Understanding and Organizing Craft Supplies Like a Pro

This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love. Read the full disclosure here

Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Alaina

If you’re anything like me, craft supplies seem to multiply overnight, one minute you’ve got a tidy shelf of tools, and the next, it looks like your stash exploded. Between bins of ribbon, drawers of felt, and folders full of digital design files, it’s easy for your favorite hobby to turn into a cluttered mess. And let’s be honest, digging through piles just to find that one stencil or tool? Not exactly the fun part of crafting.

a woman crafting in a room where where she was organizing craft supplies

But here’s the thing: getting organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a few simple systems and the right storage strategies, organizing craft supplies like a pro is easy. That means less time searching and more time actually creating, without feeling buried in supplies.

Today I’m sharing my go-to tips for managing every part of your craft stash, from tools and materials to digital downloads and finished creations. And don’t worry, I’ll also let you in on some helpful tools and platforms I swear by!

Types of Craft Supplies You’ll Want to Organize

Before we get into actual organizational hacks and tips, it helps to understand what all falls under the “craft supplies” umbrella. There are four main categories I like to organize separately: tools and equipment, digital files, raw materials, and finished projects. Each one needs a little TLC to keep your craft area running like a well-oiled machine.

Tools and Equipment

These are the workhorses of your crafting space, things like glue guns, knitting needles, rotary cutters, cutting machines, punches, and more. No matter your medium, your tools make the magic happen, so keeping them clean and organized should be a top priority.

Here are a few ways to keep your tools in top shape:

Tips for Tool and Equipment Management:

Routine Cleaning: Wipe them down after each use to avoid build-up and damage
Smart Storage Solutions: Store them in a way that makes sense for your space—pegboards, labeled drawers, or portable caddies are all great options
Manuals Within Reach: Keep instruction manuals or quick-use guides in a binder or folder so you’re never scrambling when something wonky happens

Taking good care of your tools means fewer replacements and more time spent creating instead of fixing.

Digital Assets (Think SVGs, Fonts, Templates)

If you use cutting machines, laser machines, and other digital design tools you already know that digital files can pile up fast. Between SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics), font bundles, and those $1 deals you couldn’t pass up, things can get cluttered quickly, and that’s when the frustration hits.

Here’s how I manage my ever-growing stash of digital craft files:

Best Practices for Managing Digital Assets

Organized Storage: Create folders on your computer or external drive labeled by project, holiday, or file type. A structured system like this makes it so much easier to find what you need when inspiration hits.
Clear and Consistent Naming Conventions: Give your files descriptive names like “Fall_Leaf_Bundle.svg” or “Birthday_Card_Set_02.” This makes it easier to find the exact file you are looking for without the headache of digging through dozens of “final_final_revised” files.
Preview Thumbnails: Enable thumbnail previews on your device so you can visually identify SVG file without opening them. This streamlines the selection process, especially when dealing with numerous designs.
Regular Backups: Don’t risk losing all your hard work—back up your files regularly to cloud storage or a flash drive. I’ve had one too many close calls to skip this step anymore!
Utilize Appropriate Software: Use vector graphic software like Inkscape (free) and Adobe Illustrator (paid) for viewing and editing SVGs. Both offer features that give you the flexibility to tweak designs and make them your own.
Stay Updated: Stay current with software updates so you get access to the newest features, bug fixes, and file compatibility improvements that keep everything running smoothly.

A little digital organizing now saves a ton of time later, especially when you’re in the mood to make but can’t find that one perfect file you downloaded last year.

Spools of crafting yarn organized on a wall hanger

Raw Materials

These are the fun parts, fabrics, yarns, papers, vinyl, beads, felt, buttons, paints, clay, glitter… you name it! But without some structure, your stash can turn into a nightmare of half-used rolls and forgotten finds.

Here’s what’s worked for me when organizing craft supplies like these:

Best Tips for Managing Raw Materials;

Inventory Tracking: Keep track of what you already own using a spreadsheet, app, or even a handwritten inventory sheet
Customized Sorting System: Whether it’s by color, theme, or material, go with what works best for you.
Transparent Organization: Use clear bins, jars, or stackable drawers so you can see what you have at a glance
Labeling: Label everything. Even if it’s just a Post-it stuck to a drawer, it helps!
Tried-and-True Suppliers: Find go-to shops you can count on for quality materials and restocks. It makes restocking fast and stress-free.

Staying on top of your materials not only saves time and money, it helps you get right into crafting without missing a beat.

Finished Goods

Once the crafting is done, don’t just toss your finished goods in a random bin or box. If you sell at markets, gift your crafts, or even just like to keep things for future use, finished products need their own system.

