See I'm trying to decide if I need to add another trash basket/can to my sewing cave. And I was wondering what is standard? I have one by the cutting table for scraps and threads from the cutting table. Another one by the pattern/notions cabinet for threads cut while I'm at the ironing board. I'm trying to decide if I need one for all of those stray threads under the sewing machine and serger table.
I use to have one there before I added all of the storage underneath the sewing machine table. So here is my Question of the Day - "How many trash cans do you have in your sewing area?" "And where are they placed?"
All comments, suggestions and options are appreciated!
...as always more later!
I have a small sewing room, so I have only one trash can, by my machines. But more often than not, scraps and threads end up on the floor, and at the end of each project I usually vacuum, before preparing for the next project.
ReplyDeleteJust one at the cutting table - but I have a scrap basket that hangs over the edge of the machine table for dropping in clippings. Wherever I am clipping threads (ironing board, cutting table, easy chair...) I have a wide piece of masking tape where I set the threads and they stay there. When a piece gets too full to be sticky, I just toss it and rip off a new one.
ReplyDeleteNice idea!
DeleteMy sewing room is small, so one is all I need. I just move it to either the sewing table, cutting table or ironing board when needed.
ReplyDeleteMy space isn't really big, but it's linear, so I have two... one between the cutting table and ironing board, and one between the sewing machine and serger. I can't imagine the mess I'd have if I had to choose only one location.
ReplyDeleteI use plastic souvenir cups that I get at SF Giants baseball games all around my sewing room as table top trash cans for my threads, small snippets of fabric, etc. I only have one trash can on the floor for larger items. But, that basket is currently on mt cutting table because of my 11 month old puppy! Who knew fabric was so much fun to chew? ��
ReplyDeleteI was going to mention those cups! I also have a large one under the ironing board and any cardboard boxes are used for collections of the souvenir cups.
DeleteCurrent total: 3 cups, 2 cardboard boxes (smallish ones) and a trash can!
Thank you Mom!
Ha! We had a large supply of plastic cups from when the Buffalo Bills made it to the Super Bowl 4 times and lost. That was in the early 90s and they are finally all gone. I may never get another chance to have that kind of cups...
Deleteonly one. I move it around. I use my sewing room for laundry folding and ironing. I also find that cleaning and tweaking my sewing room is as relaxing for me as yoga for others. Something that makes me feel better, so I do it often. My husband is amazed at how lovely the room looks. and I like that.
ReplyDeleteI keep small containers on the table next to each sewing machine for thread scraps and a larger container on the floor in my sewing area. I empty my thread containers and serger scraps into the larger trash container as needed. I find if I have too many trash bins I end up forgetting to empty one and just use the other, so it works better for me to only have one container, and I just move it around as I need it.
ReplyDeleteI only have 1 trash can and it is no where near any of my sewing or cutting. On my cutting table sits my little scrap bucket that hangs down and when I sew I have my serger catcher that also hangs down (both are fabric) that is right next to me as I sit at a shaped sewing desk.
ReplyDeleteIn my very small sewing room I have a tote bag that hangs from the door handle. All paper, tissue, scraps, threads etc and when it's full, it is emptied into the bin. A lot ends up on the floor too but a small brush and pan soon take care of the debris. My room is so small I don't have floor space for a separate waste bin (s).
ReplyDeleteI use a thread catcher which s a smallish bag that hangs off the side of my sewing machine table. It is attached to a sand filled pin cushion which sits on the table - the weight means it stays put. Other than that I have just one other waste basket. This is a link to a free pattern but there are many different ones available.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.patternpile.com/sewing-patterns/sew-in-style-thread-catcher-pin-cushion-pdf-pattern/
I have a similar 'bag' next to my machine, with a zipper at the bottom to empty it out without having to move it (it kept wandering, so I have it taped to the desk). Put can under bag, unzip, empties out through the bottom. Zip ties work well as boning if you have them around.
DeleteMy bigger concern in the sewing room is sorting out the recyclable fabric from the reusable scraps from the UFO pile. That's where the separate marked cans (old kitty litter buckets) get complicated.
This has been a fascinating read! More about how people treat their garbage than anything else.
