😆 The beginning of your post brought back memories of the old black and white TV Show for children - Romper Room - where the woman looked through the mirror face (they’d taken the glass out) and was saying hi to the children that were watching - “ Hi Susie and I see Bobby, so nice you’ve joined us Shirley…” 😍 This is definitely dating me. Thank you for your post. ❤
LOL--Well if it dates you then it dates me too as I remember Romper Room and Lamp Chops. Not the "look" I was going for though when I made the video. lol
Wow! Lots of good tips. I must be careful about money and you helped me so much. Bless you and thank you bonnie for sharing your expertise. I have a ton of fabric.
For those concerned about the bobby pins rusting, just take a scrap of fabric the double length of the pin and double width to use as a liner between the pin and the fabric it will be holding. Left over bias tape would work great to cut as liners for the bobby pins.
I have spent the past week organizing my fabric scraps. But as I was watching this, I began folding my apparel fabric per your suggestion! I have done several pieces already! Works wonderfully! Thank you so much!!!
Found you today what a great video! Your ideas are great. I am frustrated with my scraps and cut sizes. I have decided I am going to use a file cabinet container. There are plastic ones and I can store the plastic bags of scraps upright in order and see what I have. I don’t like the bags sliding all over hoping they don’t squish down. Thank you for the video
Have u tried a piece of cardboard and binder clips for ur scraps. Take the scrap and put it flat against the cardboard and put a binder clip on it. U don't need to wrap it around the cardboard just as long as it is clipped. I'm sure bobby pins will work too. Idk I've never tried it but if it works let me know it was just a thought. And I'm sure if u put the cardboard at an angle and not straight up and down the fabric will stay flat.
Hello! First time watcher. After 20 years of being so unorganized I stopped sewing, guilting because trying to find, organize my huge “ collection “ was working my nerves so LOL. I was finally in my room determined to attempt it once again and came across you! I’m doing the 5 inch ruler and it’s awesome! Thanks so much!
Some people work well in clutter but I'm not one of them. I've done it, but it's more stressful for me that way. I do better with organization where I can find what I'm looking for when I need it. I'm so glad to hear you've found my video helpful. =)
You inspired me to work on my fabric stash! I use old clothes a lot and I am behind on cutting apart the clothes. I think that I am going to try folding small pieces to fit some small bins that I have bought at Dollar Tree- the bottom measures about 2x3.5" and then I will put the bins in a bigger container- plastic bin or dresser drawer... I am eager to put it into practice! Thanks so much for your video!
Sounds great! My only recommendation would be to have a folded end facing up as you look down into the bin so you can see at a glance the colors and what you have on hand to cut. =)
I discovered your channel about a week ago and I've been binge watching as many videos as I can find time for. I particularly liked this one on organizing fabric. Even though my fabric is well organized by color and size, I'm always open to new methods that might make things easier and nicer to look at. I have challenged myself to use your folding method and reorganize one bin when I go to the sewing room BEFORE I begin sewing. Since I don't get to sew every day, this might take a while but all my fabrics will be so much easier to find, use and look at. Thank you for sharing!
It takes awhile in the beginning and so I, too, timed myself to do a little each day. Eventually it gets done and then it's a piece of cake! I've used this method for many years and everything (finally) is staying put--even my slippery lining fabrics and lycras. Thank you for your sweet comments and I'm so glad you're finding some tips helpful!
Loved your video! Thank you for taking the time to show us how you stored your fabric and scraps. Thank you for the tips too! I need to wrangle my fabric.
You're most welcome--glad you liked it! I just decided to dedicate 45 minutes to an hour each day until the job was done. That way I didn't get in a rut trying to finish it in a weekend. I found a lot of fabrics I'd forgotten I had in the process. LOL
I like to use Container Store shoe boxes for thread storage. They hold large spools as well as standard. They also stack by themselves and are slightly opaque but need sun protection as in a closet.
I ran out of the bobby pins and used coated large paper clips and they would great too and are colorful. I also put the measurement of the fabric under the paper clip so I know at a glance how much it is.
Your video is really great. I made an organization bag for my cutting board rulers and mini pockets. Our sun sets to the west so our home is sunny... ( I took over the dinning room) .. I store my thread for my serger and sewing machine in those pockets along with any bobbins. I also use my custom sewing machine cover.
Thanks Bonnie for sharing your tip. I’ve actually been doing this for about 6 years. I ditto you that it works. I wasn’t sure what was the need for the bobby-pins. Like the scrap fabric pieces. I’ll give it a try.
The bobby pins aren't necessary on every type of fabric but I like how it keeps things together on any type of fabric I'm organizing (although I wouldn't use them on fluffy fleece or napped fabrics). The bobby pins are a life saver if you use slinky fabrics, i.e., chiffon, lycra, linings, etc. I never could control my lycra stash until using the bobbin pins because it seems to have a life of its own. LOL Other benefits are they're reasonable and they don't poke you like a straight pin can. Scrap pieces are a challenge as quilters like to cut them into usable pieces and sort--which is great. I do more applique with my pieces so I like to keep them as large as possible until they're used up. But there's certainly a place for both methods.
