Tips for Quilting in Small Spaces

Quilting in Small Spaces – Making the Most of Limited Room

My sewing room is not very big, and I share the room with my crafting and miniatures supplies. My room is long and narrow – only about 7 1/2″ feet wide (150 sq. ft.). The window is at one end and the door opposite. Quilting in small spaces can be more difficult but not impossible.

I am thrilled that I have a separate room. The projects can be left out, the door shut, and no worries about the grandkids or pups “helping” me. It is nice not to drag everything out whenever I want to quilt. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t let the lack of a dedicated space stop me from quilting or designing. When we travel in the coach, quilting in small spaces takes on a whole different meaning.

Options for Quilting in Small Spaces

Organizing a small space for quilting can be a fun and rewarding challenge! With the right tools and strategies, even the tiniest spaces can be transformed into efficient, productive quilting areas. Here are some tips on how to organize a small quilting space:

1. Maximize Vertical Space – (my favorite one)

• Wall Storage: Install shelves or cabinets above your quilting table to store fabric, tools, and supplies. Use baskets or bins for easy access.
  • Open or closed storage depends on what works best for you. I use photo boxes for UFOs and WIPs. They sit nicely on a shelf and keep the projects dust-free. I like the projects I actively work on to be nearby and easily accessible.
  • The rolled batting stores nicely high on the wall. There is a shelf below it for bolts of backing fabrics.
  • Using vertical space makes my floor more open and comfortable for quilting.
• Pegboard: Hang a pegboard on the wall to store scissors, rulers, rotary cutters, and thread spools. This keeps tools visible and easy to grab while saving valuable countertop space.
  • My favorite rulers are all on the pegboard. As well as wound bobbins for both machines. I added my stencils to an upper corner because I don’t use them as much.
  • When looking at pegboard storage options, check out options meant for garages. Sometimes, you can find great storage ideas for a better price than the ones advertised for quilting.
• Hanging Organizers: Use wall-mounted racks or pockets to store patterns, scraps, and smaller supplies. Hanging organizers free up precious tabletop space.
  • My hanging organizers have folders that hold quilts that I am designing. This file folder never seems to decrease, but I enjoy the designing process. Having a vertical wall file keeps things off my horizontal spaces. Quilting in small spaces sometimes requires some creative thinking.

2. Use Multi-Functional Furniture

• Folding Tables: Invest in a foldable table for your sewing machine or cutting mat. This allows you to expand your space when you need it, and you can fold it away when not in use.
• Ottoman or Storage Bench: These can double as extra seating or a place to store batting, fabric, or finished quilts. Look for ones with hidden storage.
• Storage Carts: Use rolling carts with drawers to store fabric, threads, and quilting notions. These can be rolled away under your table when not needed or moved around the room to fit your workflow.
  • I use the rolling cart to hold my paints and stains in my crafting area. This keeps them handy when I am in a crafty mood but organized.

3. Organize Fabric Efficiently

• Fabric Stacks: Fold your fabric neatly and organize it by color, type, or project. Use clear plastic bins or fabric drawers to keep it visible and easily accessible.
  • This tip will depend on whether you like the inspiration of your fabrics being out, where you can see them, or if closed storage is better.
  • I have a hutch in my sewing room with open shelves on the top and closed storage below. I have my hand-dyed fat quarters on the open shelves, sort of organized by color. In the closed storage area, I have fabric yardage stored. At times, it will also be by color – it all depends on how many times I have pulled fabrics out.
• Fabric Storage:
  • Roll your fabric instead of folding it to save space and prevent wrinkles. A fabric storage tower with small shelves works great for rolled fabrics.
  • Comic book boards are a very popular method of storing fabrics. They will help maximize storage in a bookcase or even on a shelf.
  • Combination of storage methods – I utilize a combination of methods. I like some of the fabrics out where I can see them, but I am overwhelmed if there is too much. It is about finding what works for you.
• Use Scrap Bins: Designate bins for fabric scraps. Organize them by color or pattern, and use the scraps in future projects or for scrap quilts. If you have room, store the scrap bins or drawers under the table, out of the way. They are still handy, but they aren’t taking up floor space.

