Mini Fabric Bolt Storage

If you have done sewing projects for any length of time, you have probably collected a lot of different fabrics like we have. Storing that fabric is a hassle: folding it, stacking it, then trying to retrieve it later without making a giant mess of the fabric pile. We created a cheap and easy-to-make fabric storage solution by using mini fabric bolts.

This also works well if you don't have a craft room or craft closet because it can stand alone and be attractive in any room.

Step 1: Materials List

What you'll need to make this project:

• foam board, 20x30". Each board makes 3 bolts.
• rotary cutter or exacto knife
• measuring tape or yard stick
• cutting board (will also be used as a straight edge)
• sharpie or pen
• loose fabric
• 6 safety pins (2 per bolt)

Step 2: Make the Cores

The first thing we need to do is make the foam core for our fabric storage.

Using the measuring tape, place a mark at 10 and 20 inches along the top of the long side. Make another mark at 10 and 20 inches along the bottom of the long side. Line up the edge of your cutting board between the top and bottom 10-inch marks and draw a line along the edge. This will be the guide line for your first cut. Draw another line along the straight edge at the 20-inch marks.

Place your cutting board underneath your foam board (so you don't damage anything). Slide the rotary cutter firmly along both lines. If you didn't press hard enough and the foam isn't fully cut through, flip the board over, bend the foam slightly along the cuts, then run over the crease with your rotary cutter to finish the cut.

When you're done, you'll have three 10" x 20" cores.

Step 3: Make the Bolts

Now that we have a solid core, we can attach the fabric to it.

First, lay the fabric out and fold the fabric over so that it is around 18" wide, but definitely less than 20". This will make it fit properly on the foam core. Place the foam board about 3-4 inches from one edge of the fabric, then fold that fabric over the edge of the foam core. While holding the wrapped fabric against the board, press the other edge of the foam board tightly against the fabric and start rolling it along the length of the fabric, keeping the fabric as taut as possible.

Once you reach the other end of the fabric, secure the top and bottom of the edge to the fabric underneath it with safety pins. If your fabric is really slouchy, use a third safety pin in the middle as well.

Step 4: Optional: Label Your Fabrics

If you leave about 2 inches of space on the foam cores, you can either write on the board all of the fabric information or print out nice cards. This will make reordering fabrics easier and let you know how to care for them.

Step 5: Store Your Fabrics

Now that you have bolts of fabric, you can easily store them. We have a cheap shelf from Walmart as our sewing project storage area. The best thing about this method is that it looks great and can be left out in the open if you don't have a dedicated project area. Put these under a sewing table, desk, or any shelf that is 20 inches high or long and instantly have inspiration whenever you look at it.