I took time to fold all of my fabric years ago and never regretted taking the time to do so. I learned about your bobby pin method of holding the fabric in place and how to store my scraps. Thank you for the tips.
I sure like your information and your video you researched this and have been using it in your sewing room showing us it works well, tried and true Thank you for your time and research. I can’t wait till I see the next one The idea with the chalk label is great Your sewing room looks orderly, friendly, meet. A dream in my opinion
Love this video! Thank you! I am also in Dallas!. I use a simple over the door hanger rack with trouser hangers (the kind that have clips) to hold squares that are in process for different projects. You could use a system like that for your scrap bags to get them "vertical".
I love it and at this point I’m staring to organize my sewing room after been sick for a long time. Here in Switzerland we can’t buy some things like in the USA but the ruler is great. Thank you
Great to hear you're feeling well enough these days to tackle this new project! I think you'll love having your space organized. This method has worked great for me for many years. I don't have to worry about fabrics falling over and creating a new mess to clean up. =)
I hate colds too. And here months later that season is upon us again. Like your idea and I'll have to adopt some. Especially scraps. I keep them in a couple of boxes. One box for 2.5" strips and another for mish mash of true scrap. But I do like the color origination. That would probably be my first try. Everything else looks great. I'm using totes but they still are not as neat. I probably would benefit from interior measurements of totes and fold according to that. Great tips. Thanks.
Great video, thanks. I had heard of the bobby pin method years ago but forgot about it and I am glad to be reminded. I am in the process of reorganizing my sewing/guest room and love the fabric folded as you and several other have in their videos and I am going to use this in my room too. I know it will free up space and make it so much easier to get at what I need.
Susan R You’re most welcome! I came up with the Bobby pin method years ago when I did my original video and this is a follow up video I did including organizing smaller pieces. I feel our rooms always evolve don’t you? Lol
to be able to store scraps upright, you might use 3x5 or 4x6 index cards with coated paperclips to keep them "on" the card or from unwrapping if the scrap is big enough to wrap around the index card. And the coated paperclips keep rust away.
for yardage of fleece, or other bulky fabrics, i plan to fold the way you do, but then put in a 'space bag' where you can remove the excess air and compress the bulk. i'd put these compressed bags in a tub that could hold a lot of them
That's a great idea too. I'd stack the fabric bags with the ends facing up in the tub so you could see the colors. I like that method better than stacking one bag on top of another where the only way you could see what is in that bottom bag would be by removing everything in the tub. Much easier to see everything at a glance from the top. Clear as mud?
I have a lot of wool and denim. Can those be done this way as well? Currently I have my yardage in bolts which has worked pretty well. I was able to get them from the fabric stores for free. But now I’m into quilting so I may try something like this.
Hi. I'm over in the UK and discovered you today. Brilliant ideas for fabric storage. I have mine on card but this is by far better. Complete overhaul on the cards!
Bobby pins normally have a coating these days. They're meant to be used in wet hair and not rust. I've only seen rust on one that's lost it's coating but have not had any issue with rusty bobby pins in my fabric stash over many years of use. =)
That was my first question--what was the quality of the straight pins you were using? I haven't used straight pins because I poke myself too much. =) Clutzy I guess. I do like the bobby pins as they are coated and I've never had a rusting issue.
Excellent video Bonnie. Regarding thread storage, I have a tip I've used for machine embroidery thread. It would be best described with a photo, if you would be willing to tell me how I might go about doing that. Lois
I don't see a way to add pictures to comments within UA-cam. However, if you send your picture to me, I should be able to add it to the comments section of this same video that's on my Facebook Page. You can send the picture to bonnie@sewinspiredbybonnie.com
When you need every inch you can spare, folding with the ruler method works great! While the comic boards are a nice option as well, adding another element and multiplying it over and over, takes up space that's true! Thank you for commenting.
Hi Bonnie, new subscriber to your channel. I liked your organization tips, but I would love to see you actually do it with yardage that is the size of 13 yds. I have some yardage that was on clearance and so I bought a lot of it yrs. ago. I didn't have a designated sewing space at that time, but now that the children have left the nest, that was the first thing that I gifted myself. I have my fabric folded like this, but on the bigger sizes it seems to be very bulky. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I am playing catch up on watching your videos, I hope in one of them you show your whole sewing room. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome to our little corner of the web! I have used this method for up to approximately 10 yards I believe. However, I'm sure it also depends upon the thickness of the fabric whether you can do that or not. It might be best to ask your favorite fabric store if they have any empty bolts you might be able to have and wrap those larger amounts around the bolts just like a fabric store would do for storage. You're a lucky girl to snatch up a clearance find! =)
for your scrap bags, how about a media bag and possibly a piece of cardboard in the center, putting fabric on both sides. the cardboard would keep the scraps more upright (not pooling at the bottom of the bag) when hanging, but by putting fabric on both sides of it, you can still see through both sides. www.thelibrarystore.com/category/hanging_bags they come in multiple sizes, and you can put multiple rods in your cabinet if needed, depending on how many scrap bags you have.
