Even Better Thread Storage

I am constantly on a quest to improve my “studio”. I recently reorganized my thread and I really like the new system.Here’s what I started with and it worked pretty well actually. I kept my threads in zip lock baggies by type, and then kept those in this cubby hole system. The only thing that really bugged me about it was that it was visually messy. (There was also a bunch of thread on twirling spindles out of sight of the photo).A few trips to discount and I found these to be the perfect solution. I labeled each drawer and now it’s so easy to find the right thread. I even have room to have one drawer labeled “Weird Threads”, giggle!It's great to be able to see my thread choicesI can pull out the drawer and easily see my choices….or just pull the whole drawer (or two or three) out and choose from there. By the way, I have TWO drawers of silk thread, snort!Just for old time’s sake I kept 2 of my old spinner racks (64 spools each)-they are just too well-made to retire them!

I know many of you have lovely studios with lots of room and light and storage and if you’re one of them and have proper built-in drawers for your thread, I’m jealous and don’t want to hear about it! But if you’re looking for a compact and inexpensive option, this works pretty well.

Jenny

25 Comments

  1. iamaquilter2 on December 13, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    Thank you Jenny for the idea. I need to get mine out of the shoe boxes.



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:38 pm

      I’m not saying this is the best of the best! If shoe boxes work for you, keep at it!



  2. anita Marshall on December 13, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    Looks good, but how do you keep the thread from unraveling?



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:39 pm

      I keep each spool tidy with the spool cap or sometimes I have to put a little whatchamacallit around it-thread girdle? I don’t know, those little net thingys.



  3. Roxane Lessa on December 13, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    Yup I like this better than my boxes too.



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:39 pm

      I do like being able to see them easily-it’s cheap too-found mine at WalMart.



  4. snarkyquilter on December 13, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    I can tell I’m a neophyte at thread collection since what I have fits into one large drawer, plus the almost empty spools I keep around for hand sewing. I was thrilled to finally figure out that I could pop off the top of some spools, tuck the thread end in, and put the top back on.



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      What’s so funny though is that compared to embroidery people, I have a low inventory!



  5. Missie Carpenter on December 13, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    Looks good! I have mine in drawers too. Unfortunately my drawers are filling up! I better get busy and use some up!



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:41 pm

      Oh that’s the fun part-using the thread Missie!!



  6. quiltfever on December 13, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    Wow, what a thread stash! My thread (besides a couple of boxed sets) fits in 2 recycled plastic (Swiffer Wet Mopping cloth) containers.



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:42 pm

      Love the recycling-Swiffer Storage System you should call it! I never think of myself as having a big thread stash but I guess when you go “public”, then you know!



  7. Laura Conowitch on December 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    I have mine stored in baggies too, but they will be in drawers whenever Hubby finishes making the cabinets. I love the idea of just opening up a drawer and seeing all the pretty colors!



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:43 pm

      Oh lucky you-not only will you have proper drawers, but a hubby who makes them:-))



  8. Janet Becker on December 13, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    It’s so clear that I’m just a lightweight when it comes to thread!!!!! I keep mine in dividers by color in the top drawer of the dresser full of my sewing supplies in my sewing area. As I’m a lightweight… they all seem to fit! You are inspiring me to break open my mind and believe that beige thread does not fit every need… expensive as the thread may be! Thanks Jenny!!!!!



    • jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:44 pm

      Oh Janet, thread are my shoes I guess-other women lust after shoes, I think I never have enough thread! Really though, there are so many cool threads out there-ie ever tried Rainbows by Superior? Yummmm!



  9. quirksltd on December 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    I try to accumulate thread on ‘by-project’ basis, but I’m always running out. I just need to find a way to get every color of every thread ever made…then I’ll probaby only run out late at night when I’m 2″ short of the finish!!!



  10. jennyklyon on December 13, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    Kathy I suspect you are to thread as I am to beads! I keep beads on a “by project” basis, you keep thread by project. I think you need to go buy more fun thread and I need to buy more fun beads-deal?



  11. treadlemusic on December 14, 2012 at 1:36 am

    Your threads are gorgeous and that organizer is super!!! Way to go!!!! Hugs……..



    • jennyklyon on December 14, 2012 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks! It’s a tough life….



      • treadlemusic on December 14, 2012 at 11:30 pm

        Yes and you are bearing up admirably!!!



  12. leeanne on December 14, 2012 at 3:31 am

    I have the same storage for all my threads!



  13. jennyklyon on December 14, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Great minds….!



  14. Franki Kohler on December 17, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    Drawers are absolutely the way to go. Good job.



  15. jennyklyon on December 18, 2012 at 12:02 am

    Yes, but I’m jealous of real drawers for storage!