Best Ideas How To Organize Embroidery Thread Storage

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Best Ideas How To Organize Embroidery Thread Storage

Keeping your embroidery thread neat makes stitching much more fun and easy. When colors are sorted, finding the right shade takes no time. This helps you start and finish projects faster. Many ways exist for embroidery floss organization. You can use thread bobbins, special embroidery thread storage boxes, or simple pouches. Finding the best way for your thread, including popular kinds like DMC floss storage, makes a big difference in your crafting space. It also helps with cross stitch thread organization and keeping all your embroidery supplies storage in one place. This guide offers lots of embroidery floss storage ideas and storage solutions for embroidery thread to help you find the perfect embroidery thread organizer for your needs. We will look at many ways to help with sorting embroidery floss colors and keep everything tidy.

Why Put Your Threads in Order?

Putting your thread in order has many good points. It is not just about looking nice.
Keeping thread organized saves you time. You do not have to look through a big mess to find a color.
It saves you money. You can see what colors you have. This stops you from buying colors you already own.
It keeps your thread safe. Threads can get tangled. They can get dusty or dirty. Putting them away helps keep them clean and ready to use.
It makes stitching more fun. When things are neat, your mind feels clearer. You can focus on your project.
Organizing helps you know what you have. You see all your pretty colors. This can make you want to start new projects.
It makes it easier to travel with your thread if you stitch away from home.

Different Ways to Sort Threads

There are a few main ways people like to keep their threads. The best way for you depends on how many threads you have. It also depends on how you like to work. And it depends on how much space you have.

Using Small Cards Called Bobbins

Many people like to wind their thread onto thread bobbins. These are small flat cards, often made of plastic or cardboard. You wind the thread around the middle part. There is a hole on top to put the color number.

h5 Steps for Using Bobbins

1. Take a new bobbin.
2. Find the end of a thread skein. A skein is how thread is sold. It is a loop of thread.
3. Hook one end of the thread onto the top of the bobbin. There is often a small cut or hole for this.
4. Hold the bobbin in one hand. Use your other hand to wind the thread around the middle part of the bobbin.
5. Wind neatly so the thread lies flat.
6. When you reach the end of the skein, tuck the other end into the slit on the side of the bobbin.
7. Write the thread color number on the top part of the bobbin. Use a pen or marker that will not rub off.
8. Repeat for all your threads.

h5 Good Things About Using Bobbins

• Threads stay neat. They do not get tangled with each other.
• You can see all your colors easily when they are on bobbins.
• They fit well into special embroidery thread storage boxes. These boxes are made to hold bobbins.
• Color numbers are easy to see on the bobbin tops. This is great for sorting embroidery floss colors by number.

h5 Not-So-Good Things About Using Bobbins

• Winding thread onto bobbins takes a lot of time. If you have many threads, this can take hours.
• Winding too tightly can stretch the thread. Some people worry this can harm the thread quality. This is less of a problem if you wind loosely.
• Cardboard bobbins can bend or wear out over time. Plastic ones last longer.

h4 Storing Bobbins

Once your thread is on bobbins, you need a place to keep them. Embroidery thread storage boxes are very popular for this.

h5 Plastic Bobbin Boxes

These are clear plastic boxes. They have dividers inside that make many small spots. Each spot can hold several bobbins.
You can line up the bobbins in these boxes. You usually put them in order by color number. This is perfect for DMC floss storage if you use DMC threads. You can see numbers from 1 to 3865 (or more) in order.
These boxes often snap shut. This keeps dust out. It keeps threads from falling out if you drop the box.
You can stack these boxes. This saves space.
Some boxes come empty. Some come with bobbins already inside.
These boxes are a common embroidery thread organizer.

h5 Other Bobbin Storage

• Small Drawers: You can use small plastic or wooden drawers. You can add dividers inside the drawers to make sections for bobbins.
• Clear Zipper Bags: For small numbers of bobbins, you can put them in small clear plastic bags with zippers. Then you can put these bags into a larger box or drawer.
• Ring Binders: Special plastic sheets are made with pockets for bobbins. These sheets fit into a 3-ring binder. This is like a photo album for your thread. You can flip through the pages to find a color. This is a great cross stitch thread organization idea if you use many colors in a project.