That's a clever idea! I do like having my fabrics where I can see all the colors at a glance. Your idea gave me another. If the bags (whether media, plastic zip-lock or whatever) had cardboard inside them that would make them stiff enough to stand up in a drawer and then they could be labeled at the top by color groupings like file folders. I'm going to have to experiment with that idea. But the cardboard could still keep the scraps flat so they'd stay relatively pressed and not wrinkled.
Thanks so much for making this video about folding and storing fabric. How do you address the width variations of fabric? Mine range from 42 to 60+ inches wide.
My widths vary as well. I fold them the same, over the ruler (already folded in half off the bolt), and then once folded over the ruler, fold in half again. This brings the 60 width down from 30 to 15 which fit nicely on my shelves. I stack like widths together and sort by fabric type and then by color. If I have a collection from a designer, I'll stack those together as a grouping. Hope this helps.
Bonnie where do I subscribe to your Tuesday's Tip program? Also do you have a You Tube Blog or anything else. You inspired me to clear out a 26 foot closet fabric storage are that is a long, long closet in my sewing room. I too am a Fabric Collection person, people just don't understand. I've been unable to sew since we moved but I definitely will be busy after my Christmas gifts are made. Enjoyed your organization and fabric folding video. When does this air so that callers can call in? I too own 3 of your cabinets and I just might moving crochet, knit, and other hobbies to the closet and measure those cabinets to figure out how much would fit there. Thank you, thank you, my brain is working overtime. HaHa
You can hit the "subscribe" button above to subscribe to the UA-cam channel. However, I have stopped doing the Tuesdays Tips (but there are many here that you might want to catch up on.) =) If you do subscribe and I do more in the future, you'll get notified. I have a weekly blog on my website at www.sewinspiredbybonnie.com . If you go to the website and sign up for my newsletters, you'll get notices of when a blog goes out and what the topic is. There might be more videos in the future but having just moved myself, non are planned at this time. I do monitor my UA-cam channel and still answer questions here as well as on my blog. You will be AMAZED at how much fabric will fit into your cabinets once they are uniformly folded. Hope to see you over on Bonnie's Blog.
I would get plastic containers for those. I've found those 12" square plastic scrap booking containers work great and you can see what you've got inside. With jelly rolls, I put those on my shelves as they're already a nice roll but they could also be put in the square plastic containers for easier stacking if you have several. Then you could always get a vinyl label and label the outside too. =)
Bonnie, what do you do when you live in an apartment and have A lot of material, scraps up to yardage? I sew a lot. I’ve kept everything in plastic containers so far but want to get rid of them. I use my living room as my sewing room. Please help me!
Cindy Nordlie think of unconventional storage. Can you use a decorative trunk, end table, cube type stools or maybe an ottoman with storage? How about decorative boxes filled with notions-with dividers or small plastic containers? Make sure your fabric is folded so the fold faces out toward you for easy access and visibility. Keep your eyes open to furnishings that serve dual purposes-pretty yet hidden storage. You’d be amazed what you can “hide” in plain site.
You're most welcome! Even though I'm lucky enough to have a room, I like things put away or in pretty boxes and such. I've even covered plain (yet sturdy) shoe boxes with nice fabric and created my own pretty boxes. =)
Hi Bonnie...seems I always end up missing your live video, but so grateful that I can catch up later. I also discovered your method fabric folding method and sometimes just open the cabinet doors and stare lovingly at my very own fabric store...I really like your ideas on organizing your colors, patterns and collections too and will improve mine for sure. My question today though is related to what you said about keeping your yardage of different pieces from one designer's collection together...I often like several designs in one designer collection but always stumped as to how many yards of each of the different parts of the collection to buy. How do you decide? Thank you so much...
Oh that's a difficult one because it's such a personal preference and really depends upon what type of sewing you do. However, I had a friend years ago tell me she normally bought 2 yards of something if she was undecided what to do. So I normally do that, unless I really like it a LOT and then I may buy more--especially if I'm wanting to use it as a backing to a quilt or whatever. If it's just for an accent, maybe 1 yard just to be safe. I probably tend to "overdue". =)
You will LOVE it once it's done. Baby steps. I didn't try to do it in a day but set aside an hour or so each day until the "elephant was eaten". And now it's a piece of cake to keep it tidy. =)
I cover those in the video too. I fold them up, similar to fat quarters you purchase from a store, and put them in a drawer with the folded side facing up. That way they're neat and tidy and you can see at a glance what you have. I have a drawer for holiday fabrics, reproductions, and another simply by colors. Seems to work pretty well. At least I've been happy with it so far. LOL My sewing room seems to always be a work in progress. =)
No worries! Did you click on the "show more" link in the description above? The link to the video is there but I'll copy it here again: ua-cam.com/video/JXlNl6PJwko/v-deo.html
Enjoy the video. Lots of great detail and ideas that I will put to use. Do you have any recommendation for minke fabric? It’s just a huge mass material. And I have a lot of it
I do all of my various materials the same way by rolling around a ruler. For minke you might not want to use the bobby pins though as they could crush a section of the nap. But you'd be surprised how well it all stays together. If it wants to unroll on you for whatever reason, try substituting large safety pins for the bobby pins and securing the ends that way. You'd only need to go through the top couple layers to hold it all in place.