Hi. I have a bag for bits I don't want to part with just yet!! And a bin for threads and scraps I am happy to part with K xXx
ReplyDeleteI've got four. One is just a large white pedal bin liner that is hung on a chair and I use for paper. The next sits under my cutting table for small scraps and threads from the overlocker and coverstitch that I move there to use. The third is under my main machine and the last is just one of those small thread catchers that have a pin cushion on the other end and is next to my main machine.
ReplyDeleteWhen I finish and go downstairs you can guarantee I'm taking threads with me, even though I think I've brushed them all off.
I have 1 main bin. On each of my work surfaces I have a small container (on my cutting table anot old ceramic dish, by my sewing machine and old shredder container). Once these are full or I finish a project they are emptied into the main bin. I then have a separate basket for big scraps
ReplyDeleteI only have one trash bin, I'd like more but it's small in here. Nothing goes in the trash BUT sewing related stuff because I never know when I might have to fish something out. I do have what I call a serger bag that catches serger stuff and it is a real help. You've probably seen one of them before. I'll send you a picture.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot! Biggest one by the cutting table, three by my U shaped sewing desk, two by my second sewing desk and another one next to my recliner that I sit in while reverse sewing. I guess that makes 7. When I empty them all into a large trash bag, I keep the bag for several weeks just in case I have thrown out something important.
ReplyDeleteI have three . . . one by the cutting table, one by the ironing board, and under my sewing machine table. And still I have threads and tiny pieces of fabric all over the place. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I only have one that I move around between my 4 machines a lot! Now you've got me thinking I need another one. Although, I do my cutting in a separate room, and keep the trash with me for that, so I guess that's really two.
ReplyDeleteZero. I sew in my living room and don't have a trash can there. if I did, the one in the kitchen would still be closer to where I sew.
ReplyDeleteI have one trash can locate by my sewing machine. It sits atop an empty 5-gallon lidded pail, so the top of the trash can is level with the sewing table. This is so I am more likely to get the scrap or thread into the can...
ReplyDeleteI have three, 1 by the cutting table, another by the sewing machine, and the third under the ironing board. I have recently added a fourth (a large grocery bag) to collect fabric scraps. I discovered a place where I can recycle "cloth" and am delighted that I am no longer putting fabric and used clothing not suitable to donate into the landfill.
ReplyDeleteI have 4, one by my sewing machine, one by the serger, one by the cutting table and I keep a 13 gallon one for all the scraps that are not big enough for me to use but to big to throw out. When it is full I donate it to anyone who makes quilts or crafts.
ReplyDeleteI have one large one near the cutting table. I attach adhesive hooks to the side of my sewing table and hang a bag off it for threads and trimmings.
ReplyDeleteI have three. One at my machine table as I cut threads and trim seams there; one at my ironing board which I have recently added as I found I sometimes need to cut more threads there; and one at the cutting table that gets the trimmed pattern paper and small scraps from cutting out fabric.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing room is currently packed up for a move to a new house, but I did have several around the room. I also will sometimes keep a bowl on the table top to throw thread and small items in and I have taken a couple classes where we taped a paper bag (with the top edge rolled down to make it sturdier) to the table edge. The paper bag is nice because you can just throw it away.
ReplyDeleteI have 2...one by my machines and one by my sewing table. These are medium in size so they can fill up quickly but I don't want to add more. I also have a bag of sizeable scraps which I eventually toss but enjoy looking at to see my latest creations. Karen
ReplyDeleteI have one, I just move it back and forth. I have to remind my husband not to empty it because sometimes I dig back in there for scraps.
ReplyDeleteI just have one also and move it about the room as needed. I keep it by the sewing machine usually but move it to the ironing board when I cut out pattern pieces. Fabric is cut on the dining room table so I use the kitchen trash can there.
ReplyDeleteI have two. One between my ironing board and cutting table for threads and scraps and one near my sewing machines for threads. They are both perfectly located for my room layout. I couldn't fit more.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 trash cans in my crafting studio. I keep one by the sewing machine and the other by ironing board and craft table.
