Do you look at your pile of embroidery threads and feel a bit lost? How can you organise embroidery thread so it is neat and easy to use? Many crafters ask this. The simple answer is to use a system. You can wind thread onto small pieces called bobbins. You can put thread in bags. Or you can tie it on rings. The best way for you depends on how much thread you have and how you like to work. This guide will show you many ways to put your threads in order. It will help you find a good plan to keep your thread neat.
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Why Put Your Threads in Order?
Having messy threads is a common problem. They can get tangled together. It is hard to find the color you want. This wastes your time. It can make you feel stressed instead of happy when you craft.
Keeping your thread neat helps a lot.
* Find colors fast: You can see what you have. Finding the right color is quick.
* Stop tangles: When each thread has its own spot, it does not get tangled with others. This saves time and stops waste.
* Know what you have: You see all your colors. You know if you need to buy more of a color.
* Save space: Organized thread takes up less space than a big tangled mess.
* Craft is more fun: When things are neat, you can start sewing right away. You do not spend time untangling.
Think about your thread collection. Maybe you have a few colors. Maybe you have hundreds. No matter the size, a little order makes a big difference. Let’s look at how to start.
Getting Ready to Organise Thread
Before you start putting things in order, you need to do a few things. This makes the job easier.
Gather Everything
First, find all your embroidery thread. Look in all the places you keep it.
* Bags
* Boxes
* Drawers
* Project bags
* Old kits
Put all the threads in one place. This shows you how much you have. It helps you see the size of the job.
Find Your Tools
You will need some things to help you organize. What you need depends on the way you choose to store your thread. But some things are helpful for almost any way.
* Scissors
* Labels or a marker
* Storage items (like bobbins, bags, boxes – we will talk about these soon)
Have these things ready before you start.
Sort Your Threads First
This is a big first step. You need to sort your floss. Most people sort floss by color. This is the easiest way to begin.
* Put all the reds together.
* Put all the blues together.
* Put all the greens together.
* And so on.
If you have different brands of thread, sort them by brand first. DMC is a very common brand. Anchor is another. Each brand has its own color numbers. Sorting by brand first helps you use the right number system later.
Once sorted by brand, sort each brand by color group. Put lights and darks of the same color together. This helps you see the range of colors you have.
Ways to Store Your Threads
There are many embroidery floss storage ideas. The best way for you depends on how you craft and how much space you have. Let’s look at the most popular ways. These are good thread storage solutions.
Using Bobbins
Bobbins are small, flat pieces. You wind embroidery thread around them. They are often made of plastic or cardboard. This is a very popular way to organise DMC floss and other brands.
- What are bobbins? They are like little cards. They have a space to write the color number.
- How to use them: You take a length of thread. You wind embroidery thread onto the bobbin. You put the end of the thread into a slot on the bobbin. You write the color number on the bobbin.
Why Use Bobbins?
- Very neat: Each thread is in its own place.
- Easy to see colors: You can flip through the bobbins like cards.
- Good for DMC floss organization system: Bobbins are perfect for keeping threads in number order. DMC thread has numbers. You can line up your bobbins from the lowest number to the highest.
- Fits in special boxes: There are boxes made to hold bobbins. This is great for floss bobbins storage.
Getting to Know Bobbins
You can buy bobbins in large packs.
* Plastic bobbins: These are strong. They last a long time.
* Cardboard bobbins: These are cheaper. But they can bend or tear over time.
You will also need a way to wind the thread onto the bobbins.
* By hand: You can just wrap the thread around the bobbin yourself. This takes time, especially for long threads.
* Winding tools: You can buy small tools. These tools fit onto the bobbin and have a handle you turn. This makes winding embroidery thread much faster.
How to Wind Embroidery Thread onto Bobbins
- Take one length of thread. Do not cut it.
- Find the end of the thread.
- Put the end through the slot on the bobbin.
- Start turning the bobbin (by hand or with a tool).
- Wrap the thread neatly around the middle part of the bobbin.
- When you reach the end of the thread, put the last bit through the other slot on the bobbin. This holds it in place.
- Write the color number on the bobbin. You can use a small sticker or a marker.
Floss Bobbins Storage
Once your threads are on bobbins, you need a place to keep them.
* Plastic storage boxes: These are the most popular for floss bobbins storage. They are often clear plastic. They have sections inside. Bobbins fit perfectly in these sections. Some boxes have trays that lift out.
* Binder rings: You can punch a hole in the top of the bobbin. Put groups of bobbins on a binder ring. You can group them by color or by project.
