How to Organize your Quilting WIP’s

Here are some of our favorite tips for organizing your quilting works in progress! These are easy-to-follow, actionable tips to help you get and stay organized!

Sewing and quilting are my favorite hobbies. I’m always “mentally” planning my next project, which leads to multiple works in progress (WIPs). It’s easy to misplace pieces, forget about projects, or feel overwhelmed without proper organization!

We don’t need to call them “unfinished” projects; instead, let’s call them “yet-to-be-finished” projects. I always seem to have four or five things going simultaneously, and it’s easy to lose track of all the pieces.  

Have you ever been knee-deep in a project and realized you can’t find “that one” fabric you need to finish? Here are some ways I keep my sewing and quilting WIPs organized.

Step One: Access your Current WIP’s

Before setting up an organization system, take stock of all your quilt WIPs. I realize that sometimes, when it comes to unfinished projects, “denial” is preferable to realizing how much you have to do, but trust me, you’ve probably made it a bigger project in your head than the reality of it.

Plus, if you have a lot of WIP’s, it’s fine and pretty standard!

• Gather all your current projects in one space.
• Sort them into urgent, active, long-term, or on-hold categories.
• Decide which projects you still want to complete and which ones you might repurpose, donate, or let go.

Step Two: Create or Organize your Storage System

Keeping your quilt projects organized starts with a well-thought-out storage system. Whether you have a dedicated sewing space or a small crafting corner, having a designated area for each WIP will help maintain order.

Clear storage solutions, labeled containers, and accessible shelving can make all the difference in keeping your projects safe, visible, and easy to retrieve when you’re ready to work on them.

Canvas Bins

For smaller projects, I love to use Canvas Bins. They are the perfect size for storing all of the fabrics you pulled for your quilt and a great place to stash all of your scraps. For large projects, I keep one bin per color.

Check out our free Fabric Basket sewing tutorial if you want to sew your fabric bins!

Laundry Baskets

I like to stash larger projects in square laundry baskets. They are great for holding a variety of supplies and make it easy to “clean up” between projects.

Bookcase or Cubbies

You can keep your storage bins on your cutting table, but if you have more than a few of them, they might get in the way too much. I like to keep my WIP bins organized on a bookcase and island in my sewing room.

• Shop Plastic Bins – I have the Medium Size
• Shop Labels

Plastic Envelopes & Zip Bags

For smaller projects like a Block of the Month quilt or a pillow, I like to keep my cut pieces and scraps in plastic zip bags (you can also buy canvas if you prefer not to use plastic).

I reuse these frequently, and I prefer two types.

These larger plastic bags are great for cut pieces of fabric and scraps!

The smaller envelopes with a snap feature and a spot to label your project are WONDERFUL for storing patterns!

(Info for the pattern shown in the envelope)

• Shop Large Plastic Zip Bags
• Shop Plastic Envelopes with Snap

TIP: Label Everything!

Throwing projects into bins will not do you much good if you forget what is in the bin. I like using simple shipping tags to label all my containers. They are easy to switch out when I’m finished with the project and ready to use the bin for a new one.

Organization Tips

• Keep frequently worked-on projects in an easily accessible spot.
• Store long-term or on-hold projects in a designated area to avoid cluttering your workspace.
• Keep fabric, cut pieces, and finished blocks in a bag or folder inside the project box.
• Use small containers for appliqué pieces or tiny cutouts.
• Given the amount of fabric, store backing fabric separately, but label it for its intended quilt.

Keeping Track of Project Details

Keeping a record of your quilt projects helps ensure that no details get lost. Whether you prefer a physical planner, a digital spreadsheet, or a simple note system, tracking your WIPs lets you pick up where you left off without confusion.

Option 1: Quilting Journal or Digital Tracking

You can use Google Docs or a similar cloud-based document system to maintain a dedicated quilting journal, planner, or digital spreadsheet.

• Record project details such as fabric requirements, pattern sources, and progress notes.
• Track deadlines for competitions, gifts, or personal goals.

Option 2: Printed Project Sheets

If digital organization is not your preference, here are a few suggestions featuring physical Quilt Planner Project sheets.

• Include a project sheet inside each storage container with:
  • Pattern name and designer
  • Color scheme or fabric swatches
  • Steps completed and next steps—TIP: Pin Post-it notes to your fabric to remind yourself of specific details when you pick the project back up again.
• Create a checklist to help you stay on track without re-reading instructions every time.

Add Some “Cute”

(Pattern: Nesting Trinket Baskets)

I always say, “When it’s cute, it’s easier to keep clean”! Whether it’s a colorful, repurposed shoe box, a beautiful fabric basket, or a sentimental cookie tin your supplies, don’t forget to incorporate some fun into your organization system! Find something that makes you smile, and then find a way to use it in your space!

Tips for Staying Motivated

• Set realistic goals and focus on completing one project at a time or rotating through a few.
• Break tasks into small steps to make progress feel manageable.
• Celebrate small wins, such as finishing a quilt top or assembling a set of blocks.
• Consider participating in quilting challenges or sew-along for motivation.

How to STAY Organized

Getting organized is one thing, but staying organized is another! Here are a few tips to help you maintain your organization system.

• Regularly update your WIP inventory to keep track of progress.
• Set aside time monthly or seasonally to reorganize and declutter supplies.
• Keep your workspace tidy to prevent pieces from getting lost or mixed up.
• Adjust your system as needed to fit your workflow and storage space.

Do you have a favorite way to organize your projects? If so, please share it in the comments section so everyone can benefit from your tips!