Keeping Threads in Their Skeins

Some people do not like winding thread onto bobbins. They prefer to keep the thread in its original loop, called a skein. This saves winding time. It also avoids any worry about stretching the thread.

h5 How to Store Skeins

You need a way to keep the skeins from getting tangled. Skeins can turn into a big mess if not stored well.

h5 Ring Organizers

One popular way is to put skeins onto a metal ring.
1. Keep the paper band on the skein. This band has the color number.
2. Undo the twist in the skein loop. Do not cut the loop.
3. Put the loop onto a metal ring.
4. Close the ring.
5. You can put many skeins on one ring.
6. Group rings by color family (all reds, all blues) or by number range.

h5 Pros of Using Rings

• Fastest way to start organizing. No winding needed.
• Thread is not stretched.
• Color numbers on the paper bands are easy to see.

h5 Cons of Using Rings

• Skeins can still get a bit tangled on the ring if you are not careful.
• Takes up more space than bobbins in a box.

h4 Storing Rings of Skeins

Once skeins are on rings, where do you put the rings?

h5 In Boxes or Bins

You can put the rings into boxes or bins.
* Shoe Boxes: Simple and cheap. Not very sturdy or see-through.
* Plastic Bins with Lids: Clear ones are good so you can see inside. Lids keep dust out. Choose bins that are tall enough for the rings to stand or lie flat.
* Drawer Dividers: Use dividers in a drawer to make sections for rings.

h5 On Hooks or Racks

You can hang the rings.
* Pegboard: Put hooks on a pegboard hung on a wall. Hang the rings from the hooks. This gets thread off your table. It looks nice if your threads are colorful.
* Small Hooks: Stick hooks on the side of a shelf or cabinet. Hang rings there.
* Thread Racks: Some racks are made for spools of sewing thread, but some work for hanging skeins on rings too.

h5 In Ring Binders

You can also use binders for skeins, similar to bobbins.
Special plastic pages have holes or clips to hold skeins. You put these pages into a binder.
This is a very neat way to store skeins. You can flip through the pages like a book.
It protects the skeins well.
This is another good embroidery floss organization method.

Using Special Storage Items

Many items are made just for storing thread. These are called embroidery thread organizer products.

h5 Thread Racks

These are often made of wood or plastic. They have pegs sticking out. You put the spool of sewing thread or the skein (sometimes on a ring) onto a peg.
Some racks stand on a table. Some hang on a wall.
Wall racks save table space.
They look nice with all the colors displayed.
They are good for seeing all your colors at once.
However, threads on racks can get dusty. They are also exposed to light, which could fade some colors over a very long time.

h5 Plastic Drawer Units

Small plastic units with many drawers are great for embroidery supplies storage. You can put different types of thread in different drawers.
One drawer for DMC, one for Anchor, one for specialty threads.
Or one drawer for threads for your current project.
You can use these for bobbins or skeins on rings.
They keep dust out. They stack well.

h5 Clear Storage Boxes with Sections

Beyond the bobbin boxes, there are other plastic boxes with dividers. Some have sections that you can change.
These are good for keeping small numbers of skeins separated. Or for sorting threads for a specific project.
They are often used for craft storage in general, but work well for threads. These are more types of embroidery thread storage boxes.

h5 Bags and Pouches

• Project Bags: Many stitchers use project bags. These are fabric bags, often with a zipper. They hold the fabric, pattern, hoop, and the threads for one project. This keeps everything together. The threads can be on bobbins in a small box, or skeins on a ring, or just kept neat within the bag.
• Zipper Pouches: Small clear pouches or makeup bags can be used to hold groups of threads. Maybe all the greens go in one pouch, all the blues in another. This is a simple embroidery floss storage idea.

Making Your Own Storage

You do not have to buy special items. You can use things you already have or make simple organizers.

h5 Using Old Boxes

Clean out old shoe boxes, gift boxes, or food boxes.
You can use cardboard pieces to make dividers inside.
Cover the boxes with pretty paper or fabric if you like.

h5 Using Clothes Pins

Wooden clothes pins can act like bobbins.
Wind the thread around the clothes pin.
You can write the color number on the side of the pin.
Keep the pins in a box or jar. This is a simple, cheap idea.

h5 Using Pegboard

As mentioned before, pegboard is great for hanging rings of skeins. You can also hang small bags or tools on it. It’s a good way to create custom embroidery supplies storage on a wall.

