Fabric Storage Ideas: How To Store Fabric

If your favorite place to sit is at your sewing machine, then we’re going to venture to guess that you have quite the collection of fabric. For example, you have all the leftover fabric from the cat costume you made your daughter for Halloween last year. Not to mention all the remaining textiles you have from reupholstering your couch and pillows. Every sewing project requires more fabric, so it’s no wonder you’ve accumulated so many spools over the years. 

But just because you have a surprising amount of fabric doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find the proper storage solution for it. Quite the contrary! You should sort out an appropriate place to keep all your fabric so that you can incorporate it into your future sewing projects. 

In our guide on how to store cloth, fabric, and textiles, we’ll provide you with some common mistakes to avoid and some outstanding fabric storage ideas. 

Why Proper Fabric Storage Is Important

If you love sewing or crafting, then you probably adore all the spools of fabric you’ve acquired over the years. However, if you don’t find the proper fabric storage solutions for those textiles, they may not be in the best condition when you go to use them in your future projects. For example, if you store them in a place with high humidity levels, you might be faced with fabric spotted with mold. Or, if you keep them in front of a big window, you may be disappointed that the sun has faded and washed out your favorite fabric. 

Another reason it’s a good idea to find appropriate storage is so that you can keep track of your inventory. Instead of having scraps and pieces chaotically strewn all over your workspace, wouldn’t it be nice to have it all organized? When you use a storage solution, you’ll have an easier time finding the specific piece of fabric you want to track down. What’s more, when you give your fabrics a proper home, your storage area will look tidy and inviting at all times. 

And finally, when you keep a neat and orderly sewing space, you may experience less stress and anxiety. In fact, studies have actually shown that clutter and mess can lead you to feel anxious and even depressed, so it makes sense to organize and store your fabrics properly for the sake of your health! 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Fabric

Before you check out our favorite fabric storage ideas, familiarize yourself with these common storage mistakes so you can avoid them when storing your own cloth and textiles. 

Storing Your Fabric in Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is not your friend when it comes to your fabric collection. This is because the sun’s rays can cause your fabric to fade, dulling the vibrance of its original color. The good news is that there’s a simple fix to this issue: Simply store your fabric away from sources of direct sunlight, such as windows. That said, if storing it near a window is your only option, consider placing a UV film over the glass of the window to help prevent fading. 

Holding on to Fabric You Don’t Need

You don’t have to keep every tiny scrap of fabric. You also don’t have to hold on to that cloth with the outdated design that you’ve come to despise over the years. 

The point of storing your textiles is so they have a place to live until you’re ready to use them again. But if you don’t plan on sewing with them ever again, they’re only taking up space in your storage area. Before landing on a storage solution, do an inventory of your collection and get rid of any fabric you no longer like or want. 

Forgetting to Deter Pests

Unfortunately, fabric is considered a tasty treat among pests. Yes, you’re probably already aware that moths like to feast on fabric, but some crickets, termites, silverfish, rats, and even cockroaches like to nibble on it too. Because of this, it’s crucial to find a textile storage solution that’s void of any pests and critters. 

Before storing your cloth, inspect the storage area for any signs of insects, such as droppings or holes in the walls or ceilings. Vacuum and clear the space and then use a deterrent to keep the pests away. While mothballs are a common option, you may prefer to use cedar chips or lavender or rosemary essential oils to help keep pests at bay. 

Ignoring Humidity

Another common mistake is forgetting about humidity. High humidity creates dampness, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Not only are mold and mildew pretty gross, but they also can be harmful to your health and potentially ruin your collection of fabrics. 

Therefore, when selecting a storage location, be mindful of humidity levels and consider purchasing a humidifier to help balance the air. 

Folding Your Fabrics

When you fold your fabrics, it weakens the fibers and causes creases. While this might not be a big deal if you’re dealing with fairly new fabric, it can be an issue if you’re storing antique or fragile clothes that may experience permanent creases. Instead, it’s best to gently roll your fabrics to prevent creasing of any kind. 

DIY Fabric Storage Ideas

Now that you understand some of the dos and don’ts of textile storage, it’s time to follow our tips on how to organize fabric and textiles. Whether you use these organization ideas in your sewing room, garage, or spare room, you’ll be thankful when it comes time to find fabric for your next sewing endeavor. 

Racks

One easy-to-implement cloth storage idea involves investing in some racks on which to hang your fabrics. For this solution, simply drape your fabric over each rung of the rack. Not only does this keep your fabrics organized and free of folding creases, but it also makes it easy for you to see exactly what kind of textiles you have in your collection at all times. 

Cardboard Tubes

Remember, avoiding permanent creases and folds is the key to proper storage, so consider gently rolling up your fabrics instead. To make it easier on yourself, pick up some cardboard tubes, also known as bolts, and roll your fabric around them. You can even ask your local fabric shop if they’ll donate some to you or let you purchase them for a small fee. 

Another avenue is to go the DIY route and cut long rectangular pieces from a cardboard box or pieces of foam and then neatly wrap your fabrics around them. 

From here, stick the rolls in a deep vertical container, so you can conveniently see all your fabrics at once. 

Wrapping Paper Storage Bins

If you think about it, your fabric collection is much like your wrapping paper collection. So why not take a page from the wrapping paper book and find a similar solution? 

Search for a plastic bin that’s long and wide enough to accommodate your rolls of fabric. These are great storage options because they provide one convenient space for all your fabric while also keeping out any dust, moisture, and critters along the way. 

Hangers

Hangers are another great fabric organization idea. There are several ways you can go about hanging your fabrics. 

For example, you might drape them over hangers or find pants hangers with built-in clamps that you can attach to the corners of your fabric. Or, in a similar vein, you could clip clothespins to the corners of your fabric and hang them on a clothesline in your storage space. 

Dressers and Cabinets

If you’d rather have a textile storage option that’s out of sight and out of mind, consider purchasing a dresser or installing cabinets where you can keep your fabrics. 

For instance, if you have a spacious dresser with a clothing rod, you could go the hanger route and hang your fabrics one by one. But if you go with a cabinet, you might gently place your rolls on top of one another or place them in a plastic bin. 

Mason Jars

Now what about all those fabric scraps? Don’t toss them! Instead, stock up on some mason jars and place your fabric inside. Depending on your preferences, you might decide to separate your jars by different shades and hues so that your scraps look like a colorful rainbow lined up along your shelves or sewing table. 

Find out More About Stor-It Today

Here at Stor-It, our ideas on how to store fabric are just a sample of the storage tips and advice we have to offer. You see, we’re the oldest and largest storage facility in the state of Idaho, so we know practically everything there is to know about the world of storage. Whether you’re interested in organizing your storage unit or finding a rental in the Treasure Valley, we’ll help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more!