Hi Bonnie. I have a suggestion about a replacement for the metal Bobbie pins. There are 1 1/2 inch clear plastic alligator clips that I am using. They sell online for about $11-12 for 1,000 of them. Plastic would be a good choice for people that want to avoid metal like me. I'm very allergic to metal, even door knobs. I hope you like my suggestion and share it. I store mine in a big coffeemate container due to the big neck that is easy to remove them from, protects them from wandering off, and the red lid matches my sewing room theme color. I glued sewing theme fabric around container over the label. It's actually cute and handy. Love watching your videos and we both have a brother machine/embroidery machine. I love my Quattro 2 so much. Bye, Marilyn from Arizona
While the bobby pins have a clear coating to protect them, I love your alternative for those allergic to metal. Repurposing containers is something I like to do as well. Great idea! =)
Thank you! My husband got the cabinets from a Lowes (Home Improvement type store). They were not expensive and I like that I can close them for a "cleaner" look or open to view everything. I like having options. Can you explain your bookcases more? Are you going to make fabric covers or? =)
I miss being with all of you! I'm in the process of completely redoing our website which is taking more hours in the day than I had expected. (Isn't that how taking on a new project always seems to work out?) I have temporarily cancelled the Tuesday's Tips to focus on getting the new, improved website up and running. No worries. We will be back. Thank you for your patience. =)
Well, Bonnie, I want you to know I miss your sweetness. You remind me of a dear friend that passed away years ago and her name was Bonnie. How I miss her, too. But, at least, I can turn into your video. They will be excellent and the time it takes you to get back will probably be well worth it!!! Peace and blessings, Vicki P.S. Thank you for your hearts and responses!!
That's "sew" sweet of you to say! Thank you! I really appreciate your understanding and patience. We'll get back on track sooner rather than later (I hope!). =)
I think it's great just the way you showed us. I appreciate all the tips you give. As for me, I have a tiny space in the bedroom and have material in boxes. I'm going to try this method using each box as a shelf. One day I'll have a real sewing room. Thank you again!
😆 The beginning of your post brought back memories of the old black and white TV Show for children - Romper Room - where the woman looked through the mirror face (they’d taken the glass out) and was saying hi to the children that were watching - “ Hi Susie and I see Bobby, so nice you’ve joined us Shirley…” 😍 This is definitely dating me. Thank you for your post. ❤
LOL--Well if it dates you then it dates me too as I remember Romper Room and Lamp Chops. Not the "look" I was going for though when I made the video. lol
I've been doing this since I saw your video many, many years ago!! Thank you , I love it!!
Great to hear that you found my tip helpful. Thanks! =)
Wow! Lots of good tips. I must be careful about money and you helped me so much. Bless you and thank you bonnie for sharing your expertise. I have a ton of fabric.
So glad you found the tips helpful!
You are a very professional embroidery instructor👍👍👍👍
For those concerned about the bobby pins rusting, just take a scrap of fabric the double length of the pin and double width to use as a liner between the pin and the fabric it will be holding. Left over bias tape would work great to cut as liners for the bobby pins.
I have spent the past week organizing my fabric scraps. But as I was watching this, I began folding my apparel fabric per your suggestion! I have done several pieces already! Works wonderfully! Thank you so much!!!
You're most welcome! =)
Found you today what a great video! Your ideas are great. I am frustrated with my scraps and cut sizes. I have decided I am going to use a file cabinet container. There are plastic ones and I can store the plastic bags of scraps upright in order and see what I have. I don’t like the bags sliding all over hoping they don’t squish down. Thank you for the video
Sounds like a great idea!
Have u tried a piece of cardboard and binder clips for ur scraps. Take the scrap and put it flat against the cardboard and put a binder clip on it. U don't need to wrap it around the cardboard just as long as it is clipped. I'm sure bobby pins will work too. Idk I've never tried it but if it works let me know it was just a thought. And I'm sure if u put the cardboard at an angle and not straight up and down the fabric will stay flat.
Hello! First time watcher. After 20 years of being so unorganized I stopped sewing, guilting because trying to find, organize my huge “ collection “ was working my nerves so LOL. I was finally in my room determined to attempt it once again and came across you! I’m doing the 5 inch ruler and it’s awesome! Thanks so much!
Some people work well in clutter but I'm not one of them. I've done it, but it's more stressful for me that way. I do better with organization where I can find what I'm looking for when I need it. I'm so glad to hear you've found my video helpful. =)
Yeah. I do my seasonal scraps in bags as soon as I finished a project.
Great idea!
Fabulous ideas!! I am cleaning out my sewing room, so I needed ideas. Thank you so much!
Awesome! So glad you found the tips helpful. =)
You inspired me to work on my fabric stash! I use old clothes a lot and I am behind on cutting apart the clothes. I think that I am going to try folding small pieces to fit some small bins that I have bought at Dollar Tree- the bottom measures about 2x3.5" and then I will put the bins in a bigger container- plastic bin or dresser drawer... I am eager to put it into practice! Thanks so much for your video!
