Handmade Fabric Wall Organizer: Tidy Up in Style

As the leaves start to turn and a crispness fills the air, we often feel the urge to refresh and reorganize our spaces. And what better way to do that than with a beautiful, handmade fabric wall organizer? This project is perfect for adding a touch of personality and practicality to your home. In this post, I’m thrilled to share a step-by-step guide to creating your own fabric wall organizer, perfect for decluttering any room!

Gathering Your Supplies

Before we dive in, let’s gather our materials. For this project, you will need:

Fabrics:

• 1 yard of main fabric (Linen-Cotton Canvas is recommended for its durability)
• 3 fat quarters of coordinating fabric (Linen-Cotton Canvas)
• 2 yards of ultra-firm 2-sided fusible interfacing (Peltex 2-sided fusible is highly recommended)

Other Materials:

• 2 grommets
• 3 yards of 1/2” double-fold bias tape
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Fabric scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Fabric marking pen or pencil
• Seam ripper (just in case!)

Choosing Your Fabrics

The beauty of this project lies in its versatility and your ability to personalize it with your favorite fabrics! When selecting your fabrics, consider the following:

• Coordinating Designs: Explore collections from your favorite Spoonflower designers for cohesive looks. Many designers group their designs into collections, making it easy to find patterns that complement each other.
• Color Palette: Opt for a harmonious color scheme that aligns with your existing decor or injects a fresh pop of color into your space.
• Durability: Linen-Cotton Canvas is a fantastic choice for this project as it’s sturdy enough to hold everyday items while remaining easy to work with.

Cutting Your Fabric

Now, let’s cut our fabric pieces:

• Main Fabric: Cut 2 rectangles measuring 14″ x 36″.
• Fat Quarters: From each fat quarter, cut one 17″ square for the pockets and one rectangle measuring 1″ x 15″ for the pocket trim.
• Interfacing: Cut 3 rectangles measuring 13″ x 8″ for the pockets and one rectangle measuring 14″ x 36″ for the main fabric.

Sewing Your Fabric Wall Organizer

Now, let’s get to the fun part – sewing!

Step 1: Preparing the Pockets

1. Fold each 17″ square in half, wrong sides together, and press.
2. Insert a 13″ x 8″ interfacing rectangle between the folded fabric of each pocket, centering it horizontally and pushing it into the crease.
3. Press on both sides to fuse the interfacing to the fabric.
4. Topstitch across the folded edge of each pocket.
5. Fold the sides of each pocket 2″ toward the back and press.
6. Fold each of those sides 1 1/4″ toward the front and press. This creates an accordion-style fold with raw edges extending 1/2″ beyond the interfacing.
7. Topstitch along the side of the pockets, following the inner crease where the interfacing ends.

Step 2: Assembling the Organizer

1. Place the two main fabric rectangles wrong sides together with the interfacing sandwiched between. Ensure everything is aligned and smooth before pressing.
2. Press to fuse the fabric rectangles to the interfacing. Work in sections, alternating sides for a smooth finish.
3. Align the bottom edge of one pocket 2″ above the bottom edge of the main fabric rectangle and baste the side edges in place.
4. Repeat step 3 for the remaining pockets, positioning the center pocket 2″ above the bottom pocket and the top pocket 2″ above the center pocket.

Step 3: Adding the Trim

1. Fold and press the raw edges of each 1″ x 15″ fabric strip toward the center to create the pocket trim.
2. Place each trim piece along the bottom edge of a pocket, covering the raw edge and tucking the side pleats under the pocket and inward.
3. Topstitch along the folded edges of each trim piece.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Round the corners of the organizer using a glass, bowl, or other rounded objects as a template.
2. Apply bias binding to the outer edge of the organizer, encasing the raw edges and sandwiching the pocket edges between the binding as you go.
3. Attach the grommets to the top corners of the organizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips to help you along the way:

• If you prefer a quilted look, swap the firm interfacing for quilt batting or fusible fleece and quilt the layers together before adding the pockets.
• Don’t have grommets? No problem! Sew two sets of ribbon or bias binding to the top edge and tie them to wall hooks.
• Use a walking foot on your sewing machine for smoother sewing, especially when working with multiple layers of fabric and interfacing.
• Consider adding decorative stitching or embroidery to your pockets for an extra personalized touch.
• “Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fabric choices,” says renowned textile artist Sarah James. “This project is all about expressing your personal style.”

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just created a beautiful and functional fabric wall organizer. Hang it up in your kitchen, craft room, entryway, or anywhere that needs a little organization and a touch of handmade charm.

Now it’s your turn! Share your creations and tell us about your experience in the comments below. And for more unique, handmade gift ideas, be sure to browse the Robert Kline Art website.