Are you new to sewing and finding it challenging to create the perfect sewing space? One of the first things you'll realize is the sacrifice involved when sewing becomes a hobby. Space is the primary sacrifice, but don't worry; there are numerous creative ways to work around this, even in small spaces.
1. Assess The Space You Do Have.
Do you have a bookshelf with books you aren't reading? Consider putting those books away and turning the bookshelf into fabric storage. The more organized and visible your fabric is, the better
Do you have an empty wall space where a bookshelf could go? Bookshelves are also great places to store sewing supplies when not used for fabric. So, look for unused nooks, corners, shelves, and even rolling carts. Any furniture on wheels with shelves or drawers can be wheeled in and out when not in use, making it a great option.
Dining room tables can make great cutting surfaces and even ironing areas with an ironing mat. Your bed can also be used if you put down a sturdy surface on top, such as a cutting board or a big piece of cardboard. Cover the cardboard with an ironing mat, and now you have a new ironing space that takes up only what you had before.
Do you have floor space? A floor is also a great place to cut and iron when needed. The bonus is you get extra squats throughout your sewing time, which provides additional exercise you weren't expecting.
2. Invest In Compact And Multi-Functional Furniture:
When space is limited, opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes or can be easily stored, such as folding chairs and tables, or a desk that can also function as a storage unit with drawers and cubbies. Many of these items can be found secondhand when students no longer need them after college. Using wall-mounted shelves and pegboards is another excellent way to save space. Instead of discarding those Amazon boxes, cover them with fabric using fabric glue or hot glue to create storage containers for your supplies while maintaining a beautiful, functional, and reusable space.
3. Organize Your Supplies:
Keeping your sewing supplies well-organized is essential to prevent them from getting lost amid your sewing projects. Consider sewing aprons and pocket belts to keep crucial tools like snips and seam rippers within reach. Each tool should have its own designated place or pocket. Clear storage containers and drawer sets can help you quickly locate your tools, and adding labels can keep your fabrics, threads, and notions neatly sorted. Additionally, install a pegboard or wall-mounted organizer to ensure everything has its place at a glance.
4. Optimize Lighting:
Good lighting is essential for sewing, so optimizing the lighting in your sewing area is critical. If natural light is limited, consider investing in a bright task lamp that can be adjusted to illuminate your work surface effectively. Additionally, petite, slim, and bright USB lights that take up very little space and can be folded down work well in small spaces, allowing you to position the light exactly where you need it. You can also purchase light strips to attach inside the throat of your sewing machine.
5. Personalize Your Space:
Finally, personalize your sewing area with your style and creativity. This is an opportunity to practice sewing by creating your containers, such as boxes, aprons, pocket belts, thread catchers, ironing mats, sewing mats, sewing machine covers, and more. You can then display your finished projects as a source of inspiration.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can transform even the most minor corner of your home into a functional and inspiring sewing space. The key is to maximize every inch of available space and create an environment that sparks joy and creativity. It may require some sacrifice, but it will be worth it, especially during the holidays when you sew handmade gifts, bags, gift wraps, holiday cards, tree skirts, and quilts, with endless possibilities.
To maintain this, remember to declutter and clean your sewing area regularly. My mom taught me to put everything back in a neat and sensible order before going to bed, even if a project isn't done, so I can find everything again in the morning.
Happy Simple Sewing!
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