Sounds great! My only recommendation would be to have a folded end facing up as you look down into the bin so you can see at a glance the colors and what you have on hand to cut. =)
I discovered your channel about a week ago and I've been binge watching as many videos as I can find time for. I particularly liked this one on organizing fabric. Even though my fabric is well organized by color and size, I'm always open to new methods that might make things easier and nicer to look at. I have challenged myself to use your folding method and reorganize one bin when I go to the sewing room BEFORE I begin sewing. Since I don't get to sew every day, this might take a while but all my fabrics will be so much easier to find, use and look at. Thank you for sharing!
It takes awhile in the beginning and so I, too, timed myself to do a little each day. Eventually it gets done and then it's a piece of cake! I've used this method for many years and everything (finally) is staying put--even my slippery lining fabrics and lycras. Thank you for your sweet comments and I'm so glad you're finding some tips helpful!
Loved your video! Thank you for taking the time to show us how you stored your fabric and scraps. Thank you for the tips too! I need to wrangle my fabric.
You're most welcome--glad you liked it! I just decided to dedicate 45 minutes to an hour each day until the job was done. That way I didn't get in a rut trying to finish it in a weekend. I found a lot of fabrics I'd forgotten I had in the process. LOL
I like to use Container Store shoe boxes for thread storage. They hold large spools as well as standard. They also stack by themselves and are slightly opaque but need sun protection as in a closet.
I ran out of the bobby pins and used coated large paper clips and they would great too and are colorful. I also put the measurement of the fabric under the paper clip so I know at a glance how much it is.
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing. =)
Your video is really great. I made an organization bag for my cutting board rulers and mini pockets. Our sun sets to the west so our home is sunny... ( I took over the dinning room) .. I store my thread for my serger and sewing machine in those pockets along with any bobbins. I also use my custom sewing machine cover.
Thank you for the kind words. Sounds like a great space with plenty of natural light!
Thanks Bonnie for sharing your tip. I’ve actually been doing this for about 6 years. I ditto you that it works. I wasn’t sure what was the need for the bobby-pins. Like the scrap fabric pieces. I’ll give it a try.
The bobby pins aren't necessary on every type of fabric but I like how it keeps things together on any type of fabric I'm organizing (although I wouldn't use them on fluffy fleece or napped fabrics). The bobby pins are a life saver if you use slinky fabrics, i.e., chiffon, lycra, linings, etc. I never could control my lycra stash until using the bobbin pins because it seems to have a life of its own. LOL Other benefits are they're reasonable and they don't poke you like a straight pin can. Scrap pieces are a challenge as quilters like to cut them into usable pieces and sort--which is great. I do more applique with my pieces so I like to keep them as large as possible until they're used up. But there's certainly a place for both methods.
I took time to fold all of my fabric years ago and never regretted taking the time to do so. I learned about your bobby pin method of holding the fabric in place and how to store my scraps. Thank you for the tips.
I'm "sew" happy to hear you found the tips helpful! =)
I sure like your information and your video you researched this and have been using it in your sewing room showing us it works well, tried and true
Thank you for your time and research.
I can’t wait till I see the next one
The idea with the chalk label is great
Your sewing room looks orderly, friendly, meet. A dream in my opinion
Bonnie Bartlow thank you! I’m glad you’re finding my tips helpful. :)
So practical. Love your folding method.
Thank you! It's worked very well for me over many years now. =)
Your method is great! I really need to get rid of my storage unit so that I can use it. Downsizing requires it # thank you.
Joyce Graff it’s worked very well for me for several years. Having everything uniformly folded reduced the amount of space needed by quite a bit.
I love the idea about the scraps. I use bags to colorize my zippers.
That's a great idea for your zippers. I need to come up with something for my own zippers. =)
Loved the tip on how to determine how much yardage is left on a folded piece.
So glad to hear you found this helpful. =)
Love this video! Thank you! I am also in Dallas!. I use a simple over the door hanger rack with trouser hangers (the kind that have clips) to hold squares that are in process for different projects. You could use a system like that for your scrap bags to get them "vertical".
Howdy neightbor! Yes that might just work. =)
I love your channel you give so much tips ..i am Biggin er and love lessen ppl from different countries and sharing ....We woman love to share .
Thank you for your kind words. Yes we do love to share!
I love it and at this point I’m staring to organize my sewing room after been sick for a long time. Here in Switzerland we can’t buy some things like in the USA but the ruler is great. Thank you
Great to hear you're feeling well enough these days to tackle this new project! I think you'll love having your space organized. This method has worked great for me for many years. I don't have to worry about fabrics falling over and creating a new mess to clean up. =)
I hate colds too. And here months later that season is upon us again. Like your idea and I'll have to adopt some. Especially scraps. I keep them in a couple of boxes. One box for 2.5" strips and another for mish mash of true scrap. But I do like the color origination. That would probably be my first try. Everything else looks great. I'm using totes but they still are not as neat. I probably would benefit from interior measurements of totes and fold according to that. Great tips. Thanks.