* Small drawers: Small plastic drawer units can hold bobbins too.
Putting bobbins in number order in a box is a great DMC floss organization system. You can quickly find color number 310 or 743.
Good Things and Not So Good Things About Bobbins
Good:
* Very neat and tidy.
* Easy to see and find colors when in a box.
* Good for keeping in number order (like for DMC floss).
* Protects thread from tangles.
Not So Good:
* Winding all the thread takes a lot of time.
* Some people think winding makes the thread too creased. This can happen if you wind too tightly.
* You need to buy bobbins and storage boxes.
Overall, bobbins are a very good way to organise DMC floss and keep thread neat.
Using Small Bags or Sleeves
Another way to store thread is in small bags. These are often clear plastic bags. Some crafters use tiny zip-top bags. Some buy special bags made for thread.
- What are they? Small bags, often clear.
- How to use them: Take one color of thread. Fold it neatly. Put the whole length into the bag. Close the bag. Write the color number on the bag.
Why Use Bags?
- Faster than bobbins: You just fold and bag the thread. No winding needed.
- Less creasing: The thread is folded, not wound tight. It might stay smoother.
- Good for full skeins: You can put a whole new piece of thread (a skein) right into a bag.
Getting to Know Thread Bags
You can find small bags in craft stores or online.
* Zip-top bags: Very cheap and easy to find.
* Special thread bags: These might have holes punched in them already for storage.
You will need labels or a marker to write on the bags.
How to Put Thread in Bags
- Take one color of thread (a skein or left over pieces).
- Keep the paper band on if it has the number. Or write the number on the bag.
- Fold the thread neatly. You can fold it in half, then in half again.
- Put the folded thread into the small bag.
- Close the bag.
- Write the color number on the outside of the bag.
Storing Thread Bags
Once your threads are in bags, you need a way to store them.
* Binder rings: If the bags have holes, put groups of bags on binder rings. You can put these rings in a binder. This is a common embroidery thread organizer method.
* Storage boxes: You can put the bags upright in a box. Use dividers to keep colors separate.
* Small drawers: Like with bobbins, small drawers work well for bags.
* Photo storage boxes: These boxes are meant for photos but are a good size for thread bags standing up.
Storing bags in number order on rings in a binder makes a simple DMC floss organization system.
Good Things and Not So Good Things About Bags
Good:
* Quick to put thread away. No winding.
* Thread may stay less creased.
* Cheap option if using basic zip bags.
* Good for keeping full skeins together.
Not So Good:
* Bags can get crinkled.
* It can be harder to pull out just one strand of thread without taking the whole piece out.
* They can take up more space than bobbins in a box.
Bags are a good choice if you do not want to spend time winding. They are a simple thread storage solution.
Using Rings
Some people like to put thread directly on rings. This is often done with the paper band still on the thread.
- What are they? Metal or plastic rings that open and close.
- How to use them: You take a piece of thread (a skein). You put the ring through the hole in the paper band. Or you can put the thread itself on the ring.
Why Use Rings?
- Very fast: No winding or bagging needed. Just put the thread on the ring.
- Paper band stays on: This keeps the color number with the thread.
- Easy to flip through: Like keys on a ring, you can look at the colors.
Getting to Know Thread Rings
You can buy rings in different sizes. Choose rings that are strong enough to hold many threads.
How to Put Thread on Rings
- Take one skein of thread.
- Open a ring.
- Put the ring through the hole in the paper band of the thread.
- Close the ring.
- Add more threads of the same color or similar colors to the ring. Or put all threads on one giant ring and sort later.
Storing Thread on Rings
Once your threads are on rings, where do you keep them?
* Hooks or pegs: Hang the rings on a pegboard or hooks on a wall. This looks colorful and keeps them in sight.
* In a box or basket: Put the rings in a box or basket. This keeps them together but they might tangle a bit.
* On a rod: Slide the rings onto a rod or dowel.
Rings are a very simple embroidery thread organizer. You can group colors or put them in number order on different rings.
Good Things and Not So Good Things About Rings
Good:
* Fastest way to get started.
* Paper color number stays with the thread.
* Easy to see colors if hung up.
Not So Good:
* Threads on a ring can still tangle with each other a little.
* Can be bulky if you have many threads on one ring.
* Threads can slip off the paper band.
Rings are great if you want a quick way to keep skeins together. They are a basic thread storage solution.
Other Ways to Store Thread
Besides bobbins, bags, and rings, there are other embroidery floss storage ideas.