Here’s how I keep mine organized:

Strategies for Managing Finished Goods

Inventory Management: Use plastic bins or shelving to store items by category or season
Track What You’ve Made: Keep a digital or written log of what you’ve made, what’s sold, and what’s available
Quality Control: Double-check each item before storing it to make sure it meets your quality standards
Labeling: Easy access is key here, especially when you’re gearing up for busy seasons like Christmas or craft fair weekends.
Packaging: Store with packaging already done if possible, that way you’re always ready to ship or gift.

A little structure goes a long way, keeping your completed projects organized means less stress and more time to focus on creating your next masterpiece.

Best Practices for Managing Your Craft Inventory

Once you’ve finished organizing craft supplies by getting them sorted and stored, it’s time to get a system in place to track what you have, what you use, and what you need. When you start buying in bulk (or just crafting often), it’s easy to forget what you already have. That’s why inventory tracking is so important, even if you’re just crafting for fun.

Good inventory habits also save money, reduce waste, and help you avoid last-minute supply runs. A little planning here goes a long way, especially if you craft regularly, sell your creations, or stock up during sales (guilty!).

Separate Supplies from Materials: Group your materials (things you use to make the actual projects) like clay, fabric, or vinyl separately from general supplies (things that are indirectly used) like packaging materials and shipping boxes.
Track Your Spending: Keeping an eye on how much you spend on both materials and supplies can help you stick to your budget, and avoid those “how did I spend that much at the craft store?!” moments.
Choose a Tracking Method That Works for You: Whether it’s FIFO (first in, first out), LIFO (last in, first out), or just a basic spreadsheet, the best system is the one you’ll actually use. Choose something simple and sustainable based on how you craft and sell.
Do Regular Inventory Checks: Set periodic reminders to do a quick audit of what you have vs. what you think you have. It’s an easy way to catch mistakes, avoid double-buying, and stay on top of your stock.

Simple steps like these go a long way in keeping your craft area—and your budget—under control. Even if it feels tedious at first, I promise you’ll be glad you did it, especially when you avoid rebuying supplies you forgot you already had (I see you, drawer full of duplicate washi tape).

Benefits of Using Digital Resources in Crafting

If you haven’t tapped into digital crafting tools yet, now’s the time. Adding digital resources to your workflow can seriously boost your creativity and save you a ton of time, especially when you’ve got a growing list of projects.

Creative Design Options: Sites like Creative Fabrica offer thousands of fonts, SVGs, and graphics all in one place. Having a huge library at your fingertips means you’re never short on inspiration.
Saves Time and Energy: Pre-designed templates and files can speed up the creative process, freeing you up to focus more on crafting and less on starting from scratch every time.
Consistency Across Projects: Digital designs help keep your products looking polished and uniform, perfect if you sell your crafts or want everything to have that cohesive, professional feel.

Adding digital resources into your workflow doesn’t just save time, it boosts your productivity and gives your creativity a serious leg up.

Leveraging Online Platforms for Craft Resources

Once you start exploring what’s out there, you’ll find that digital crafting platforms open up a world of creative possibilities. Sites like Creative Fabrica give you access to a vast library of fonts, graphics, and other design elements. Whether you’re designing t-shirts, greeting cards, or vinyl decals, these platforms make it easy to find exactly what you need.

Here’s a quick comparison overview of Creative Fabrica alongside some other notable platforms to help you figure out which platform might be right for you:

Platform	Asset Library Size	Licensing Options	Notable Features
Creative Fabrica	Extensive	Commercial License	Unlimited downloads, daily updates, and a user-friendly interface.
Envato Elements	Over 2 million	Commercial License	Diverse assets including web templates and video resources.
Design Bundles	Extensive	Commercial License	High-quality graphics, fonts, and regular deals.
Creative Market	Large	Varies by product	Unique, handcrafted designs from independent creators.
Freepik	Over 10 million	Premium License	A mix of free and premium assets with customizable templates.

Want a more in-depth comparison? I really liked this video and found it to be helpful: Better than Canva? Creative Fabrica Studio Overview and Tutorial

Final Thoughts

Organizing craft supplies isn’t just about having a tidy space, it’s about setting yourself up for success. When you understand the different types of supplies you use, have a system for keeping track of inventory, take care of your tools, and use digital resources to streamline your process, crafting becomes easier, faster, and a whole lot more fun.

By putting a few simple strategies for organizing craft supplies and other crafting assets into place, you’ll spend less time searching for what you need and more time actually creating. Whether you craft for fun, profit, or both, staying organized helps you make the most of every project.