The $8 Kmart buy that transformed my messy sewing room

Produced in partnership with Kmart

I was already aware my sewing nook needed tidying and better organisation, but when I sat down on the weekend to sew a pair of pants it was plainly clear just how dysfunctional my setup was.

It was my first time sewing in my new place so I couldn't fix the mess until I knew what needed to go where.

And once I did I knew the solution would be at Kmart, which is where most of my paper craft and yarn storage is from.

I settled on the smooth and shiny clear tub range because of the variety of sizes, their stack-ability and the clear plastic, which makes it easy to see what is inside for easy access.

The instant I looked at the $8 5L tub I knew it would be great for storing thread. It makes a much easier and prettier storage option than the awkward hand-me-down plastic compartment box I was using.

There is plenty of room left for more thread – which is inevitable, because buying sewing supplies is as much of a hobby as actually using them, and at the other end I have bias binding gadgets.

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I purchased two more of these long boxes and have used one for zippers and elastic and the other for scissors, tailor's pencils and markers and any other things I might need immediately as I sew.

It was also easy to imagine what the $10 11L size tub could be used for and my first thought was to give a dedicated home to my stash of interfacing and cotton batting. This means I will no longer be wondering where it is, what type I have or be digging through a box of fabric to find it.

That same box of fabric was in dire need of sorting and so the 11L size boxes were also perfect for storing fat quarters (50 x 55cm piece of fabric), instead of getting them all mixed up with large fabric scraps – it was always so hard to find them and see what I had.

One tub has fat quarters from Australia, a couple of rulers and some pattern weights, while the other has fat quarters and smaller cuts of fabric from Japan – these are extra special so I like to keep them together.

This means my tub of large fabric scraps contains just that, so I know that if I want to make something with a particular fabric I've used before I know where to find it easily.

I also got the $5 4L smooth and shiny plastic tub and it is the perfect size to hold tiny fabric scraps and threads – I was using a fabric storage pouch I made myself previously but it kept filling up quickly and overflowing.

The 4L tub makes it easy to chuck bits in as I go and the lid means they're kept contained until the box is full and I can recycle them as stuffing.

Another thing I love about these smooth and shiny clear tubs is that they easily stack on top of each other and can be configured to have stacks of different combinations.

At the moment I have two 5L tubs on top of the 11L tub, but two 4L tubs can also fit on top of the 11L tub.

Two 11L tubs also fit nicely on the $7 52L storage tub on wheels and makes a lovely display of fabric to keep me inspired.

The storage possibilities for these tubs are endless and I can see them in pantries, under the sink cabinets, bathroom shelves, on desks and more.

Other ways the 4L tub has been used by customers is for dog leads and toys, toddler's plates and bibs, toy cars and fruit in the fridge.

The 5L tub has been used to store skincare products in the fridge, baby and water bottles and gloves and beanies.

Storage options customers have tried for the 11L tub include paperwork, chocolate, recycling, clothes, medicine, Christmas decorations, fish tank accessories and even for starting seeds.

Product prices are current as at April 14, 2026. Availability may vary store to store, please visit kmart.com.au