If you’re looking for Cheap sewing room Storage Ideas, I have the perfect list for you! I compiled all my favorites into one place for you!
But first, I need to get something off my chest today.
Sewing is not a cheap hobby. Did you know? – I hate to be the one to tell you this, but if you think you’re actually going to save money by making your own clothes and quilts… you need to just stop and go to Target (or Walmart or a thrift shop). Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But its better you hear it up front from me than later from your bank account when you’re fully engrossed and past the point of no return.
You aren’t making just “blankets”… you’re making a QUILT that has love and thought stitched into every single fiber. Every thread. Every decision from the beginning to the end. There is love.
You don’t just pick blue fabric because you like the color blue… you spend time browsing through the fabric store and every shade of blue to find the perfect one.
A particular star pattern fabric reminds you how you sang “twinkle twinkle little star” to your child every day when they were little and brings a smile to your face when you work it into their quilt.
The orange thread? That’s the phase they went through in high school where everything was neon orange. Everything.
Hours spent browsing through your magazines or Pinterest files for the perfect pattern? All worth it when you find it!
Quilting involves the mind, the imagination, planning and carrying out projects hour after hour, picking out mistakes, curses mumbled under your breath and reworking a design until its absolutely perfect.
You may be wondering if quilting is perhaps a little bit of insanity as well? – The answer is most likely yes, but most of all it is LOVE.
If you think modern quilting is just some dainty art with fabric no one wanted that your grandmother used to do… you are so wrong.
If you receive a quilt as a gift, love it. Use it. Pull it out on a chilly night with your favorite book and wrap yourself up in every loving stitch like a warm hug. That is exactly what the quilter would want you to do.
–Rant over–
My kids went back to school today, so I took myself on a little green tea and tapioca fueled field trip to my favorite shopping spots so I could scope out the best deals and ideas for you! But I also spent a little time doing this today too… It was lovely.
Cheap Sewing Room Storage
With what I said above in regards to sewing not being a cheap hobby, I meant it, but that doesn’t mean EVERYTHING has to cost you a pretty penny!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, to learn more, click here.
One of the biggest hassles with quilting is that you accumulate a bunch of stuff. For more info on the “stuff” you need. See the links below:
13 Must-Have Tools in the Sewing Room + Pictures
Essential Quilting Rulers & Why you need them
If you do not have a dedicated craft or sewing space/room, don’t sweat it. You can still be organized with cutely little containers and baskets that allow you to clean up in a jiffy. That’s actually how I rank all my storage habits being that my sewing space is actually in the formal dining area of my house and thus open to the rest of the house. Me and my mess in all its glory for everyone to see. Can I clean it up and out of sight quickly?
I’ll give you the Target Pick and the Dollar Store Pick. Also, a disclaimer: My dollar store looked like a tornado hit it. Someone was cleaning house for back to school or something because …yikes. I did try to clean up a bit in a few of the pictures for you, but soon realized it was hopeless as the whole store was chaos.
These sewing baskets are great for your tool storage! They are usually found at the big box craft stores or on Amazon. They come in a plethora of adorable hard to resist cutesy fabrics! It’s great for hauling your tools around and keeping your things together in one nice little place. You can tuck this little box in a corner or a closet and be ready to grab and go at any moment!
Also, that is my dog. He name is Lizzie and she was rather tired of me working yesterday. Playing was a much more pressing task. 🙂
WIP Project Storage Boxes
(AKA – Work in Progress) There are also these boxes which I talked briefly about in this post. Scrap Fabric Storage! & What to do with them! I love them. It is the same method I use for my kid’s playroom organization. Leggos are quick to clean up if you can just throw them all into one bin and plop them on a shelf for easy access later. Really, do we ever actually grow up?
Target Version: It is a simple shelf bin from Target. I paid $3 for it. It is pretty sturdy plastic. And in my favorite teal color! Right now you’re looking at my EPP projects. (That project will never end.) This is my WIP -work in progress- box. Sometimes I’ll switch it around, but it usually holds my projects until completion.
Whenever I have to clean up my mess or move to a more pressing project, everything (EVERYTHING) goes into the box. It keeps everything together and in one place. Then I can pull it back out later that day or later that month and not have to hunt down a pattern or fabric swatches or what have you. It is all together and easily kept.
