Keeping sewing notions, fabrics, odds and ends organized is a challenge for any sewer. Organization helps to keep clutter to a visual minimum if in a shared space and a delight to work in if the sewing space is wonderfully a dedicated one, no matter how small.

Fabric storage -multi-tier swing-arm hangers are sturdy holders for fabric. Easy to drape fabric over the swing out arms and keep fabric organized by color or type then hang over a closet rod. Fabric can also be folded and stacked neatly on a shelf. Easy retrieval without pulling out an entire stack by inserting over and under desired fabric within the stack rigid plastic sections like quilters? rulers or even stiff cardboard cutout sections. Fabric should slide out easily.

Thread spools - they seem to propagate by themselves however pegboards with pins traditionally make for great storage racks if there is space to hang on the wall over the sewing machine. No vertical space? Then clear plastic shoe boxes work just as well for thread storage since many spools will fit into one. Thread can be easily sorted by color. Additionally, the plastic shoe box seems to fit partially raised into the top of a wooden or plastic crate leaving the bottom of the crate available for additional storage.

Bobbins - for every thread spool there may be a companion bobbin wound with the same color and type of thread. Thread spools and bobbins, trailing their thread tails, just naturally seem to multiply after every sewing project so what to do with so many? Deep Ice cube trays or any compartmented trays work well to organize bobbins. An added plus is that they are usually stackable. Photo worthy bobbin/spool paring buddies that keep a bobbin attached to its companion thread spool are a delight, bobbin towers may be the ultimate in storage or even cradled clear plastic bobbin boxes are sewing-worthy notions and may be option as well.

Scissors- can easily be parked and protected in kitchen potholders that have a pocket mitt space. One can hold several pairs of scissors. Place next to the sewing machine for easy retrieval.

Closet door organizers - hanging clear pocket shoe organizers can hold rolls of fusible interfacings, packages of seam bindings, ribbons, elastics and much more.

Apothecary jars - for a colorful visual display of ribbons, buttons on a shelf over or near to the sewing machine but within handy reach.

Clear plastic stackable storage bins - for organizing paper sewing patterns and much more. One with wheels is handy to be able to move over carpet or flooring.

Antique teacups - with or without their matching saucers, are not only handy for tiny odds and ends but timelessly charming in any sewing area.

TV tray ironing board - much smaller than a traditional ironing board and easily collapsible for space saving storage. DIY instructions available at many online websites. All that is needed is cotton fabric, two layers of cotton batting, flannel piece and stapler to attach all to a TV tray tabletop.

Desktop upright letter slot organizer - handily stores rigid Plexiglas quilters rulers and templates.

Bookcase with fabric storage bins - for further organization. Fabric bins come in a multitude of colors, hide clutter and are great for any type of sewing or crafting organization if there is space for one.

Magazine file holders - help with corralling sewing mags, books, and digital printer patterns.

Folding card table - for cutting out fabric and spreading out paper patterns. A lightweight easy to open and close one is a great space-saving possibility. Also, a nice option to have a folding cardboard cutting board marked with both metric and usual measuring guides when using the kitchen, dining room table or floor as a needed flat cutting surface.

Finally, with any type of sewing organizing, consideration should be given to lighting. Great daylight illumination for sewing, crafting, and reading is enormously important. If natural lighting from a window or doorway is a challenge, then consider acquiring a natural equivalent to daylight lighting to see details and colors clearly, accurately, flicker and glare-free. Daylight toned LED bulbs can be used in any type of desktop or floor lamp. They simulate natural daylight, can reduce eyestrain and do not produce excessive heat.

Tip: Remove Fabric from [Stacked] Stash with Ease from Threads magazine

Sew happy, sew inspired.