Sorting Your Threads

How you sort your threads is as important as how you store them. Most people sort by color number, especially for brands like DMC or Anchor.

h4 Sorting by Color Number

This is the most common way, especially for DMC floss storage.
Every DMC color has a number (like 310 for black, 743 for yellow).
If your thread is on bobbins in a bobbin box, you arrange the bobbins in order of number (1, 2, 3, 4… 3865…).
If your thread is in skeins on rings, you can put the rings in order by the numbers on the skeins. Or put rings with number groups (1-99, 100-199, etc.) into boxes or drawers in order.
Why sort by number? Most patterns tell you which color to use by its number. Sorting this way makes finding the right color very fast. It’s essential for cross stitch thread organization when following patterns.

h4 Sorting by Color Family

Some people prefer sorting by color family.
Put all the reds together, all the blues, all the greens, etc.
Within the red group, you might put light reds to dark reds in order.
This way is nice if you pick colors based on how they look together, not just from a pattern list.
You can store color families in separate bags, pouches, or sections of a box or drawer.
You can use this method even if threads are on bobbins or rings. Just group the bobbins or rings by color instead of number. This helps with sorting embroidery floss colors visually.

h4 Sorting by Project

If you are working on a big project, you might take only the colors needed for that project.
Keep these colors separate from your main stash.
Use a project bag, a small box, or a binder just for these threads.
This stops you from mixing up colors for different projects. It also makes it easy to pick up your project and start stitching right away.
Once the project is done, you put the colors back into your main embroidery floss organization system.

More About Storage Solutions

Let’s look closer at some of the best storage solutions for embroidery thread.

Embroidery Thread Storage Boxes

These come in many sizes and styles.
* Bobbin Boxes: We talked about these. They are made specifically for bobbins. Often 10-14 inches long, holding 100+ bobbins. Clear plastic is popular.
* Multi-Purpose Craft Boxes: These have adjustable dividers. You can make the sections the size you need. Good for bobbins or small groups of skeins.
* Tackle Boxes: Yes, fishing tackle boxes! The ones with many small compartments work well for bobbins or small sewing items. The handle makes them easy to carry.

Look for boxes that are sturdy. Lids that snap shut are good. Clear plastic is helpful so you can see inside without opening.

Binders and Sleeves

Binder storage is a neat way to keep thread clean and in order.
* For Bobbins: Plastic sheets have individual pockets for bobbins. Slide the bobbin into the pocket. Write the number on the bobbin or on the sheet next to the pocket. Put these sheets in a 3-ring binder.
* For Skeins: Plastic sheets have loops or clips to hold skeins. Or they might have large pockets to put a few skeins into. Put these sheets in a binder.
Binders keep thread away from dust and light. They are easy to store on a bookshelf. They are a very organized embroidery thread organizer.

Drawer Inserts and Dividers

If you use drawers (in a desk, cabinet, or small plastic unit), inserts and dividers help a lot.
You can buy plastic trays with small sections. Put these trays in your drawers.
You can make your own dividers from cardboard or foam core.
This stops bobbins or skeins from rolling around and getting mixed up in the drawer. It keeps your DMC floss storage in perfect number order within the drawer.

Wall Storage

Getting thread off your desk or table saves space.
* Pegboard: Install pegboard on a wall. Use different types of hooks. Hang rings of skeins, small baskets for bobbins, or even hoops.
* Thread Racks: As mentioned, these can be wall-mounted.
* Small Shelves: Put up small shelves and place your bobbin boxes, bins of rings, or binders on them.

Wall storage makes your thread a part of your room’s look. It makes colors easy to see. But remember, dust and light are more of an issue here.

Smaller Containers for Specialty Threads or Projects

• Small Jars or Tins: Good for small amounts of special threads like metallics or silks. Keep them separate so they don’t get tangled with cotton floss.
• Zipper Bags (like snack bags): Use these for threads on the go, or to group colors for a small project.
• Empty Gift Card Tins: These are perfect size for a few bobbins needed for a small design.

These smaller containers are part of your overall embroidery supplies storage. They help keep things tidy even when working on a project.

Keeping All Your Embroidery Supplies Together

Organizing thread is a big part of embroidery supplies storage, but what about everything else? Needles, scissors, hoops, patterns, fabric scraps – they all need a home too.

• Needles: Keep needles in a needle book, a magnetic pin cushion, or a small box. This stops them from getting lost or bent.
• Scissors: Have a small pair just for thread. Keep them sharp. Store them safely so they don’t cut anything they shouldn’t.
• Hoops: Stack hoops by size. Or hang them on hooks on a wall or pegboard.
• Patterns: Put patterns in folders or binders. Group them by type or by whether you’ve used them. Keep them flat so they don’t get creased.
• Fabric: Fold fabric neatly. Store in drawers, on shelves, or in plastic bins. Keep it away from light and dust.
• Pens and Markers: Store pens used for marking fabric separately from your writing pens. Keep them where they are easy to find.
• Other Tools: Use small boxes, jars, or tool rolls for items like needle threaders, seam rippers, rulers, etc.

Keeping all your supplies in one area, or in linked storage units (like drawers on a cart), makes it easy to sit down and start stitching. It’s all part of having a good embroidery thread organizer system that includes everything.

