http://www.bin-store.com/blog

Is your crafting room a mess of fabric scraps right now? If so, it may be time to get those scraps organized so you can get back to enjoying a tidy crafting zone. Let’s talk about how to organize quilt fabric scraps and other types of fabric scraps.

1. First, get rid of sizes you don’t need.

When it comes to how to organize fabric scraps, you really should get started by decluttering materials you are never going to use. You may have a lot of tiny or awkwardly-shaped scraps, for example. If you will never use those tiny scraps, it is best to throw them out (or give them to someone who will use them). If you have larger pieces that are awkwardly-shaped, cut them down to useable dimensions and toss the excess.

You might also have colors or patterns you are unlikely ever to use. These should go to a crafting buddy who can use them, or to a thrift store that takes craft supplies. Sometimes you can manage to sell them too, if they are high in quality.

2. Get some clear plastic storage bins.

Clear storage bins for fabric let you see their contents without even opening them, which can be convenient when you are in the middle of a project. The best storage bins for fabric include lids for airtight storage, providing protection from dust.

3. Decide on an organization method.

There are multiple ways to organize fabric scraps. You can sort your scraps in your bins by size, color, print, material, and so on. If you already have specific scraps designated for particular projects, you could have bins for those projects.

4. Iron and fold your scraps.

After you sort your scraps into different piles for different bins, you may want to take the additional step of ironing them and folding them neatly. That way, you can compress more fabric into each of your bins. Plus, they will look a lot neater, and will likely be easier to search through.

5. Keep the scraps away from sunlight and moisture.

Finally, where you choose to store your fabric scraps is really important. Plastic containers can provide protection from dust and pests, but your fabrics can still be damaged by sun exposure or moisture. Either type of damage may be permanent, and could ruin future projects before you even have a chance to get started on them.

So, do not store your fabric scraps in direct sunlight. If you do, the sun will bleach them—and it can happen faster than you expect. Avoid exposure to damp environments as well. If you are concerned about excessive humidity, you should put some desiccant beads in with your fabrics, and refresh them from time to time as needed.

Now you know how to fold and store fabric scraps after decluttering your supplies. Enjoy the ease of working on your future projects with a tidy, well-organized collection of fabric scraps in a nice, clean craft room!