Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
How-to

Reader Tips

Readers share their suggestions for thread storage

I recently wrote two posts asking for your help. In the first I asked you how you stored your thread; in the second I asked for your advice in sewing with fancy fabrics. Many of you responded to my queries with creative and practical information. In case you didn’t have the opportunity to read the comments, I’d like to share some of the terrific suggestions with you.

Creative ideas for storing thread:
*Several readers use transparent fishing tackle boxes that open on both sides and have small divided compartments ideal for thread.

*Some use wooden spool racks hanging on the wall with dust covers made to fit. Plastic straws extend the length of the dowels to allow more thread to fit on each dowel. Many readers made their own wooden racks and some hung the rack inside their closet to keep light away.

*One reader uses white photo storage boxes and stores all of her like-colored notions (zippers, tape, ribbon and thread) in each box.

*Bre22 obtained an old, wooden library card-catalog cabinet, and she stores her thread and miscellaneous notions in it’s narrow drawers.

*JosBoutique uses a clear, over-the-door shoe storage bag for thread and other notions in one of her bedrooms that doubles as a sewing room.

*Several readers use plastic, multiple drawer, roll-around carts to store thread and other notions.

*AnnieLaurie uses a large plastic case containing 32 tiny, clear plastic drawers which are perfect for all of her thread and other small notions allowing her to find what she wants at a glance.

*Clear plastic zipper bags are popular to store thread and other notions.

*Consuelo uses stackable, locking plastic containers–the kind that snap together–to store all of her sewing supplies.

*Preemiestuff stores her thread and notions in an old dresser. She made drawer dividers to separate her notions and labeled the outside of each drawer.

*A couple of readers use Hot Wheels car cases that have changeable inserts perfect for storing sewing notions.

*Thirdnorn wraps her bobbin and matching thread in Glad Press-n Seal and then stores her thread “packages” in a ziplock bag.

*Nujoi1908 swears by ArtBin Super Stachel storage products. They have an entire line of various plastic storage containers that fit into rolling racks. They’re a little pricey, but amazingly adaptable.

*Violynclassic uses a computer desk and cabinet as a sewing workstation with plastic containers filled with her notions on the shelves. She puts her sewing machine on the keyboard shelf and stores her serger in the file area.

*Some readers use rolling red shop-storage units for their notions and supplies.

*JustStitchin has a double-sided room divider that opens to 14 cubby/cupboards that she uses to store her sewing supplies. When the divider is closed, you wouldn’t know anything was stored within!

*Steen hung 2 lengths of lightweight chain from a wall shelf with the chains about 14 inches apart. She suspends wooden dowels between the links in the chains and stores her thread spools end-to-end on the dowels.

*Many sewers store their bobbins in containers specifically designed for the task.

*Some readers use plastic pencil cases carefully labeled to store their thread.

*Sewinggal1 recycled her old thread spools by decorating a vine wreath with colorful spools in groups of 3 and additional ribbons, buttons, and other trims adding to the decoration. She hung the wreath in her sewing room for some sewing cheer.

Advice for fancy fabric sewing:
*Since fancy fabric is costly, measure carefully so that you don’t end up buying extra fabric you didn’t plan to buy.

*Take the time to make a muslin first. It will help you determine the exact measurements you’ll need, and help avoid sewing pitfalls while working with the expensive fabric.

*Use fine silk thread for construction. It will eliminate bulk, and it blends in with the fabric more effectively since it’s so thin. It’s more costly, but there’s more on a spool.

*Be extra careful when pressing. Take a couple of scraps and test your iron’s temperature on the scraps. Make sure your iron has warmed up sufficiently before doing the test. High heat particularly from steam can quickly ruin many fancy fabrics. If your iron doesn’t have a setting specifically for the fabric you’re using, start with a cooler iron and increase the temperature gradually. Reduce the heat immediately and let the iron cool if you encounter any sticking or other problem.

Got any more tips to add to the mix? If so, post them below.
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Discuss

  1. cloudyhn | | #1

    I like every single idea that you had gathered here. We are about finishing our basement and I will have my own sewing room for the first time :) This helps me come up with my idea for storing threads too. Thanks for sharing with us.

    More than just sewing - Cloudyhn

  2. barbcp | | #2

    My tip is organizing. Several of the magazines come with
    pattern pull-out sheets,I put the pattern in a see thru
    Page Protector Sheet, but I measure the sheet Protector
    to the inside back cover. Trim the top edge and the
    binder hole edge. Put double stick tape on the folded
    edge and match to the edge of the magazine inside back cover. insert the pull-out pattern sheet.

  3. mags | | #3

    My tip has to do with patterns. How many of us get to the store where we buy commercial patterns, but forget the number(s) of the one(s) we just have to have? When there's one I really "need," I write the number and company on a sticky note and place it inside my pocket calendar (or for higher tech people, you could enter it on your iphone or whatever). Then it's in my purse and ready to access when I do get to the store!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More