How to Organize Ribbon Scraps & Spools

Learn how to organize ribbon spools and ribbon scraps. This is part of the 30 days of organizing your sewing room series.

Ribbon is one of those notions that I have a hard time storing. They come all nice and fancy and organized- but soon after using them a few times, they become a jumbled mess!

For most of my ribbon, I store them in a drawer. It’s not the best option, but after trying a few different things and putting together a new sewing room – there are better options to try!

What I have used in the past is clear Ziploc baggies. While that’s ok for short term storage, you’ll find that you’ll get knots (similar to thread) and be super frustrated when trying to pick out what you need. In addition to that you can’t really tell how much is actually left of that type. Many times I have found the perfect ribbon and when it was pulled out it was 2″ long! Argh!

Ribbon usually comes on a spool. The center hole is typically the same size so that does help when you are choosing a dowel to hang them on. After a time though you will have little ribbon scraps all over because there isn’t enough to stay on the spool. There are a few ideas for those as well– it happens to everyone!

Besides ribbon, ric rac, lace and ruffles are rolled onto a spool. So these ideas are great for any kind of those notions.

~How to Organize Ribbon Spools~

I have two spindles that I use for some ribbon. I need quite a few more- but they are fun to use with the cuter ribbon that can be seen all the time.

This DIY ribbon holder is a total game-changer for your sewing space! It keeps your ribbons neat and tangle-free, making it easy to grab what you need. Plus, you can customize it to match your style! Say goodbye to mess and hello to an organized setup that sparks joy every time you craft.

Materials Needed:

• Gather a wooden board, dowels (cut to fit the width of the board), screws, a drill, and optional paint or stain for finishing.

Assembly Steps:

• Mark spots on the board where dowels will go, spacing them out to fit the size of your ribbon spools.
• Drill holes into the board to fit the dowels snugly.
• Insert the dowels into the holes and secure them with screws from the back to ensure they don’t move or fall out.

Final Touches:

• Sand any rough edges, then paint or stain the wood if you’d like a polished look.
• Once dry, slide your ribbon spools onto the dowels and your holder is ready to be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf for easy access.

This DIY ribbon organizer keeps ribbons neatly stored and accessible, preventing tangles and saving time. It’s a budget-friendly solution for organizing your sewing space, so you can quickly find the perfect ribbon to add finishing touches to your quilts.

Materials Needed:

• You’ll need a sturdy vintage or wooden box, wooden dowels, hooks, a drill, and ribbon spools. Make sure the dowels are slightly longer than the width of the box.

Prepare the Box:

• Drill pairs of holes into the inside walls of the box where you want to place your dowels. Measure to ensure the spacing aligns with the ribbon spool sizes.

Insert the Dowels:

• Slide your ribbon spools onto the dowels, then position the dowels into the pre-drilled holes. This setup lets you easily pull ribbons while keeping them secure.

Add Hooks:

• Attach hooks to the outside of the box to hold scissors, measuring tape, or even extra ribbon. You can also add small hooks to the inside if you have leftover ribbons without spools.

Arrange and Decorate:

• Organize your ribbons by color or type. Now you’ve got a functional and aesthetically pleasing ribbon organizer that keeps your craft supplies tidy and accessible!

This DIY ribbon organizer is simple to set up, inexpensive, and can be customized based on your collection. It’s perfect for keeping your ribbons neatly stored and easy to access in your craft room.

Gather Materials:

• You’ll need a plastic basket with holes along the sides, wooden dowels that are thin enough to fit through the holes, and your ribbon spools.

Insert the Dowels:

• Begin by threading a dowel through one of the holes on one side of the basket, and out the corresponding hole on the other side. Continue this until you have enough dowels to hold your ribbon spools. The basket’s holes should be evenly spaced to keep the dowels aligned.

Load the Ribbons:

• Slide your ribbon spools onto the dowels. Make sure the ribbons are arranged with the loose end facing outward for easy access.

Secure the Setup:

• Once your dowels are loaded with ribbon spools, thread the ends of the dowels through the opposite holes to lock them into place. This keeps the ribbons stable while allowing them to rotate freely.

Organize by Color or Type:

• Arrange your ribbons by color, pattern, or size on each dowel. This setup not only keeps your ribbons organized but also allows you to see all of them at a glance.

Use as Needed:

• To cut a piece of ribbon, simply pull it from the spool through the basket’s openings, measure, and cut. This method helps prevent ribbons from unraveling and keeps them ready for your next project.

This method doesn’t just keep your ribbons looking fabulous and tidy; it also makes spotting the perfect color or style a total breeze! Plus, it’s a super fun way to clear out the crafting chaos and make room for more creativity!

Materials Needed:

• Plastic basket or bin
• Ribbon spools
• Labels (optional)

Choose a Basket:

• Select a plastic basket or bin that fits your space and can comfortably hold your ribbon collection. Look for one with a lid if you want to keep dust off.

Organize Ribbons:

• Place ribbon spools vertically or horizontally in the basket. Arrange them by color or type for easy access and a visually pleasing display. If you have loose ribbon, you can wrap it around cardboard or small dowels to keep it tidy.

Labeling (Optional):

• If you want an extra level of organization, consider labeling the basket with its contents. You can also label individual ribbons with their sizes or styles for quick reference.

Customize for Visibility:

• If your basket has high sides, cut down some cardboard to create a divider to help keep the ribbons upright and easy to see.

Accessibility:

• Keep the basket in a convenient location so you can easily grab the ribbons whenever inspiration strikes!

~How to Store Ribbon Scraps~

Follow these steps, and you’ll have your ribbons all organized and ready to go! Your workspace will look so cute and inspiring, you’ll feel like a crafting superstar every time you sit down to create. And when you need a ribbon, you’ll grab it with a smile, knowing it’s right where it should be! Let the fun begin, and happy crafting!

Gather Materials:

• Start by collecting a variety of containers to hold your ribbons. Think outside the box—jars, baskets, boxes, or even old spice racks can work wonders. Choose containers that fit your style and available space!

Sort Ribbons:

• Take some time to separate your ribbons by type, color, or size. This step makes it so much easier to find the perfect ribbon for your projects later on. You might even discover some long-lost favorites while sorting!

Wrap Ribbons:

• To prevent tangling, neatly wrap each ribbon around a cardboard or plastic spool. You can make your own spools from recycled materials or buy some at the craft store. This not only keeps them tidy but also makes them look fabulous!

Label Containers:

• If you’re using bins or jars, label them clearly. Use fun tags or colorful stickers to easily identify what’s inside. This will save you time in the future when you’re searching for a specific ribbon.

+ Have a suggestion for storing your ribbon spools and ribbon scraps? Share it! +

Additional Resources

• How To Effectively Organize Your Sewing Room
• Organize your Sewing Machine Needles
• Keeping Your Sewing Studio Organized
• 20+ Sewing Studio Projects to Keep you Organized

FAQ’S

What’s the best way to organize ribbon scraps?

Try using small containers, jars, or boxes to separate and store your ribbon scraps by color or length. This way, you can easily see what you have on hand and use those little bits in future projects!

How often should I reorganize my ribbons?

It’s a good idea to take a look at your ribbon collection every few months, especially after big projects. This helps you stay on top of what you have and refresh your organization system as needed!

How do I prevent my ribbons from fraying?

To prevent fraying, consider sealing the ends of your ribbons with a little clear nail polish or by carefully using a lighter to melt the edges (if the material allows it). This will keep them looking neat and fresh!

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