4. Optimize Your Quilting Station – This is a Big Tip for Quilting in Small Spaces

• Sewing Table with Storage: Look for a sewing table with drawers or cabinets for thread, needles, and other tools. Some tables even have extra-wide surfaces to accommodate larger quilts.
  • I have a plain table that I can fit organizers under. It works for what I need. So, it isn’t always necessary to purchase a specific sewing table.
  • Test out different tables, and remember to find a good chair! I use an adjustable chair with back support.
• Cutting Mat Area: Set up a dedicated cutting space with a self-healing cutting mat. Ideally, this should be next to your sewing station so you can move easily between cutting and sewing.
  • If possible, set up two areas: a smaller one next to your sewing area and a larger one nearby. I use the smaller one (to the left of my machine) to do quick cuts.
• Ironing Station: This is a personal choice. You can use a smaller folding ironing board, a pressing mat, or a wool mat, but I prefer a full-sized board. Mine is set up full-time. If I only have a short amount of time to sew, I don’t want to waste it by having to set up the ironing board. You can also use an ironing mat next to your machine to save time with smaller pieces.

5. Smart Tool Storage

• Clear Bins and Baskets: Store quilting tools, threads, and patterns in clear plastic bins or baskets. Label them so you can quickly locate what you need. Store these on shelves or under tables where they are easily located.
  • I only have one storage box with my rotary cutters and blades. Everything else is hanging on the peg board.
• Drawer Dividers: Use drawer dividers to separate small items like needles, rotary cutters, or pins. This will prevent clutter and make finding things quicker.
  • I use two small wooden boxes to store these supplies. They sit out of the way to the right side of my sewing table. I don’t have any drawers in my sewing room, but I don’t miss them.
• Portable Toolboxes: For notions and smaller tools, a portable toolbox or sewing caddy can help you keep everything in one place, ready to move if needed.
  • Test out a few options with the tool storage to see what you like best. Keep your everyday tools handy. Store the tools you only use once in a while.

6. Incorporate Space-Saving Solutions

• Over-the-Door Organizers: Use over-the-door shoe racks or organizers to hold smaller tools like rulers, scissors, or thread spools. These are easy to access and don’t take up floor space.
  • I used nail polish racks to store my threads on the wall. I can easily find the color I want, and they don’t get tangled up.
• Under-Bed Storage: Store batting, fabrics, or UFO (Unfinished Objects) projects under your bed or sofa in plastic bins. This space is often overlooked but perfect for out-of-sight storage.
  • This is truly a personal choice. I utilize the under-the-bed storage for seasonal clothing.

7. Declutter and Purge

• Keep Only What You Use: Take time to declutter your space periodically. Get rid of fabrics, tools, and supplies you no longer use. Donate or sell extra quilting items that take up space.
  • I did a couple of purges in the last few years. It felt great to donate to others as well as get rid of projects I no longer was interested in. Coming soon will be a purge of my crafting supplies.
• Organize by Project: Keep projects together in separate bins or baskets. Label each bin with the project name and materials so you can easily pull out everything you need when you’re ready to work on it.
  • Don’t forget to add the pattern and binding! There is nothing more frustrating than trying to finish a project without a pattern.
  • I use the photo storage boxes for project storage. I can add a label to the front. They fit nicely on my bookcase as well as on the upper shelves.

8. Use Light Wisely

• Good Lighting: Make sure your quilting space has good lighting, ideally with adjustable task lighting. A desk lamp or a clip-on light for your sewing machine helps illuminate your workspace without taking up much room.
• Natural Light: If possible, set up your quilting space near a window. Natural light can be soothing and help with accurate color matching and sewing.
  • Because I often leave my projects out, I don’t have my quilting area near my window. I have overhead lights as well as adjustable lighting. I can turn on more as needed.

Remember, make your sewing area comfortable for you. What works for some may not work for you. By using (some of) these tips, you can maximize your small space for quilting while keeping everything organized and easily accessible. Whether working on a small quilt or a large project, a well-organized space can make a big difference in your quilting process! Quilting in small spaces is doable.

Happy quilting!

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Do you have tips for quilting in small spaces? Feel free to send me a message! I would love to read about more ideas, and we can expand on this post.

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Until next time.

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