I'm so glad to hear you've gotten a tip or two from the video that may help. Sewing room organization is always a work in progress and evolving. =)
Sherry Beuckelaere has
Great video, thanks. I had heard of the bobby pin method years ago but forgot about it and I am glad to be reminded. I am in the process of reorganizing my sewing/guest room and love the fabric folded as you and several other have in their videos and I am going to use this in my room too. I know it will free up space and make it so much easier to get at what I need.
Susan R You’re most welcome! I came up with the Bobby pin method years ago when I did my original video and this is a follow up video I did including organizing smaller pieces. I feel our rooms always evolve don’t you? Lol
Thank you for these fabric folding ideas!
You're most welcome!
Hello from florida
Love your ruler idea tnx
Glad you liked it! =)
Great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with us. I plan to try this--sure need to organize.
Organizing is an on-going process I think. =)
Merci for sharing your Fabric Organisation´s tips . It will help me a lot.
You're most welcome!
I like to store my scraps in a 3” binder. I have tabs by groupings and store each fabric in a sleeve protector.
Sounds very well organized! =)
Thanks for sharing your tips!!
You're most welcome! =)
to be able to store scraps upright, you might use 3x5 or 4x6 index cards with coated paperclips to keep them "on" the card or from unwrapping if the scrap is big enough to wrap around the index card. And the coated paperclips keep rust away.
I like your ideas!
for yardage of fleece, or other bulky fabrics, i plan to fold the way you do, but then put in a 'space bag' where you can remove the excess air and compress the bulk. i'd put these compressed bags in a tub that could hold a lot of them
That's a great idea too. I'd stack the fabric bags with the ends facing up in the tub so you could see the colors. I like that method better than stacking one bag on top of another where the only way you could see what is in that bottom bag would be by removing everything in the tub. Much easier to see everything at a glance from the top. Clear as mud?
I have a lot of wool and denim. Can those be done this way as well? Currently I have my yardage in bolts which has worked pretty well. I was able to get them from the fabric stores for free. But now I’m into quilting so I may try something like this.
Yes, I've used it for wool and denim and it has worked well for me.
Hi. I'm over in the UK and discovered you today. Brilliant ideas for fabric storage. I have mine on card but this is by far better. Complete overhaul on the cards!
I'm so glad you found these tips helpful. Have fun playing with your fabric! =)
Also meant to say that the scrap storage is excellent..never thought of that!
You're welcome and very kind of you to say. =)
I used your method and I love it. Why the Bobby pin?
It's not an absolute necessity but I like to have things stay in place and it provides a little added security for that at little cost. =)
Whoa, that’s a lot of fabric!
I've been collecting a l-o-n-g time for my "resource center". =)
Like the Bobby pin method..thank you.
I'm so glad to hear you've found the tips helpful! =)
Hi, I’m a Bonnie too! I do need help with organization with my fabrics. Thanks so much
You're welcome! Thank you for watching. =)
Am inspired by your scrap method. Yayy!
Awesome! =)
thanks for this Tips
You're welcome!
Hi, thanks
You're most welcome! =)
Dry bobby bins don't rust usually
Bobby pins normally have a coating these days. They're meant to be used in wet hair and not rust. I've only seen rust on one that's lost it's coating but have not had any issue with rusty bobby pins in my fabric stash over many years of use. =)
THANK YOU !!! VERY HELPFUL🙂
You're welcome!
Hi from Colorado
I used straight pins and they rusted. Little rust spots throughout the entire piece. Beware! And I used nice pins, I think.
That was my first question--what was the quality of the straight pins you were using? I haven't used straight pins because I poke myself too much. =) Clutzy I guess. I do like the bobby pins as they are coated and I've never had a rusting issue.
Excellent video Bonnie. Regarding thread storage, I have a tip I've used for machine embroidery thread. It would be best described with a photo, if you would be willing to tell me how I might go about doing that. Lois
I don't see a way to add pictures to comments within UA-cam. However, if you send your picture to me, I should be able to add it to the comments section of this same video that's on my Facebook Page. You can send the picture to bonnie@sewinspiredbybonnie.com
Hi bonnie, like your video... Im in edmonton alberta today... verrry coold today
Thank you for the kind words! We were cold yesterday here in Texas but it's warming up today thank goodness!
One fellow quilter folded her entire fabric stash on comic boards, and then refolded it by ruler. The ruler method took up much less overall space!!!
When you need every inch you can spare, folding with the ruler method works great! While the comic boards are a nice option as well, adding another element and multiplying it over and over, takes up space that's true! Thank you for commenting.
Hi Bonnie, new subscriber to your channel. I liked your organization tips, but I would love to see you actually do it with yardage that is the size of 13 yds. I have some yardage that was on clearance and so I bought a lot of it yrs. ago. I didn't have a designated sewing space at that time, but now that the children have left the nest, that was the first thing that I gifted myself. I have my fabric folded like this, but on the bigger sizes it seems to be very bulky. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I am playing catch up on watching your videos, I hope in one of them you show your whole sewing room. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome to our little corner of the web! I have used this method for up to approximately 10 yards I believe. However, I'm sure it also depends upon the thickness of the fabric whether you can do that or not. It might be best to ask your favorite fabric store if they have any empty bolts you might be able to have and wrap those larger amounts around the bolts just like a fabric store would do for storage. You're a lucky girl to snatch up a clearance find! =)
Thank you I will do that.
