Organizing Our Home: Mini Fabric Bolts & Mini-Mini Bolts

I have to confess. I have A LOT of fabric. My husband might say that I have TOO MUCH fabric, but we can discuss that another day. The biggest problem with my fabric is that all the pieces are different. Some are just left overs from another project, some are fat quarters, and some are a few yards, just waiting to be cut and sewn. It seemed that no matter how I folded and piled, it never looked or was organized. I often knew (or thought I knew) that I had a certain piece of fabric, but then I couldn't find it. Or I would tear everything apart looking for it and end up frustrated and with a bigger mess.

I have seen a number of different ideas for making mini bolts, but I had a hard time finding the materials recommended or didn't want to spend that much money.

What you need:

20 x 30 Foam Core Board (I found mine at Walmart for under $2 a board)

Jumbo Paper Clips (found at Walmart in the Office Supply section)

Ruler/Yard Stick & Pencil

Sharp Knife

I first measured and drew out the cutting lines. The Mini Bolts measured 10 inches x 5 inches. I drew out all the lines I needed to cut on and then cut along the lines with sharp knife. Then I took a piece of fine sandpaper and gentle smoothed out the rough spots and edges.

Then I took my fabric, layed it out flat, folded the raw edges to the center, and began wrapping it around one board. When I got the end of the fabric I folded the edges under and secured them to the other layers of fabric using the jumbo paper clips.

For the Mini-Mini Bolts: Draw lines that are 6 inches x 4 inches. And follow that same instructions for cutting and folding.

I found that I could fit up to about 2 yards of neatly folded cotton on a Mini Bolt and the Mini-Mini Bolts were perfect for fat quarters, 1/4-1/2 yard cuts, and smaller left over pieces.

I love how I can easily see and grab what pieces I need and how neat and tidy it makes my shelves look. And how inexpensive it turned out to be. Hope this gives you an idea of organizing your creative space, have a great weekend!