Dollar Store Version: I found this one isn’t as… shall we say decorative?… as the target one, but hey, it’s a dollar. And if it is going in a closet where only you will see it… buy five of them 😀 It’s official name is a “dish bucket” (clearly they don’t see the potential that I do)
Dollar Store Version #2: If you have a specific spot you’re looking to fit a basket, check these out. There are a ton of options. *Again, sorry for the mess in the store!* These can be used as drawer organizers, tool organizers or catch-alls for scraps. The biggest is about the size of a small bathroom trashcan.
Dollar Store Version #3: These may be more seasonal with back to school and college dorm shopping etc, but my dollar store also has these nice fabric bins. Still $1 and a little more ‘farmhouse chic’ than a dish bucket. 🙂
Amazon Picks for Medium Storage Solutions:
Bigger Storage
If you have the luxury of having more space to store all your supplies or your own craft space, you have to own some of these… and probably a lot of them because… I don’t know how, but a small side hobby can get out of hand rather quickly and before you know it, well, it just happens. There is no explaining… obsession and love settle in and here you are looking for sewing storage solutions. (no judgment. I gotcha!)
Target Version: Your selection is by no means small. I mentioned these 3 stack drawers in my post here. Scrap Fabric Storage! & What to do with them! I still am so happy with these because they are perfect for my OCD brain that likes things in rainbow order. These were about $15 each at the time of this post.
I saw these fun colored version today that takes up a little less space (and is cheaper!) Under $10 each.
There is also a huge assortment of plastic shoe box sizes that are great for storage as well. Again, all sizes… mix and match and find the one that calls out to you!
Dollar Store Version: I can’t, in good faith, recommend anything for larger storage at the dollar store. You are free to make the judgment on your own, but I find that a lot of it is rather flimsy and while it’s only $1 right now, you’ll be replacing it down the road again. There are a few exceptions, I’m sure… but I’m not sure I would take the risk.
Amazon Picks for Bigger Storage:
Drawer organizers
Silverware drawer organizers work great for these!
Target Version: I found these in the Dollar spot for back to school, but they have these close to the office supplies too.
Dollar Store Version: There are a ton of different options. Not all of them super cheap looking. I found this cute pink clear one that is perfect for pens and pencils as well as scissors. (I totally purchased this one, because …PINK!)
Amazon Picks for Drawer Organizing:
Itty Bitt Storage
Target Version: I found these in the dollar spot section. They were $3… but I’ve seen them in the cosmetic section as well. Each drawer comes all the way out for easy access to whatever treasures you store inside.
Dollar Store Version: These are a little bigger than a baby food jar, and made out of plastic with a tight fitting lid. I would guess its the perfect size for storing a modest button collection or safety pins, maybe needles? Anything itty bitty that needs containing.
Bonus Mom Tip: Do you have a toddler that needs a little distraction? Grab an extra bag of these little containers and fill them with different items. Buttons, dice, feathers, dried noodles, jingle bells etc. They all make different noises and the child will love shaking them like crazy. If you’re careful and strategic with your toys, you can pull these out only when you’re sewing and sewing will become an enjoyable activity for the both of you!
Make Your Own Storage Version: Check out this post. The Perfect Easy Catch the Mess Fabric Bin It is beginner friendly but you can easily add your own flair to it if you like and take it up a notch. I use these baskets for my little things like magic clips, stray thread catcher, tiny scraps… what have you. It works and its fun when I use my favorite fabrics. (Side note: my kids have several as well!)
Amazon Picks for small storage:
Keep it together
These you can purchase at both Target and the Dollar Store. Perfect for keeping bundles of fabric together!
Also available on Amazon: If you don’t feel like going out today 🙂 Hello prime shipping, right?
Pin Storage
These are some of my favorite cheap sewing room storage finds 🙂 I also love to make these as gifts. You can find the tutorial for the image below here The (Less than) 5 Minute Pin Cushion
The Dollar Store Version: I love these because they are cheap (obviously). There is usually a large selection to choose from too… and even some with silly sayings.
You don’t have to use a mug though! Feel free to experiment and play around with different cups or bowls. I think this one is an ice cream dish? but how cute would it be with the right fabric!
Goodwill Version (or thrift store shops): I have actually found several really beautiful teacups that I have repurposed for this exact DIY. Part of the fun of this hunt is that you’ll never know what you’re going to find!
If you don’t want to make your own, you can easily find so many cute ones that are already made for you out there! Check out some of these cute finds to dress up your sewing space and bring in a little happiness too!
Pin Cushion Amazon Finds:
One last thing that I saved for last because it is not a necessity, but man does it make it nice to store fabric! These thick pieces of cardstock paper are intended for keeping comic books uprights for storage (at least that is what Amazon says they are for) but they are perfect for wrapping your fabric on as mini-bolts. Everything is all the same size and easy to see when you line them up on a shelf!