ReplyDeleteI have 4, but my studio is 25ft x 15ft. A large one under the cutting table, 1 at the serger, 1 under my computer desk, 1 next to my recliner and then I have a bowl between the sewing machine and embroidery machine for thread snips. Also under the cutting table is 2 pop up hampers for fabric scraps big enough to keep or donate. I have redone my sewing room a few times (more than hubby would have liked) but it finally feels RIGHT now.
ReplyDeleteOne trash can next to the machines, another small one next to the serger ell for threads, and a third in the dining room at the end of the table, my cut out area.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
I have one trashcan under the cutting table. I just let the threads and snibbets fall where they may and clean up afterwards. Easier and somehow more satisfying.
ReplyDeleteI have 2. My cutting and pressing are close enough that I can easily use that (larger) can for both. Then I have one at the table with my machines.
ReplyDeleteMy ironing. board and work surface/ cutting area are 3 foot apart. Think two sides of a "U", so one waste basket serves that area. The only other waste containers are two 5 lb margarine tubs that catch threads at the serger and work surface/sewing machine. For the way I work these containers are quick and easy to empty into the waste basket as needed.
ReplyDeleteI was going to say that I only have one waste basket in my sewing cave, but I also use mags as "mini" waste baskets. So including them and the bag at my serger, I have 4. 2 mugs, the serger bag, and a wastebasket.
ReplyDeleteI love the mugs idea!
DeleteI only have 1 trash can- because I know that is all my men on garbage detail will look for. But I have fabric pocket thread catchers at every machine. I empty them into the trash can when needed. The thread catchers are those with a big pocket and a long fabric top that goes under my machine to keep it in place. They hang down the side or front of the sewing table. BTW, my room is carpeted and I am constantly picking up threads and scraps, in between vacuuming. My mirror is down the hall. so there is a trail of thread to the mirror. There is also a trail of thread down the stairs and out the front door, the way the garbage goes out. But I don't criticize- at least they are taking the garbage out for me. I find on most days at work, I am picking loose threads off my clothes. Even if it is not something I have made, it has been pressed before work and picks up threads. And that is the only way people know I sew- so I am good with that! They are always surprised to hear that I have made something I am wearing. That's a compliment.
ReplyDeleteI have three.... one on the floor next to my sewing table to catch threads etc from my machine and serger; one in the cutting room (AKA dining room), and a doubled up plastic cup that hangs from the iron rest on my ironing board; when full, I just dump the inner cup, put it back in the outer cup and I'm good to go. Very interesting replies!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a dedicated sewing space but I do have a weighted pincushion/ trash bad combo at the edge of my sewing table and could not do without it for all the cut threads after sewing. When I feel well enough for a project, I either tape a plastic bag to the cutting table or but a grocery bag on the floor by the ironing board. With lack of space, one must make do.
ReplyDeleteI have one waste bin under the L-shaped table that holds my sewing machine and serger; and the waste bin is conveniently under the serger so I can just pull it out to catch the trimmings. I have a dish on the cutting table into which I put non-usable snippets which eventually get tossed into the regular waste bin. I also keep a recycled plastic pretzel barrel to hold scraps - it looks very nice with all the fabric scraps that can be used "someday" (a euphemism for the 12th of Never). Love hearing about everyone's sewing spaces and only wish my sewing room was an organized as Carolyn's with its neatly stacked fabrics and supplies.
ReplyDeleteMy major trash can is at the end of my sewing machine desk, close to my cutting table. I have a small can between my cutting table and my ironing board, and a dish pan that sits on the floor between my feet while I serge.
ReplyDeletejust one by the sewing machine/serger. But if I'm dealing with lots of little pieces cutting, it slides over to the cutting table.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 but lots of threads and clippings end up on the floor and on me. I'm too messy. I keep trying to change my ways.
ReplyDeleteI have one, and I fling threads and scraps in its general direction. Occasionally, I vacuum the area. (when I find I've tracked thread pieces throughout the house).
ReplyDeleteTwo: one at the sewing machine and one at the serger.
