Declutter Challenge 2026 - Day 12 - Sewing Stations and Sewing Machines

Click to Watch Video

STEP 1

Set Your Timer. Before you start. Choose 15–20 minutes. You can always reset the timer if needed. Just take a break and have a glass of water first.

STEP 2

Define your capacity. Your sewing machine will take up a lot of space in your sewing room. It’s not just the sewing machine but it’s the table, the chair and us...plus all the accessories.

Unfortunately there is not a lot of wiggle room here. It is what it is. And maybe today, it’s more about giving yourself more space. Sometimes it just takes a small change. Last year, I pushed my table four inches farther into the room giving me more room to manipulate.

STEP 3

Declutter several categories. We have already covered scissors, needles, thread and rulers. We still have all the feet, the foot pedal, power cord, cover, and a whole bunch of other things you like to have near at hand.

Accessories

Presser Feet & Accessories. For most of us, 95–99% of our sewing uses:

• A straight stitch

• The same presser foot

So ask:

• Which accessories do I actually use?

• Are they easily accessible? (That word easily matters.)

Put your most-used feet and stitch plates where you can reach them without hesitation.

For accessories you don’t recognize or don’t know how to use:

• Add a note to your squirrel list to learn about them

• Move them out of your primary zone

• Store them together in a labeled bag or drawer

You don’t need to get rid of them — especially if you plan to sell the machine someday — but they don’t need prime real estate unless you use them.

Serger

Reality Check. Do you have a serger?

Ask yourself:

• Where is it?

• Do I know how to thread it?

• Can I access it easily?

If you can’t use it right now, make a plan:

• Take (or retake) a class

• Watch a refresher video

• Improve where it’s stored

There’s no shame in learning something twice. If your serger is threaded, accessible, and stored with its accessories, you’re far more likely to use it.

Other Machines

Now repeat this process with any other machines you own:

• Additional sewing machines

• Embroidery machines or modules

• Sit-down or stand-up longarms

Ask the big questions:

• Do I use it?

• Do I know how to use it?

• Can I physically access it?

• Where are the accessories?

These machines take up a lot of space. There is no magical storage solution.

Other Appliances & Electronics

Many sewing rooms also contain:

• Cutting systems (AccuQuilt, Cricut, Silhouette)

• Blade sharpeners

• Computers, tablets, cameras

• Printers, scanners, TVs, radios

Each one usually comes with:

• Cords

• Chargers

• Manuals

• Accessories

The Miscellaneous Pile

As you declutter, you’ll likely uncover:

• Random cords

• Chargers

• Batteries

• Manuals

• Remotes

• Cartridges

  
  

STEP 4

If they don’t belong somewhere else in your home, you know what to do with them.

This category may take multiple timer sessions — and that’s okay. If you’re not using it, move it out.

STEP 5

Your Turn to Share. So what machine, tool, or crazy electrical accessory did you uncover today? I hope you’re starting to see how much space — both physical and mental — is opening up by keeping only what you actually use nearby. Share your progress and photos using the challenge hashtag #declutterchallenge2026. I love seeing what you discover.

Here are two videos I recommend for today:

If you've missed any videos during this declutter challenge, you can find the playlist here.

Take care — and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 13 ✨