(Image)
what is your favorite cheap storage finds? Where do you find your best budget finds? Let me know in the comments and do share your fun finds!
Wow amazing thank you x
You’re welcome, Peter! I hope you found some useful tips!
Amazing. Thanks for sharing. I found at Harbor Freight a magnetic steel bowl ( intended for screws nut etc. but works fantastically for pins or anything else while sewing It was on sale 99cents what a bargain got one for me and one for hubbys workshop
That’s brilliant… We have harbor freight stores here! I’ll have to look into that!
Recently read about a small laser that can be affixed to the front of the sewing machine to guide a stiching line, without having to mark fabric. Runs about $4.99 at Harbor Freight. I can’t wait to try it!
Hi, I’m organising my sewing room at the moment so will be using loads of your ideas. As I only sew clothes pins are more essential than clips. I make my own pin cushions from scrap fabric. Sew a cube, cylinder or box shape, stuff with old panti hose or scraps to quite firm, close seam. Sew a strip of elastic to go round your wrist to the bottom. You’ll never be searching for pins again! I’ve made several of these for friends. Jill in England.
Jill, that is a brilliant idea. I’ve seen the wrist pin cushions but haven’t tried to make one yet for myself. I’ll let you know how it goes!
I use these metal bars too. Sometimes on the bars of the long arm if I don’t attach my top. I use one to hang the many pairs of scissors. I use a picnic condiment container as storage for a multitude of small items like needles and extra pins. All my shopping in home goods, home improvement, tools stores include searching for items I can use in sewing room .
Yes! It is amazing what you can do if you just take away what purpose your brain has decided the item has. Think outside the box! It makes all the difference. 🙂
Thank you for the tips. I have wrapped about 10 % of my cotton fabric so far on cardstock .I love it! I wrapped 1 yard or more on full sheets and under 1 yard on 1/2 sheets of cardstock. They look so great on open bookcase shelves. On each wrapped item I pinned a small note stating how big the piece is.
Thanks again for your help.
You’re welcome! The remnants on the 1/2 cards is a great idea, Sue!!
Love your blog! I am in the process of organizing my collection of over 40 years worth of fabric pieces and scraps. In Feb 2019, Walmart had plastic shoe boxes with lids at 10 for $8.98. Just one week later the same boxes are only $5 for 10. These are stackable and a perfect size for scraps and WIP. I also sewed different sized zippered project pouches with a vinyl pocket on front that holds a photocppy of the quilt or project pattern. The pouches also have a fabric loop on top so I can store them on closet rod with a large ring that opens and closes (available in sets at the dollar store). These pouches are perfect for holding the fabrics, notions and patterns for my planned quilts in one convenient holder, as well as doing the same for my sewing, embroidery, crochet, and knitting projects. This also eliminated my accidently using a fabric or notion planned for one project in a new project – so many ideas, so little time! The rings are easily removed from the rods and the vinyl pockets make finding a specific project quite easy. Patterns for the pouches are found on Pinterest.
Diana, I would love to see which pattern you used for your project pouches! I’ve been wanting to make something similar for myself as I can’t find anything purchasable in any of the stores I frequent.
Hi Christen. I enjoyed reading all of your tips for storage. A few years ago I decided to organize all of my fabrics, books and patterns. It took a while, but was fun revisiting all the items I had forgotten I had.
I had an old rolodex with index size blank cards. I measured each piece and wrote the width and length on each card with a one inch piece taped on the card. If it was washed I made a note. I got a bunch of plastic bins where I put my fabrics by color and marked that info on the card. For example, blue box, red box, etc. If I filled a box and needed to go to another one, it became blue box number 2, etc. Now when I want to make something, I just go to the cards with the colors I need and I know exactly how much fabric I have and where it is. For my patterns, I purchased a bunch of binders, top loading clear sheet protectors and I organized all my patterns by category. Quilts, bags, quilted jackets, baby quilts, wool projects, etc then marked the spine of the binders. I cam see at a glance what is in each binder and I am not buying duplicates. On my books, I put them all alphabetically in my computer by book and author, then printed it out. At the same time I put them in my bookcases alphabetically. Again, no more duplicates
I hope this helps others out as well.
