
brenda king says
Sherri- Why do you love your ironing board from Costco so much? Just wondering! Love your posts and decorative style! Brenda King, Bend, Oregon
sherri McConnell says
Mostly because it is so sturdy and a larger size, I guess 🙂
June M. Bielli says
Thanks for sharing Sherri. Love your mini quilts especially the spool one. Do you have a pattern for it? Love the color and brightness. Such a happy space.
Judy Berna says
I love your sewing room. Please tell me what brand or type of sewing table you use. I really want one like that as it isn’t too big.
Hildy says
I can’t wait to see your new sewing space!
Sherri says
I can’t have open storage or drawers that are not enclosed completely. The kittens (I have two) take things out to play with or everything gets pushed off to make room for them to nap! I am looking for new enclosed drawers for my ribbons so I don’t have to chase them around the house . But I love many of your ideas as I look to make things in my sewing space work better.
Sherly Giglio says
Sherri, what a wonderful post! I can’t wait to get back home ( I’ve been in Australia visiting family) to incorporate some of your ideals.
I would like to know about your floor lamp since I’ll need to buy one. I will also be looking at the Elfa bins from the Container Store you recommend.Thanks for all the wonderful tips.
Sherly
Kay says
Thank you of showing this and the tips. After 24 married years I am finally getting a tiny sewing room soon and am very excited. x
Bear Creek Quillting Company says
Love all your ideas! I am a basket and cubby person. I find they are pretty to look and versatile.