Thank you, I will ask them.
You're most welcome! =)
for your scrap bags, how about a media bag and possibly a piece of cardboard in the center, putting fabric on both sides. the cardboard would keep the scraps more upright (not pooling at the bottom of the bag) when hanging, but by putting fabric on both sides of it, you can still see through both sides. www.thelibrarystore.com/category/hanging_bags they come in multiple sizes, and you can put multiple rods in your cabinet if needed, depending on how many scrap bags you have.
That's a clever idea! I do like having my fabrics where I can see all the colors at a glance. Your idea gave me another. If the bags (whether media, plastic zip-lock or whatever) had cardboard inside them that would make them stiff enough to stand up in a drawer and then they could be labeled at the top by color groupings like file folders. I'm going to have to experiment with that idea. But the cardboard could still keep the scraps flat so they'd stay relatively pressed and not wrinkled.
❤️
Thanks so much for making this video about folding and storing fabric. How do you address the width variations of fabric? Mine range from 42 to 60+ inches wide.
My widths vary as well. I fold them the same, over the ruler (already folded in half off the bolt), and then once folded over the ruler, fold in half again. This brings the 60 width down from 30 to 15 which fit nicely on my shelves. I stack like widths together and sort by fabric type and then by color. If I have a collection from a designer, I'll stack those together as a grouping. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Bonnie. That sounds like an excellent idea.
hello happy viewing fr.manila philippines !!
Hi! Welcome to our little corner of the world! =)
Scraps try a hanging file system with your bags
Great idea! That would be awesome if I had more floor space to accommodate a hanging file system. Maybe one day I will! =)
Thank u for information
Welcome
Bonnie where do I subscribe to your Tuesday's Tip program? Also do you have a You Tube Blog or anything else. You inspired me to clear out a 26 foot closet fabric storage are that is a long, long closet in my sewing room. I too am a Fabric Collection person, people just don't understand. I've been unable to sew since we moved but I definitely will be busy after my Christmas gifts are made. Enjoyed your organization and fabric folding video. When does this air so that callers can call in? I too own 3 of your cabinets and I just might moving crochet, knit, and other hobbies to the closet and measure those cabinets to figure out how much would fit there. Thank you, thank you, my brain is working overtime. HaHa
You can hit the "subscribe" button above to subscribe to the UA-cam channel. However, I have stopped doing the Tuesdays Tips (but there are many here that you might want to catch up on.) =) If you do subscribe and I do more in the future, you'll get notified. I have a weekly blog on my website at www.sewinspiredbybonnie.com . If you go to the website and sign up for my newsletters, you'll get notices of when a blog goes out and what the topic is. There might be more videos in the future but having just moved myself, non are planned at this time. I do monitor my UA-cam channel and still answer questions here as well as on my blog. You will be AMAZED at how much fabric will fit into your cabinets once they are uniformly folded. Hope to see you over on Bonnie's Blog.
hi Bonnie, I can't wait to try your system. i do have a bunch if 10 inch and 5 inch squares as well as jelly rolls. any thoughts on those
I would get plastic containers for those. I've found those 12" square plastic scrap booking containers work great and you can see what you've got inside. With jelly rolls, I put those on my shelves as they're already a nice roll but they could also be put in the square plastic containers for easier stacking if you have several. Then you could always get a vinyl label and label the outside too. =)
Bonnie, what do you do when you live in an apartment and have A lot of material, scraps up to yardage? I sew a lot. I’ve kept everything in plastic containers so far but want to get rid of them. I use my living room as my sewing room. Please help me!
Cindy Nordlie think of unconventional storage. Can you use a decorative trunk, end table, cube type stools or maybe an ottoman with storage? How about decorative boxes filled with notions-with dividers or small plastic containers? Make sure your fabric is folded so the fold faces out toward you for easy access and visibility. Keep your eyes open to furnishings that serve dual purposes-pretty yet hidden storage. You’d be amazed what you can “hide” in plain site.
Sew Inspired by Bonnie thank you Bonnie for those ideas.
You're most welcome! Even though I'm lucky enough to have a room, I like things put away or in pretty boxes and such. I've even covered plain (yet sturdy) shoe boxes with nice fabric and created my own pretty boxes. =)
Clever, Also wish volume was louder Great ideas thanks
Barbara Gallagher Glad you liked it! For a louder experience, simply turn up the volume controls on your computer. ☺️
Hi Bonnie...seems I always end up missing your live video, but so grateful that I can catch up later. I also discovered your method fabric folding method and sometimes just open the cabinet doors and stare lovingly at my very own fabric store...I really like your ideas on organizing your colors, patterns and collections too and will improve mine for sure. My question today though is related to what you said about keeping your yardage of different pieces from one designer's collection together...I often like several designs in one designer collection but always stumped as to how many yards of each of the different parts of the collection to buy. How do you decide? Thank you so much...