Hello again Christen. I forgot to mention how I stored my larger scraps and fat quarters. I purchased under the bed size sweater boxes and sorted them by color and marking the out side of the boxes by color I folded the scraps the size of the fat quarters and lined them up from the lightest shade to the darkest. Now when I want to make a scrappy quilt, I just go to the colors I want.
Thanks again.
Kathy, I am in complete awe! <3 wow, girlfriend do you have a system! I can tell your sewing room is definitely your happy place! These are some wonderful ideas! Thank you for sharing!
I love all if these ideas and hints! I will be creating a new sewing and craft room in my basement soon. Super excited about my plans! Thank you so much for sharing your finds!
You are so welcome! Enjoy your space! Make it every bit about YOU! 🙂
Hi, Christen! I love your “rant” at the beginning of the post. May I share it with the quilting groups I belong to on Facebook? I will share the link to your blog, of course.
Of course, Karen! I would love that 🙂
I also loved your “rant” at the start of your post! I feel exactly the same way about my hobby that is of course a bit out of control! Those little boxes that you use to entertain the toddlers also come in a more rectangular shape. I use them in my sewing table drawers. Because they have straight sides, I can put different size safety pins in, put the top side down and see what’s inside them without a label or picking them up. And they lay nicely next to each other.
The dollar store also has vases that are clear glass and different heights, but perfectly cylindrical. They look really nice with the just the right thing in them and again, they are clear. Not for houses with small children! OH! And don’t overlook makeup containers, the acrylic ones with different sections. If just the right size and height, they can be great tool holders near your machine because, again, they are clear and you can see everything.
I’m done now! But this has been fun. I was feeling a little lonely in my quilt world and now I don’t!
Anne, I bet no one is safe around you come Christmas time when everything is being unboxed! 🙂 haha, I love it! I’m big into repurposing too so you are totally not alone!
I am so impressed with your ideas!! I have have been searching for good ideas to help me organize my “treasures” while waiting for the right project to work on. You have amazing ways that I should have thought of myself but you put everything out there to help me. You were the spark to get me on the right track. Can’t wait to get started. THANK YOU!!!!!!!
You are so welcome! Thanks for letting me know that I was able to give you just that little “spark” to get you started. Having a space that you love makes all the difference in creativity 🙂
I know you probably already thought of this, (as I am an old fart, but new to organizing a sewing room), with all of the boxes you must get from Amazon, cut off the top flaps. Cut them in equal sizes, and then use them to wrap your medium sized pieces of fabric on. I know the cardboard doesn’t look that great, but once you have put all that beautiful material on it and stacked them side by side or on a shelf, they are beautiful and add a very warm touch to any selling area.
Yes! I love doing that. I need to do a frugal post on “use what you have” sometime very soon! Thank you, Shirley!
I have a magnic container It came from my husbands car items. about 4 inches wide and 1 inch tall. It is great beside my machine when taking out a pin you can just dropit there and it sticks. No lost pins on the floor
That is amazing. It is pretty great when you can find useful tools and repurpose them in your sewing room!
Years ago I discovered fishing tackle boxes make great sewing and craft organizers and they cost much less than the typical sewing boxes. Ironically, I use a craft tote for my makeup ?
yes! I’ve used tackle boxes for my art supplies for years! Amazing what uses you can find for them 🙂
Were I live I have a swapmeet that sells fabric like knits, denims from stretch to woven to light to heavy weight, velvet, chiffon, home decor, batting, interfacing, pant weight fabric, fleece, flannel, lace, bridal wear, lining whatever the fabric stores sell my swapmeet carries. They also sell buttons, zippers, elastic,trims,sew on patches plain and decorated, threads, the only thing they don’t sell is notions like straight pins,scissors, marking pencils, sewing machines needles and hand needles etc. The prices are alot cheaper than the stores anywhere between $1.00 to $4 or $5.00 and the fabrics are good quality the’re not cheaply made it’s very rare if I can’t find what I’m looking for I’ll purchase at Joann with a coupon. I made a floor length cloak with a hoodie last year out of velvet I purchase 5 yards at $4.50yd $22.50 total I even had enough for a draw string purse I also bought bridal satin for the lining at $2.00 yard also 5 yards too I purchased 2 frogg closures at 75 cents each and I also purchased roped draw string for the hoodie and purse at 2 yard for a $1.00 I bought 6 yards. The total came out to $37.00 no tax at all. the pattern for the cloak I made myself, I make the majority of all my patterns. I’ve gotten so many compliments from my cloak. I’m very lucky to have a swapmeet that has over 10 stalls of fabrics and such
What a blessing that is! And a steal for all those good buys!