- Small drawers or cabinets: You can get small sets of drawers. You can put colors in different drawers. Or put bobbins or bags inside the drawers. Clear plastic drawers are good because you can see inside.
- Storage towers: Some towers have many small drawers or trays that pull out. These can hold lots of thread.
- Project boxes: If you only need certain colors for one project, put them in a small box just for that project.
- Binder inserts: Some clear plastic sheets for binders have many small pockets. You can put small bits of thread in each pocket. This is good for leftover pieces.
- Simply sorted in a box: For a small collection, just sorting threads by color into a box or basket might be enough. Keep them loosely grouped. This helps prevent floss tangles compared to a free-for-all.
Choosing the right embroidery thread organizer is a personal choice. Think about what works best for you.
A Closer Look at DMC Floss Organization System
DMC is the most used brand of embroidery thread. It has a system of numbers for its colors. There are hundreds of colors. Most crafters who use DMC like to organise DMC floss by these numbers.
- Why use numbers? It is easy to find a color if you know the number. Patterns tell you which number to use. If you run out of a color, you know exactly which one to buy.
- How the system works: DMC colors have numbers, like 310 (black), 743 (yellow), 666 (bright red). The numbers go up and down, but not always in perfect order by color family. For example, blues might be in the 300s, 800s, and 900s.
The best way to follow the DMC floss organization system is to store your threads in number order.
- With bobbins: Store bobbins in a box or drawer in number order. Start with the lowest number you have (maybe 150) and go up to the highest (like 3865). This makes finding a specific number very fast.
- With bags: Store bags in a box, drawer, or binder in number order.
- With rings: You can make rings for groups of numbers (e.g., Ring 1 has numbers 150-300, Ring 2 has 301-450).
What to Do with Leftover Thread?
When you finish sewing, you often have short pieces of thread left. Do not throw these away! They are still good.
- Put them back: If the piece is long enough, wind it back onto the bobbin or put it back in the bag with the matching color.
- Use a scrap system: Have a separate place for small scraps. You can tie them together by color or put them in small baggies. These are good for small projects or testing stitches.
Using the DMC number system when you organize DMC floss makes life much easier for most embroidery projects.
Keeping Threads Neat: Prevent Floss Tangles
Once your threads are organized, you want to keep them that way. Tangles are messy and waste thread. Here’s how to prevent floss tangles:
- Use your system: Always put thread back in its place when you are done. Do not leave it out in a pile.
- Keep full skeins neat: When you get new thread, keep the paper band on it. If you are not putting it on a bobbin or in a bag right away, store the full skein neatly.
- Be careful when pulling strands: DMC thread has 6 strands. You usually use 1, 2, or 3 at a time. When you pull out strands, pull them out slowly and straight from the skein or bobbin. Do not just grab and pull hard. This is the most common way to make a big knot. Hold the skein or bobbin in one hand. With the other hand, gently pull one strand straight up. The other strands will gather a bit at the top. Keep pulling slowly. They should slide free.
- Do not cut the thread from the skein: If you are taking strands from a full skein, just pull them out. Do not cut the loop at the end of the skein. Cutting the loop makes the whole skein loose and much easier to tangle.
- Keep your workspace tidy: A messy work area leads to messy thread. Put things away when you finish with them.
Using bobbins or bags is the best way to prevent floss tangles because each color is separate.
Storing Embroidery Thread Safely
Besides staying neat, your thread needs care. Where and how you keep your thread matters. Good storing embroidery thread practices help it last a long time.
- Keep away from sunlight: Direct sun can make thread colors fade. Store your thread in a box, drawer, or cabinet away from windows.
- Keep away from dampness: Wet or damp places can cause mold on thread. Thread should be stored in a dry place. Plastic storage boxes are good because they keep air out a bit.
- Keep away from dirt and dust: Thread is like fabric; it can get dirty. Store it in closed containers to keep it clean.
- Think about insects: Some insects like to eat natural fibers. Storing thread in sealed plastic containers helps protect it.
Most craft rooms or living spaces are fine for storing embroidery thread. Just avoid basements that get wet, sunny windowsills, or dusty garages.
Which System is Right for You?
Now you know about different thread storage solutions. How do you choose the best embroidery thread organizer for yourself?
Think about these things:
* How much thread do you have? A few colors? Hundreds? Bobbins and boxes are good for many colors. Bags or rings might be easier for fewer colors.
* How much time do you want to spend? Winding bobbins takes the most time to set up. Bags and rings are faster.
* What is your budget? Bobbins and special storage boxes cost money. Zip-top bags are cheaper. Rings are also not very expensive.
