Maximize Efficiency in Your Sewing Studio: Tips for Organizing Sewing Supplies and Materials

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Organizing Zippers
3. Storing Boning
4. Saving Extra Straps
5. Repurposing Clear Bra Straps
6. Utilizing Plastic Cups
7. Organizing Fabric Scraps
8. Storing Lace and Trim
9. Sorting Buttons
10. Organizing Beads and Appliques
11. Conclusion

Staying Organized: Tips for Sewing and Alterations

Are you a sewing enthusiast who loves nothing more than creating beautiful garments and making alterations to perfect the fit? If so, you probably find yourself accumulating a lot of leftover materials such as zippers, straps, buttons, beads, and appliques. But what do you do with all these scraps and extras? In today's video, I will share some helpful tips on how to effectively organize and utilize these items to save you money and time during your busiest seasons. So let's dive right in!

Organizing Zippers

Let's start with one of the smaller items that can easily pile up in your sewing space – zippers. Instead of throwing away usable zippers, consider organizing and storing them for future projects. Make sure the zippers are in good condition with no missing teeth or rough spots. One great way to store zippers is by using small compartments, such as the ones found in supply store containers or craft store organizers. Simply gather all your extra zippers and place them in designated compartments for easy access when you need them.

Storing Boning

Next, let's talk about boning, another item that often ends up as leftovers after making alterations. Whether you removed it from a dress or had to substitute it with something more rigid, keeping extra boning on hand can be beneficial. A designated bin or container for boning is a great storage solution. Regardless of the size or type of boning, place them all together in the designated bin. This way, you'll always have boning readily available when you need it.

Saving Extra Straps

Have you ever come across extra straps that are no longer needed? Instead of discarding them, keep them in a bin for future use. These straps can come in handy for various purposes, such as adding spaghetti straps to a dress or using them as loops for laces. By saving and organizing these extra straps, you won't need to run to the fabric store every time you need one.

Repurposing Clear Bra Straps

If you've ever purchased a bra with removable clear straps, don't throw them away! These straps can be repurposed for sewing projects. For example, if you're working on a wedding gown with lace or beaded straps that may cause discomfort, you can hand-sew these clear bra straps on the back. It will improve comfort, prevent itching, and provide a nonslip solution. Keeping these straps in one area, such as a reusable bag or container, ensures you always have them on hand when needed.

Utilizing Plastic Cups

Plastic cups can serve as handy tools for organizing beads, buttons, and appliques while working on garments. You can find clear plastic cups at dollar stores or other supply stores. As you disassemble a gown or work on appliques, place the beads in one cup and the appliques on a plate or separate cup. This way, you can easily keep those items sorted until the dress is completed or the next fitting. Using bags specifically designed for storing beads and appliques can further help you keep everything organized and separated by type.

Organizing Fabric Scraps

Every sewer is familiar with the challenge of handling fabric scraps, especially those leftovers from hemming or alterations. Instead of letting them pile up and create chaos in your workspace, take the time to analyze each scrap. Determine if it's a fabric type that you can easily find at a fabric store or something more special and rare. For fabrics that you might struggle to find in the future, consider keeping them neatly folded in a designated drawer or shelf. You can also use cardboard bolts or rolls acquired from fabric stores to store larger fabric pieces.

Storing Lace and Trim

Lace and trim often come with different color options, styles, and widths. To avoid a jumble of mixed lace, organize them by color and type. Use drawers or containers with divided sections to keep lace and trim neatly separated. If you have lace that is specific to certain dress designers or styles, consider labeling the containers accordingly. This way, you can easily access the lace or trim you need without sorting through a disorganized pile.

Sorting Buttons

Buttons are another item that tends to accumulate as leftovers. Sorting buttons by color and type can save you time when searching for the perfect match during an alteration or creation process. Clear plastic bags or containers with individual compartments are perfect for organizing buttons. To keep them easily accessible, store them in a drawer or on shelves. You can also label the bags or containers using the company name or style number for quick identification in the future.

Organizing Beads and Appliques

One of the most time-consuming tasks is sorting and organizing beads and appliques. Instead of sifting through multiple bags or containers, consider investing time periodically to sort them out and store them properly. Separate beads by size and color. You can use containers with individual compartments for smaller beads or bags for larger ones. By keeping beads and appliques organized, you can quickly find what you need and reduce the time spent searching for matching pieces.

Overall, staying organized and storing your sewing scraps and materials properly can have a significant impact on your sewing efficiency and creativity. By implementing these tips, you'll not only save time and money but also have a seamless sewing experience. So why not give these organizational strategies a try? Your future self will thank you!