Storing binding efficiently keeps your craft space tidy and makes it easy to find the right piece for your project. The key is to prevent tangles and keep strips organized.
Keeping your binding neatly stored ensures it's ready to use without frustrating unravelling or knotting. Whether it's bias binding, straight-cut strips, or pre-packaged binding, a good storage system saves time and protects your materials.
Preparing Binding into Bundles
One common method to make binding strips manageable for storage is to wrap them into small, neat bundles. This is especially useful for leftover pieces or strips you've cut yourself.
Hand-Wrapping Method (Based on Reference)
A simple and effective way to create these small bundles is using your fingers as a guide:
- Loosely wrap binding around your thumb and forefinger, or your thumb and pinky finger. The size of the bundle will depend on how many fingers you use and how much binding you wrap.
- Tuck in the end, then slip off your fingers. This secures the bundle, preventing it from unravelling immediately.
This technique creates a compact, easy-to-handle coil perfect for placing into storage.
Storage Options for Binding
Once your binding is in neat bundles or if you have it on rolls or cards, several storage solutions can keep it organized:
- Using Clips: Secure the hand-wrapped bundles or small coils with a binder clip or a fabric clip. You can then store these clipped bundles together in a box or drawer.
- Storage Containers:
- Drawers: Dedicate drawers (or sections within drawers) to different types or colors of binding.
- Plastic Bins/Boxes: Use clear or labeled bins to keep binding contained and visible. Small boxes are great for hand-wrapped bundles.
- Divided Organizers: Craft organizers with compartments are ideal for separating binding strips by color or size.
- Wrapping Around Cards or Spools: For longer strips or smaller pieces, wrap the binding neatly around cardboard pieces, fabric cards, or empty thread spools. This keeps them flat and tangle-free.
- Hanging Storage:
- Clear Pocket Organizers: Store small bundles or pieces in hanging shoe organizers or craft organizers with clear pockets.
- Ring Binders: Punch holes in fabric cards wrapped with binding and store them in a binder using binder rings.
- Original Packaging: Keep pre-packaged binding on its original card or spool until ready for use. Store these together in a designated area.
Tips for Optimal Binding Storage
- Sort and Categorize: Group binding by color, fabric type, width, or project to make finding what you need faster.
- Protect from Elements: Store binding away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors, and in a clean, dry place to avoid dust and moisture.
- Labeling: If using opaque containers, label them clearly to indicate the contents.
By preparing your binding into manageable forms like hand-wrapped bundles and utilizing effective storage solutions, you can keep your workspace tidy and your binding ready for your next sewing or quilting project.