* How do you use your thread? Do you work from patterns with color numbers (DMC floss organization system)? Then bobbins or bags stored by number are very helpful. Do you pick colors by looking at them? Sorting by color might be enough, maybe on rings or in bags.
* How much space do you have? Bobbin boxes stack well. Binders with bags take up shelf space. Hanging rings need wall space.
Let’s compare the main methods simply:
| Method | Setup Time | Finding Colors by Number | Finding Colors by Look | Prevents Tangles | Space Needed (for many threads) | Cost (start up) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobbins | High | Very Easy | Easy | Very Well | Medium (boxes stack) | Medium |
| Bags | Medium | Easy | Medium | Very Well | Medium (binders or boxes) | Low to Medium |
| Rings | Low | Harder | Easy | Okay | High (hanging needs space) | Low |
Consider trying one method for a small batch of thread first. See if you like it before you organize all your thread that way.
Getting Started with Your Chosen System
Once you pick a system, here is how to start the big job:
- Sort by brand: If you have different brands (DMC, Anchor, etc.).
- Sort by color or number: Decide if you will sort by color or use the brand’s number system (like the DMC floss organization system). If using numbers, start with one number group (like all the 300s).
- Prepare storage items: Get your bobbins, bags, or rings ready. Have your storage boxes or binders open.
- Process thread: Take one color at a time.
- If using bobbins: Wind embroidery thread onto the bobbin. Write the number. Put it in the storage box in number order.
- If using bags: Fold the thread. Put it in a bag. Write the number. Put it in storage (box or binder) in number order or color group.
- If using rings: Put the skein on a ring. Write the number on the paper band if needed. Put the ring away.
- Work in small steps: Do not try to do it all at once. Maybe do one color family each day. Or do it while watching a show.
- Label clearly: Make sure every bobbin or bag has a clear color number. If you sort by color but not number, maybe use labels on the storage box sections instead.
Getting your embroidery thread organized takes effort at first. But keeping it organized is much easier once you have a system. Use your embroidery thread organizer every time you finish with a thread. This will prevent floss tangles and keep your craft space happy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Organizing
Here are some common questions people ask about how to organise embroidery thread.
Q: Should I wind my thread tightly on bobbins?
A: No, wind it gently. Winding too tight can stretch or crease the thread. This can make it harder to sew with.
Q: My thread is very tangled right now. What do I do?
A: Try to untangle the worst knots first. For very bad tangles, it might be faster to cut out the big knots and save the usable lengths. Then treat the remaining pieces like leftover thread to be organized.
Q: How do I store metallic or specialty threads?
A: Metallic and other special threads can be tricky. They can be more likely to tangle or break. Using bobbins or small bags is a good way to keep them safe and separate. Store them just like your cotton floss, maybe in a separate section of your organizer.
Q: I have threads from old kits with no numbers. How do I organize these?
A: If you do not have the original paper band with a number, you can only sort these threads by color. Put all the blues together, all the reds together, etc. You will find colors by looking at them, not by number. You can add these to your main color-sorted system or keep them separate.
Q: How can I make sure my storage is acid-free?
A: Most plastic storage made for crafts or photos is safe. Look for products labeled “acid-free” or “archival safe” if this is important to you. Cardboard bobbins or boxes are generally fine for thread.
Q: Is it okay to store thread on the cone or tube it came on?
A: Yes, if the thread came on a cone or tube (like some specialty threads or larger amounts). You can store these cones standing up in a box or on a shelf. These are already a form of thread storage solutions.
Q: What if I have a huge amount of thread?
A: For large collections, a mix of systems might work best. Use a full DMC floss organization system with bobbins and boxes for your numbered thread. Use bags or color sorting for threads without numbers. Consider using larger storage like small cabinets or multiple stacking boxes.
Wrapping Up Your Thread Organization Journey
Taking control of your embroidery thread chaos is a great feeling. It makes your hobby more fun and less stressful. By sorting your floss by color, choosing a good embroidery thread organizer like bobbins or bags, finding great thread storage solutions like special boxes, and learning how to prevent floss tangles, you set yourself up for crafting success.
Whether you decide to wind embroidery thread onto bobbins for a strict DMC floss organization system, or use bags for quick storing embroidery thread, the important thing is to have a plan. Keep your threads away from light and dampness. Put them back in their spot after you use them. Your future self, the one who needs that specific shade of blue right now, will thank you! Choose the method that fits you, gather your supplies, and start putting your beautiful thread collection in order. Happy stitching!