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How big is your fabric stash?
If you’re like me, you probably buy way more fabric than you need…
It’s so hard to go to the fabric store and not snatch cute fabric when it’s on sale. After all, I’m sure it will be useful someday!
The problem is that the fabric can sit in your closet for YEARS.
That means you need to find a way to store and organize your fabric so it will still be like new when you go to use it. Here are some best practices to follow when storing fabric indefinitely.
Use Plastic Storage Containers
Don’t store your fabric on a shelf in a cabinet or on hangers in a closet unless this is for a short time. Fabric absorbs odors from the air that are difficult to remove, such as food smells and cigarette smoke. If you have no other option, make sure you at least use a closet away from your kitchen.
Air-tight plastic storage containers and vacuum-seal storage bags work best for storing fabric. You can seal out pests, moisture, odors, and dust. Storage containers are an added expense, but they save you money in the long run because your fabric stays good as new.
I like to roll fabric before putting it in storage bins because this prevents permanent creases that can settle into fabric when it sits for too long.
Store Fabric in the Dark
As fabric gets older, the colored fibers fade. This process occurs more quickly when you store your fabric in bright places. You might not notice it is happening until you unfold your fabric and see that the part that was exposed to light does not look as vibrant as the rest of your fabric.
Some white fabrics also get a yellow tint over time when left exposed to bright light. Plastic storage containers can slow down this process, especially if you opt to get containers that are not see through.
Deter Pests from Getting to Your Fabric
Air-tight storage bins also help prevent pests, like moths and dust mites, from getting to your fabric. Moths are terrible — they eat holes through your fabric. Dust mites are also a problem because they leave stains on your fabric.
In addition to storage bins, vacuum your fabric storage area regularly and spray for bugs to keep them at bay. Some people also use strong scents, like lavender and mint, to deter pests.
If you want your fabric to last for a long time, take these precautions!
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