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How-to

Tip: Store Fabric Neatly in Less Space

Threads magazine - 174 - Aug./Sept. 2014

This reader tip was originally featured in Threads #174 (Aug./Sept. 2014).

I’ve saved a huge amount of storage space in my sewing room by folding my fabric stash using a template as a guide. I cut 10-inch-wide by 12-inch-long (the depth of my shelving) templates from stiff plastic, rounded the corners, then smoothed them using an emery board. My folded fabric lengths are now all the same width, with crisp folds that are easy to stack. After the fabric is neatly folded, I remove the template. Then, I use the template to slide the folded fabric on top of the stack. Using two templates, (one above and one below the folded fabric) I can easily add or remove a length from the middle of a stack without disturbing the other fabrics.

—Trish Mansfield-Devine, Saint-Siméon, France

How do you store your fabric? Will you use this storage method?


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  1. User avater
    sewindj | | #1

    I love the idea above! I use plastic food grade, see through boxes. They are not perfect but I do sort the fabric according to kind and color. They rest on a shelving unit from a closed home goods store.

  2. Sarahruth | | #2

    This is a good idea, however, I prefer to hang fabric across pants hangers. I can group them according to fabric content, etc., and don't have those fold lines to deal with. The best kind of hanger is the larger, drapery hangers.

  3. lindalouise | | #3

    All good ideas, thank you ladies.

  4. epek | | #4

    I also store my fabric in plastic see through boxes on shelving. This is to protect it from dust , insects and moisture. I live in the tropics, and all 3 are a constant concern. Thanks for a wonderful magazine. My best teacher and enthusiastic encouragement.

  5. Stylelady | | #5

    Been doing this for a long time. I don't worry so much about the length as the width. They also stack and look nice on the shelves.

  6. user-3620106 | | #6

    This looks great. I do something similar with sweaters and keep the rows tidy with tall standard bookends. The bookends would work great for this too.

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