Oops...I'm Georgieann and Frank is my husband.
Oh that's a difficult one because it's such a personal preference and really depends upon what type of sewing you do. However, I had a friend years ago tell me she normally bought 2 yards of something if she was undecided what to do. So I normally do that, unless I really like it a LOT and then I may buy more--especially if I'm wanting to use it as a backing to a quilt or whatever. If it's just for an accent, maybe 1 yard just to be safe. I probably tend to "overdue". =)
Hi Georgieann! No worries. It happens all the time. =)
Sew Inspired by Bonnie .com
Hanging Shoe holder for vinyl
Doris Gerton....southern Indiana
Thank you
You're most welcome!
Thank you. Id better get busy
You will LOVE it once it's done. Baby steps. I didn't try to do it in a day but set aside an hour or so each day until the "elephant was eaten". And now it's a piece of cake to keep it tidy. =)
Bonnie I love your method for yardage and scraps but what would you suggest for when the yardage is down to FQ size or 1/4 yard....
I cover those in the video too. I fold them up, similar to fat quarters you purchase from a store, and put them in a drawer with the folded side facing up. That way they're neat and tidy and you can see at a glance what you have. I have a drawer for holiday fabrics, reproductions, and another simply by colors. Seems to work pretty well. At least I've been happy with it so far. LOL My sewing room seems to always be a work in progress. =)
I can’t fin to video you mentioned that contains more detailed instructions for folding with a ruler. Help please.
No worries! Did you click on the "show more" link in the description above? The link to the video is there but I'll copy it here again: ua-cam.com/video/JXlNl6PJwko/v-deo.html
My first time to see your channel...
Enjoy the video. Lots of great detail and ideas that I will put to use. Do you have any recommendation for minke fabric? It’s just a huge mass material. And I have a lot of it
I do all of my various materials the same way by rolling around a ruler. For minke you might not want to use the bobby pins though as they could crush a section of the nap. But you'd be surprised how well it all stays together. If it wants to unroll on you for whatever reason, try substituting large safety pins for the bobby pins and securing the ends that way. You'd only need to go through the top couple layers to hold it all in place.
Hi Bonnie. I have a suggestion about a replacement for the metal Bobbie pins. There are 1 1/2 inch clear plastic alligator clips that I am using. They sell online for about $11-12 for 1,000 of them. Plastic would be a good choice for people that want to avoid metal like me. I'm very allergic to metal, even door knobs. I hope you like my suggestion and share it. I store mine in a big coffeemate container due to the big neck that is easy to remove them from, protects them from wandering off, and the red lid matches my sewing room theme color. I glued sewing theme fabric around container over the label. It's actually cute and handy. Love watching your videos and we both have a brother machine/embroidery machine. I love my Quattro 2 so much. Bye, Marilyn from Arizona
While the bobby pins have a clear coating to protect them, I love your alternative for those allergic to metal. Repurposing containers is something I like to do as well. Great idea! =)
Great info! Where did you buy your cabinets???.. I have bookcases with material to hang on the front of them...
Thank you! My husband got the cabinets from a Lowes (Home Improvement type store). They were not expensive and I like that I can close them for a "cleaner" look or open to view everything. I like having options. Can you explain your bookcases more? Are you going to make fabric covers or? =)
Bonnie, gosh I haven't seen any Tuesday tips for a long time. Are you doing these anymore? I sure hope so. Please, please let me know!!
I miss being with all of you! I'm in the process of completely redoing our website which is taking more hours in the day than I had expected. (Isn't that how taking on a new project always seems to work out?) I have temporarily cancelled the Tuesday's Tips to focus on getting the new, improved website up and running. No worries. We will be back. Thank you for your patience. =)
Well, Bonnie, I want you to know I miss your sweetness. You remind me of a dear friend that passed away years ago and her name was Bonnie. How I miss her, too. But, at least, I can turn into your video. They will be excellent and the time it takes you to get back will probably be well worth it!!! Peace and blessings, Vicki
P.S. Thank you for your hearts and responses!!
That's "sew" sweet of you to say! Thank you! I really appreciate your understanding and patience. We'll get back on track sooner rather than later (I hope!). =)
attach scrap bags to pants hangers and hang up
That would work too! =)
Try hanging file folders?
Hi from Australia
Hi there!
Hanging shoe holder
Hi Bonnie
Judy's here
I am from uk
Peggy
Peggy
Peggy
Mission Tex
Hi
You say ruler...but you mean yard stick, right?
No I meant ruler--the bigger, wider quilting type rulers. I should have been more specific. =)
How are you
I'm doing well how 'bout you?
Too long. Everything could have been presented in shorter period.
Thank you for your constructive feedback. =)
I think it's great just the way you showed us. I appreciate all the tips you give. As for me, I have a tiny space in the bedroom and have material in boxes. I'm going to try this method using each box as a shelf. One day I'll have a real sewing room. Thank you again!
Hi Bonnie
Cindy Nordlie Hi!
Hello
Hello
Hi
Hi!!
Hi