ReplyDeleteI have one big one in each room and a thread catcher bag near the machines. In the Spring, I empty the thread catcher bag into the garden for the birds to make their nests. Since I have clients coming in and out every day, I have to vacuum a lot and keep everything pristine with nothing on the carpet or random stacks of UFOs gathering dust.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 - one for scraps & threads & one for other trash. I save my scraps , threads , interfacing etc for a group that makes dog beds . Those scraps do get out of control though .😍
ReplyDeleteMy overlocker has a large offcut collector. I use it for threads from the sewing machine too. It gets emptied into the single proper bin. That bin is new and usually stays with the cutting table.
ReplyDeletePrior to the getting proper bin, I've been known to use a plastic shopping bag as a bin.
Good question. I have one trash can and I try to keep it by the sewing machine for thread cuttings, but sometimes it moves over to the cutting table. Two trash cans would only mean double the work when I have to empty them, so I can't make myself get a second trash can.
ReplyDeleteLol, my sewing space is the kitchen table and I use a small bowl which I empty frequently!
ReplyDeleteI have a trash can at every flat surface work at. I have a medium size at my heels of my cutting table and my desk. I purchased tiny metal trash cans at Michaels. I have these on top of my cutting table, both of my sewing machine tables, and at the table where I sit to do hand work.
ReplyDeleteI only have one small trash bin under my sewing machine area. I also have a thread catcher under my serger. I clear off the island in my kitchen when I do my cutting and use the kitchen trash can for that trash. Thanks for this post. It's always good to see how we can improve our sewing efficiency.
ReplyDeleteI too have a very small sewing room and only have one trash basket. It's close to my sewing machine for threads (serger has a thread/fabric catcher) I am a neurotic neat freak, so I don't have anything on the floor (If I do, I pick it up right away). I think everyone should have how ever many they think they need! I have a trash basket in every room of the house except the living room.
ReplyDeleteI have one small trash can and no where near my sewing machines or cutting table. I just swipe it to the foor and once I am done for the day, sweep it up.
ReplyDeleteThere are never enough trash cans. Put another trash can in there.
ReplyDelete2 - a small one under the table with the machines and a big one by the cutting table and ironing board. Both are overflowing with scraps and thread snips at the moment. I don't think I need more cans but I do need to take out the trash more often!
ReplyDeleteI have two. One that I can move all around the room and a very large "bucket" sitting next to my sewing machine and table. It's close enough for me to toss threads. I also use my serger catcher as well.
ReplyDeleteI have two plastic small trash cans (one for general trash, one for paper) and a box for scraps. All are in the main part of my basement. After each project, I clean my sewing space and sweep the floors. I've not found the need to have any more than this.
ReplyDeleteI cut on my kitchen/sewing island so there is a trash can already there. I toss 100% natural fiber scraps into my compost bin, which is also in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI have another trash can under my sewing machine table. I have a small plastic food container (sans lid), which I keep by the machine (under the flat bed) for threads. If I am trimming by the pressing table, I bring the bin with me. If I am hand sewing on the couch, I also keep the little bin with me on the coffee table.
I have 1 trash can in my sewing room near the cutting table for scraps and paper.
ReplyDeleteI keep empty Kleenex boxes by each of my machines and ironing board to collect threads and snips. When they get filled, I throw them away in the bucket. The advantage of the boxes are that they are small and don't take up much space and the plastic that keeps the tissues in the box also keep the threads in the box. Learned this one from Threads years ago and have been using it ever since.
What a great idea! I'm going to have to remember that one!
DeleteI have three. One is by my main machine. One between my serger and straight stitch machine. The final one resides next to my coverstitch machine and ironing board. None of these are matching, mind you. They are a collection of trash cans that had a life in another room/house at one time. I find it handy to have a trash can wherever I am sewing, clipping, or copying patterns. It keeps the sewing room a little more under control.
ReplyDeleteI have a large sewing room, so have several wastebaskets.
ReplyDelete1 to the right of the ironing board
2 little thread waste bags (1 by serger, 1 by sewing machine)
1 to left of cutting table
1 in the beading station
and I'd like to add one by the second cutting table so I don't have to move the beading station one back and forth.
I say you can't have too many. They have nice little ones that work really well.
Late to the party, as usual. I have one little thread catcher and one trash can (the metal basket from what used to be a shredder until the shredding mechanism went kaput). It's small enough to be unobtrusive and large enough for most sewing sessions.
ReplyDelete