Yes, I’m guilty. I have fabric in the closet. And more fabric in a few tubs that I have to rummage through every time I’m looking for what I know I have, but just don’t know exactly which tub it’s in. Can you relate? Well, I created something to help me in my organizing process and I want to share it with you. So when you organize your fabric stash, or want to reorganize or update, here’s a free printable to aid you in the process. No opt-in required.
On the printable you can write the:
- fabric name (chiffon, interfacing, etc.)
- store you bought it from
- price
- color
- yards
- care (machine washable, etc.)
- notes/instructions (instructions for applying interfacing, etc.)
Use a glue stick to secure the top of the fabric swatch to the paper, or a stapler if you prefer.
Punch holes in it to put in a three ring notebook or use paper that already has the holes.
You can also use this printable for projects to keep all of the fabrics, interfacing and notions together.
I like to take a picture of the end of the fabric bolt with my phone while I’m in the store. Then I can record everything when I get home. Or you can carry a notebook small enough to easily fit in your purse or pocket.
Click the image below to download.
I wish you much success in organizing your fabric stash and feel free to share any other ideas you have about using this printable.
Great swatch chart. I shrunk it down a bit so I can fit 8 on one page and am using it for a class I am going to teach in October. Thank you so much for this wonderful chart.
You’re welcome, Cheryl. I’m glad to hear you can use it in your class.
I’ve been “collecting” fabric for many, many years (plus I owned a small fabric store years ago) so I have alot of fabric to store. I came up with thee idea of categorizing my storage bins. A-1 contains wool’s and wool blends. A-2 contains my silky fabrics and linings,etc,etc. I like your notebook system due to the fact that my swatches are on 8×5 cards. So thanks for the great idea.
You’re welcome, Teri. That’s a great idea to keep like fabrics together. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this awesome idea!! I organized fabric swatches on index cards in put them in baseball card holders and wrote the yardage & width of the fabric on the back of those cards. I like your tip better considering, I can put more fabrics on one page and have place to list the care instructions!! Great idea! Thank you for sharing!! Please add me to follow your awesome blog! Thank you.
You’re welcome, Stephanie. Glad I could help.
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Thank you so much! This is great. I will definely use this to organize my fabric stash.
You’re very welcome. I’m glad you can use it.
one suggesting for tracing marks of pattern , place a piece of clear plastic ( plastic bag is good) on pattern and then trace ,, this would protect the pattern from the perforations of the tracing wheel ..
I never thought to do that. Thanks for the suggestion, Joy.
this is a beautiful idea, just what i needed at the moment , I am in the process of reorganizing my sewing room, and need to store some of my fabric in cupboards ,, I was delaying because when my fabric is not in view , as they are now on shelves, I don’t visualize what i will do with each piece as effectively. This has method of storing has solved my dilemma…i can flip through my catalogue and dream of the garments that will evolve form each piece.That is until another idea comes ,,,, you know how we designers and seamstress do ,,, Thanks so much for sharing … The only other item I have added is ‘date of purchase’ ,,, that way we can see how long it has been around
Anything that makes a my life easier, especially when it involves fabric/sewing, I’m glad to share, Joy. Date of purchase is a good addition.
Yes Micki, now is a good time to start. Don’t wait until it gets out of control-like mine! 🙂
Awesome idea. I definitely need to start now with organizing my fabric stash as it is growing by leaps and bounds.