Sewing Room layout
This guide on setting up your best sewing room layout will help you organize a space you love to create. From organizing tips to setting up the entire room, you will find what you need to design your perfect space.
How to Organize a sewing room you love by using what you already have in a new and more efficient way.
Whether you have a full room dedicated to sewing or a corner in your family room, having an inviting and organized area will help you be more creative.
Years ago, I had a craft room, and even though that was my space and only I used it, it was usually a chaotic mess.
I longed for an organized room with a home for all my things. Instead, I would spend so much time looking for the supplies I needed for a project that there was little time or energy left to work.
This guide will give you the process you need to go from a messy and cluttered room to an organized haven you love to sew in.
Evaluate Where You Are
Before we get started, let’s see where you are now.
How much space do you have for your sewing area?
Do you have a full room or just an area? Knowing how much space you have to work with will better help you to design a layout that fits.
What projects will you do in this area?
Will you be sewing, quilting, embroidering, or all of the above? Each comes with its own tools and supplies, and what you have will matter in the layout.
Do you have a budget for organizing?
It is important to create a layout that stays within your budget. Sure, there are high-end choices out there, but they are not the only answer to what you need. More often than not, the perfect solution to store your bobbins is already in your home.
What is more important to you, functionality or style?
Knowing your organizing style will help you to create a space that is easy to keep put away. Work with what you love and you will set up a room that is neat, organized, and easy to keep that way.
Check out these Organization Ideas for Your Sewing Room for more tips!
Sewing Room Layout
Planning a layout is easier when you look at the room as an empty space. Look at your room as if it were empty.
- What areas have the best lighting?
- What wall would work well for shelf storage?
- Where can you have your work area?
- Do you have room for a cutting area separate from the sewing area?
Consider what you have to work with and place each area where it makes the most sense.
Sewing Area
This is the heart of the room and the best place to start when creating your layout. Your sewing area will include your main machine, table, chair, and any other sewing machines you have and use.
Best Location
Set up your sewing area where you have good lighting and access to enough power outlets to run your equipment. Be sure there is room for a chair, preferably with wheels, allowing you to move around easily.
Organizing Options
- A table large enough for your machine and material is the best option.
- If you have room, you can have a small table or shelf next to your machine for holding supplies and tools.
- If you need more lighting, consider a floor lamp, table light, or overhead lighting.
What is the best lighting for a sewing room?
The best lighting for a sewing room is natural light, as it provides the most accurate color and allows you to see details clearly. However, if natural light is not available, there are other options.
- LED lights: These energy-efficient lights provide bright, white light without producing excess heat. They are also long-lasting and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different spaces.
- Task lamps: These portable lamps can be placed where needed to provide targeted lighting for specific tasks. They come in various designs and styles to match your sewing room decor.
- Daylight bulbs: Similar to natural daylight, these bulbs emit a cool, white light that is ideal for color-matching and reducing eye strain.
- Overhead lighting: If your sewing area does not have sufficient natural light, consider installing overhead lighting fixtures such as track lights or recessed lights. This can provide overall brightness to the room.
Cutting Area
You will want an open surface that you can use for cutting and pattern-making. The ideal size of this area is 36 inches by 60 inches, but you can adjust it based on the space you have available.
Best Location
Again, you will want to have your cutting area in a place with good lighting. Also, leave enough room around your work area for movement and a chair if needed.
Organizing Options
- A large table is by far the best work area for cutting. If you have the room to keep it separate from your sewing table, this will give you the most functional space. If not, you can use one table for both.
- If you are short on space, you can use a pull-out table. This will extend the room you have, giving you more area for patterns and cutting.
Form Fitting Area
If you make clothes, you should have an area for your dress form.
Best Location
A corner in the room with some lighting is all you need for this area.
Organizing Options
- Adjustable dress form is great for customizing clothes as it allows you to see the item on the body. Be sure it is on wheels so you can easily move it around.
- A standing or wall mirror is good if you are making clothes you want to try on so you can see the fit.
- If you make clothes for others, a dressing screen will give them privacy to try things on.
Material Storage
One of the biggest challenges for sewers is keeping their material organized and accessible. You want to see what options you have without things getting crumpled or dusty.
Best Location
Any wall that is open will work for a storage system. This is a good way to use up other areas in your room.
Organizing Options
- Clear storage bins: Use clear plastic bins to store your fabrics, threads, and other sewing supplies. This will make it easier to see what you have without having to dig through boxes or drawers.
- Hanging organizers: If you have limited floor space, consider using hanging organizers on the back of doors or walls. These can hold fabric scraps, patterns, or other small items.
- Bookshelves: Don’t limit yourself to traditional storage solutions – bookshelves can be great for storing bolts of fabric or larger pieces that don’t fit in bins.
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Other Areas to Consider
If you do more than make clothes, you may want to have these areas worked into your sewing room layout.
#1. Quilt Table
If you are a quilter, you should have an area for all of your quilting tools as well as a workspace that allows you to spread out. If you make your own quilt patterns, a corkboard wall will help you lay out your squares, allowing you to see how the colors work together.
#2. Knitting Station
If knitting is more your thing, make sure to have enough room for your yarn and needles in your sewing room. You can store yarns in a cube organizer and have a bag to hold all your tools and the current project you are working on.
A knitting bag makes it easy for you to take your project to the living room so you can work in the evening while being with your spouse or family.
#3. Crafting Supplies
For those who love to craft in addition to sewing, set aside some space for your crafting supplies, such as glue guns, scissors, and paints. Pegboards are the perfect solution for holding supplies.
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#4. Books and Magazines
Keep your sewing inspiration close by, including a bookshelf or magazine rack in your sewing room. This will allow you to quickly reference patterns, tutorials, or design ideas while working on new projects.
If your current layout is not working, move things around and see if another setup is better. It may take a few times before you settle on the best setup.
Having a dedicated space for sewing is a dream come true for many sewers. By incorporating these tips into your sewing room layout, you can create an organized and functional space that you love to work in.