Declutter Challenge 2026 - Day 19 - Backing & Yardage

Karen
18 minutes ago
2 min read

We have three more days to go. The finish line is in sight. I know we can do it. Today we are dealing with our widebacks and yardage. This is the fabric that we purchase in quantity. And because of its size, it can take up a huge amount of space.

STEP 1

Set your timer. It might be on a bolt, it might be in a plastic bag, or hiding in a Rubbermaid container somewhere.

There are also different types of yardage. You might have purchased cotton, sateen, flannel, fleece, minky and more for backing. Maybe you have some for garments, or curtains or some upholstery projects in mind. Because of their size and other properties, they can be very awkward to fold and handle. And some are so slippery, they can also be hard to store.

So look at your current projects. Can you pair up any backings with any finished quilt tops? How about one of your UFO’s? Do you have any new projects in the coming year that can use them? Personally, I have several completed tops and it’s great to match them up and have that step out of the way.

STEP 2

Define your capacity. With the remainder, like so many of the challenges in the series, the question of the day is:

How much space do I want yardage to take up?

We also need to be mindful of how many quilts we make in a year...and how many years or decades it will take to use it all.

If you have some fabric on bolts, some in drawers, and some in cupboards, see if you can eliminate one type and store them all in a consistent manner.

STEP 3

Declutter. Though I have a bit of quilting yardage at home, I have moved most of my backing yardage and all my widebacks to my studio.

BUT, it's time for me to follow through on a couple of projects this year, or I will have no room for any new fabric. As you sort and fold your backing, do yourself a favour and write down how much you have, and pin it or tuck it into that piece. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Lastly, more than any other cut of fabric, this is most likely to be stored in Rubbermaid containers, in another room, or both. Which might mean out of sight out of mind. Now is the time to make a swatch library with the size of the fabric cut to refer to so you know the entirety of what is available at your fingertips.

STEP 4

Declutter. Make sure you get the items that you do not want out of your space.

STEP 5

Your turn to share. The amount of yardage we have can be overwhelming. Please take a moment and leave a comment about your day. Or post a photo in the Facebook group. Or online with this year’s declutter hashtag #declutterchallenge2026.

Here are two videos I recommend for today:

See you tomorrow for the penultimate day, Day 20.

Take Care.