“There is no room for church mice in improv quilting. You have to own your ideas, your choices, and your determination.” – Patricia Belyea
As a quilter, you know that suitable fabric makes all the difference in your finished product. But have you ever considered the importance of proper storage for this quilting fabric? Storing your fabric correctly not only keeps it looking its best but also ensures its good condition in the long run. Thus, you’ll find your quilting fabric ready to use when you need it.
But how do you ideally store quilting fabric? Are there any storage ideas? What are some tips to keep in mind? This article is all about these.
Continue reading to explore the ideal storage conditions for most common fabrics, the top 5 quilting fabric storage ideas to keep your fabric in tip-top shape, and some Dos and Don’ts to watch out for. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting, the expert tips discussed in this piece will further extend your fabric’s life.
Common Quilting Fabrics + Their Ideal Storage Conditions
Quilting fabrics come in different colors, types, and patterns. Thus, each requires different storage conditions. Below are some common quilting fabrics and their ideal storage conditions.
- Cotton
Cotton is the most common fabric used in quilting. It’s versatile, durable, and easy to care for. Ideally, store it in a cool and dry place away from sunlight & moisture. Don’t forget to fold or roll it onto a cardboard tube to prevent creases and wrinkles.
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Batik
Most of you may not know Batik, but it’s a handmade fabric made of cotton. Known for its vibrant colors and unique patterns, Batik should be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight & moisture.
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Flannel
Flannel is a soft, warm fabric that is perfect for quilting projects that require a cozy feel. Coming to the storage, fold it neatly and store it in a cool and dry place. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or moisture. Any potential sources of heat or flames should be avoided.
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Wool
Wool is a natural fiber often used in quilting projects. It’s famous for its warmth and durability. Store it in a cool, dry place with good ventilation and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Fold it neatly or hang it on padded hangers.
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Silk
A luxurious fabric, silk is often used in premium-quality quilting projects. Thus, it lends a delicate touch and texture to the finished product. You should store it away from sunlight and moisture. It’s recommended to wrap it in acid-free tissue paper & avoid hanging it for extended periods.
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Polyester
Unlike the fabrics discussed so far, polyester is a synthetic fabric. It features supreme durability and strength. You should store it in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. Fold it neatly but avoid hanging it for extended periods.
Note: Some fabrics may also need extra protection from dust or insects. Thus, refer to the care instructions provided by the fabric manufacturer to ensure you store your quilting fabrics correctly.
Top 5 Quilting Fabric Storage Ideas For Everyone
Quilting fabrics are notorious for their ability to accumulate quickly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, it’s thus necessary to have a proper storage solution. Here are the top 5 quilting fabric storage ideas to help you keep your fabric collection organized and easily accessible.
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Plastic Bins With Labels
Plastic bins or container labels is probably the most popular quilting fabric storage idea. These bins are easily accessible, affordable, and multi-sized, making them perfect for storing fabric of all sizes. Additionally, you can sort your fabric by color, type, or project and label each bin accordingly. This way, you’ll know exactly where to find the fabric you need when you need it.
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Hanging Shelves
If you’re short on floor space, the above plastic bins may not be a nice idea to try. Instead, try hanging shelves. As the name suggests, such shelves hang on the wall or from the ceiling, allowing vertical fabric storage. This makes it easier to see your fabric collection at a glance and saves floor space for other quilting supplies.
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Fabric Baskets
Another popular quilting fabric storage idea is using fabric baskets. These baskets, like the plastic bins, are multi-sized and savvy. And guess what? They’re great for storing smaller cuts of fabric or fabric scraps. You can also use them to store quilting tools, such as scissors, rulers, and cutters. You can place them on shelves or in cubbies, making them an excellent storage solution for smaller spaces.
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Rolling Carts
For quilters on the go, nothing is better than rolling carts. You can find them in various sizes and styles. Thus, you’ll never run out of options. Their wheels make it easy to move them from room to room. The quilting fabric, tools, and sewing machine can fit on a rolling cart.
I highly recommend the Sywhitta 5-Tier Plastic Rolling Utility Cart. It’s affordable, easy to move, and can keep multiple fabrics (and other items) simultaneously.
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Wall-Mounted Racks
Last but not least, wall-mounted racks are another excellent quilting fabric storage idea. They’re ideal for those with limited floor space. Wall-mounted racks attach to the wall and are perfect for storing fabric bolts or large cuts of fabric. They also make it easy to access and keep your fabric collection organized.
6 Expert Tips For Storing Your Quilting Fabric
Storing quilting fabric becomes a bit challenging when dealing with an extensive collection of fabrics. Along with the above ideas, follow the tips to stay at the top of your quilting fabric storage game.