Choosing What Works Best For You

With all these embroidery floss storage ideas, how do you pick? Think about these things:

• How Much Thread Do You Have? If you have a few dozen skeins, a small bobbin box or a few rings will work. If you have hundreds, you might need multiple boxes, binders, or a larger drawer system.
• How Much Space Do You Have? If you have a dedicated craft room, wall racks or drawer units might be good. If you stitch on the sofa, you might need a small, portable box or bag.
• What is Your Budget? Cardboard bobbins and old boxes are cheap. Plastic bobbin boxes are not too expensive. Fancy wooden racks or large drawer units cost more.
• How Do You Stitch? Do you follow patterns strictly (number sorting is best)? Do you create your own designs (color sorting might be better)? Do you work on one big project at a time (project bags are useful)?
• Do You Need to Travel with Your Thread? Bobbin boxes and small project bags are good for taking thread with you.

You do not have to use just one method. Many stitchers use a mix. For example, bobbins in boxes for main DMC floss storage, rings for specialty threads, and a project bag for threads currently in use.

Tips for Keeping Things Neat

Once you organize your thread, try to keep it that way.

• Put Threads Away Right Away: When you finish with a color, put it back where it belongs. Do not leave it lying out.
• Label Everything: Label bobbin boxes with the number range inside (e.g., “DMC 1-500”). Label drawers or bins (“Reds,” “Blues,” “Project X”). Label binders. This makes putting away and finding much easier.
• Sort New Threads Soon: When you buy new threads, sort them and put them in their place quickly. Do not let them pile up.
• Review Your System: Every few months, look at your thread storage. Is it still working for you? Do you need more storage? Is anything messy? Tidy up as needed.
• Group by Brand: If you use different brands (DMC, Anchor, Sulky), it is often best to store them separately. Their numbering systems are different. This helps with sorting embroidery floss colors accurately.

An organized thread stash makes your hobby more fun. It lets you spend more time stitching and less time searching. Finding the right embroidery thread storage boxes, organizers, or simple system is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Storage

h4 What is the best way to store DMC floss?

Most people find storing DMC floss on thread bobbins inside plastic embroidery thread storage boxes arranged by color number (1, 2, 3, etc.) is the best way. This makes it easy to find the exact color a pattern asks for by number. Other good ways include using binder pages with pockets for bobbins or rings with skeins stored in drawers or boxes by number range.

h4 Should I use plastic or cardboard bobbins?

Plastic bobbins are stronger and last longer than cardboard bobbins. Cardboard ones can bend or tear over time, especially if you wind thread tightly. Plastic bobbins are often a better long-term choice for embroidery floss organization.

h4 Does winding thread onto bobbins hurt the thread?

Winding too tightly can stretch the thread slightly. Winding loosely avoids this problem. For most standard cotton embroidery floss used in cross stitch thread organization, loose winding onto bobbins does not cause a noticeable problem with how the thread looks or stitches. If you are very worried, keeping thread in skeins and storing on rings might be better for you.

h4 How should I store leftover thread pieces?

You can store small leftover pieces (often called “scraps” or “parking”) on small pieces of card, or in small bags or containers. Some people wrap them back onto their bobbins. For cross stitch projects, many people use a special piece of fabric or cardboard with holes to “park” threads they will use again soon. This helps keep active project threads tidy alongside your main embroidery thread organizer.

h4 Is it okay to store thread in plastic bags?

Yes, small clear plastic bags or pouches can be good for storing groups of thread, especially for project threads or small collections. Just make sure the threads are neat inside so they don’t tangle. Air-tight bags can also protect thread from dust and moisture.

h4 How do I keep my thread colors from fading?

Store thread away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the colors over time. Plastic storage boxes, drawers, and binders help protect thread from light and dust. If you use wall racks, place them away from windows.

h4 What other embroidery supplies storage should I think about?

Think about everything you use: needles, scissors, hoops, patterns, fabric, marking pens, rulers, needle threaders, etc. Having specific places for these items keeps your workspace tidy and helps you find what you need quickly. Small bins, jars, pouches, and drawer dividers are useful for these items.

h4 I have many different brands of thread. How should I store them?

It is usually easiest to store each brand separately. Group DMC with DMC, Anchor with Anchor, etc. This is because their color numbering systems are different. Within each brand group, you can then sort by number or color family. This improves your sorting embroidery floss colors process.

Choosing the best way to organize your embroidery thread is a personal choice. Try out a few ideas. See what fits your space, your budget, and how you like to stitch. A well-organized thread stash is a joy to use and makes your hobby even more rewarding!