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Organizing Your Sewing Room: DIY Fabric Bolts

While I was busy making Sophia’s handmade party favors for her Princess Tea Party, I ran into a problem…

fabricfloor

My fabric was everywhere. It seemed like I could really never keep it organized, other than the few pieces that were on small bolts that I purchased.

Sophia had already gotten a couple of birthday presents, which meant we had a few large cardboard boxes sitting in the garage and I got an idea – a light bulb went off in my head, kind of idea!

cardboard

I’m sure you can probably buy reusable fabric bolts – actually you can, I just googled it – but I’m cheap, oh yeah, and green. So I decided instead of tossing those cardboard boxes, I would reuse them!

diyfabricbolts

I simply took the cardboard bolts that were in my fabric that I purchased off the Walmart Clearance Rack and traced them out and cut them. I liked the bottom having the little tabs because it keeps the fabric from sliding off. 

I ran out of cardboard from the toys she had received, so I started grabbing cereal boxes, anything. The thicker the cardboard the better, but for small amounts of fabric the cereal boxes turned out fine too.

fabricdisheveled

So if you find your sewing space a little un-organized like mine was, remember there’s a quick and easy fix! 

organizefabrics

Kitty Hibbs

Saturday 6th of February 2021

I don't have anything to trace. Can you tell me the dimensions of your cardboard bolt? Thanks!

Julie Cutshaw

Thursday 10th of August 2017

I love this idea. And always have tons of boxes to reuse. Thank you for the #diy tip

Deborah D

Wednesday 31st of August 2016

I never thought of reusing the cardboard. That is a neat idea!

a

Sunday 3rd of January 2016

the fabric stores are also usually happy to give you their empty bolts if you ask. I am in the process of reorganizing so I went to my local Joann store and asked at the cutting table and was handed all she had. I got a whole cart full both days I went.

Suzi

Monday 26th of September 2016

I did the same thing. The used bolts were way too long for my shelf bu they cut perfectly into 4 and certainly made a difference.

Shauntrisa

Sunday 23rd of June 2013

I am SO glad I stopped by and saw this post. I just organized my fabric stash. I worked at a furniture store so I had plenty of thick long boxes, however, I didn't think to make the tabs on bottom. So, I guess tomorrow will be spent RE- RE-organizing my stash LOL. I also love your sewing machine, probably since I have the EXACT same one. I also got mine for Mother's day last year. I'll be stopping by often to see what other interesting things you have going on.

Lindsey

Tuesday 25th of June 2013

Awesome!  It really works out well and my fabric is now so easy to see.  I always forgot what I had when I had it tucked away!