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Organize Your Fabrics By Color, Type, & Size
Organize your fabrics to make it easier to find the fabrics you need for your projects. There’s another advantage of this. You save yourself from buying duplicates in the future. You can group your fabrics by color, light to dark, or type, such as prints, solids, or batiks. You can also sort them by size, such as fat quarters, yardage, or scraps.
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Fold Your Fabrics To Prevent Creases And Save Space
Book folding is a widespread technique where you fold your fabric in half vertically, then fold it in half horizontally to create a square. Then, fold the square in half again to create a rectangle that’s easy to store in a container or shelf. You can also use a folding board to ensure your folds are neat and uniform.
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Choose The Right Storage Containers
Choose the right storage containers to store your quilting fabric. They should protect your fabrics from dust, sunlight, and moisture, while still allowing cross-ventilation to thwart mold and mildew. Some popular storage container options include plastic bins, cardboard boxes, fabric baskets, and hanging shelves.
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Label Your Fabric Stacks
It’s essential to label your fabric stacks to keep them organized and easy to find, as and when required. You can use sticky notes, binder clips, or plastic bags to mark your fabrics by color, type, and size. This way, you can quickly access the required fabric(s) for your projects and save time usually wasted searching for the same.
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Store Your Fabrics In A Cool, Dry, And Dark Place
Always store your quilting fabrics in a cool, dry, and dark place to maintain their quality. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which fades its colors and weakens fibers. Keep a distance from moisture and dampness – major causes of mold and mildew.
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Clean Your Storage Containers Regularly
To prevent dust and debris from accumulating, clean your storage containers regularly. A damp cloth or vacuum cleaner removes dust and debris from storage containers.
Dos & Don’ts Of Quilting Fabric Storage
You’re now familiar with the top quilting fabric ideas and expert tips to keep your fabrics brand new over the years. But there’s much more to add to your knowledge base, including these Dos and Don’ts
Dos Of Quilting Fabric Storage
- Exposure to sunlight and heat damage your fabric over time. Prevent this by storing your fabric in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
- Pets & children can be curious and may damage your sensitive quilting fabric unintentionally. Thus, keep it away from their reach.
- Sort your fabric by color or project to make it easier to find what you need when you need it. Use plastic bins, hanging shelves, or fabric baskets for this purpose.
- Label your fabric storage containers to quickly find the fabric you need without digging through multiple containers. Use labels to identify the color, type, or project associated with each container.
- Storing your fabric flat or rolled prevents the formation of creases and wrinkles. Fold the fabric neatly or roll it onto a cardboard tube to avoid damage.
Don’ts Of Quilting Fabric Storage
- Moisture causes mold and mildew to breed on your quilting fabric, which can be challenging to remove. Keep your fabric in a dry place, away from moisture. Avoid keeping the fabric open when there’s high humidity in the air.
- Plastic bags easily trap moisture and lead to mold and mildew growth. Instead, use breathable fabric or paper bags to keep your fabric. Zippers also work.
- Don’t use scented products near the fabric, such as candles or air fresheners. They can transfer odors to your fabric. Avoid using them near your fabric storage area.
- Don’t overload your storage containers unless you want the fabric to become wrinkled or creased. Leave enough space in each container to allow easy access and prevent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How Do Quilters Store Their Fabric?
Ans: Quilters store their fabric by following various methods such as folding, rolling, using cardboard tubes, and hanging.
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How Do You Organize Quilting Material?
Ans: Quilting material can be organized by color, size, type, or project. Storage containers, shelves, or hanging organizers can help keep materials easily accessible and tidy.
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How Do You Store Large Amounts Of Fabric?
Ans: Store large amounts of fabric by folding it neatly and stacking it on cabinets or shelves. Bolts or cardboard tubes can also be used for longer pieces.
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How Do You Store Fabric In A Small Space?
Ans: The fabric can be stored in hanging organizers or plastic storage containers in a small space. Folding the fabric neatly and storing it vertically can also help save space.
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How Do You Organize Fabric In A Sewing Room?
Ans: Fabric can be organized in a sewing room by color, size, or project. Using shelves, storage containers, or hanging organizers can help keep the fabric tidy and easily accessible.
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Is It Ok To Store Fabric In Plastic Containers?
Ans: It’s okay to store fabric in plastic containers if it’s clean and dry. Avoid using containers prone to trapping moisture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your quilting fabric. By following the Dos and Don’ts of storing quilting fabrics, you can ensure that they stay in great condition and are ready to use whenever inspiration strikes.
Additionally, by implementing the top storage ideas we discussed, you can keep your fabric collection organized and easily accessible. So take the time to properly store your quilting fabric and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained collection for years.
