Happy Friday! Thanks again for all of the support and the terrific suggestions that are coming in through comments, emails, and Instagram (find me over on IG at @sherrimcconnell). Another IG note: if you’d like to post progress photos there I’m going to start using the hashtag #organizewithaquiltinglife.
Day Five: Organize Thread and Bobbins.
Today’s task is to organize all of your thread and bobbins. For some of you this might be an easy task…for others it might be a major undertaking. I’m in the second group: I have literally been sewing and collecting thread since I was 10 years old. As I’ve thought about it this week, I think it is the mix of color that I absolutely love. I did get rid of some of my older threads about a year and half ago (the last time I did a major clean up in my sewing room), but I still have some of those older ones around.
I use mostly Aurifil for piecing and generally use 2000 (cream–works great for all Fig Tree sewing), 2024 (my favorite white), and 2600 (perfect grey) for the majority of my machine piecing. Since I live at least an hour away from any quilt shops that carry good thread I like having a range of colors available at home. I’ve splurged on a couple of boxes of Aurifil designer threads when they were on sale to get my current mix of colors. (There is an Aurifil Fig Tree collection coming out soon that I know I’m going to have to get, too).
I like having my thread where I can see it…it’s such a treat for the eyes! Earlier this year I purchased my wall spool rack from Home Decorator’s. I’ve really, really been happy with it. You can search “spool rack” on Amazon, and lots of choices will come up. There are also lots of options at Joann’s for organizing thread and bobbins.
For bobbin storage, you can’t go wrong with the bobbin donuts, readily available at quilt and craft shops (I actually found the red one at the hardware store in my little town). I like to have lots of neutral bobbins wound and ready to sew with. This is especially helpful when you are taking a class or attending a retreat. Having a donut full of colored bobbins is a great way to take applique threads “on the go” too.
I also have a little plastic bobbin box for some additional bobbin storage. The upside to this container is that the plastic lid keeps everything dust-free, but in my case, the lid has also come off with all of the bobbins then falling out…
This box stays in the closet. I literally haven’t used any of these threads in years, but I justify keeping them just in case I need one of these colors for a craft project someday…they are organized and don’t take up too much space, so I guess I’m okay to keep them.
I stock up on neutral Aurifil thread spools and keep them in a box in the closet too.
So…organize your threads and bobbins by using whatever storage system works best for you; keep what you love, and donate those things you know you won’t be using. Add anything you might think you need to your shopping list. And have fun!
I had originally thought about doing this post next week, but since I’m not covering embroidery threads or floss in any of the other posts, I decided to make this the Friday post. If you have other types of floss, threads or yarns, then this weekend is a good time to work on sorting and organizing those, too.
Thanks so much for stopping by–happy organizing and happy sewing!
Melody says
Wow, you would be drawn to this space all the time. So well organised and very pretty too.
Dora, the Quilter says
I keep a thick pony-tail band around my plastic box of bobbins–and if I forget to put it on, I almost always knock it off the table! ;-D
mascanlon says
I keep lots of my threads in plastic boxes I got at Walmart in the Toy department. They are designed for HotWheels! They open on both sides and have 48 compartments, 24 a side. and my sewing table has a couple of inserts that hold thread so most of it is kept dust free. I have been admiring your rack though since I first saw it last year 😉
Julie says
I'm pretty organized, but am enjoying your posts. There is always something to think about in other's ideas. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Barb Gibney says
Ok….i must say, I am enjoying this. My sewing room is looking more organized and neater by the day. I did take some before pictures so it will be fun to share the before and after. Its even been fun to purge a bit. Lol my sister buys those little coloured hair scrunchie looking pony holders andwraps those arou nd the bobbins colouring co-ordinating them. I keep saying im going to do that. Maybe this will be the time I finally do. Thanks for the organizational challenges. Keep them coming
threadbear says
Aurifil is on sale at the Fat Quarter shop! Including the new Fig Tree colors. 20% off!
Carm says
I seem to always be trying to get everything organized,LOL! Would love to have a thread rack like yours! I have so much floss I can't keep it in one container. I've had several people give me floss one person even sent some home with one of my sons. It was wound onto bobbins and in plastic floss boxes. I share with a friend when she doesn't have a color and some of my GC. So many hobbies so much thread!!!!!!!!!!!
AnnieO says
Great ideas! My sewing space is our former family and is open to the whole house, making storage a problem, especially wall space! All my thread is in a wheeled scrapbook storage drawer tower. I like the scrapbook storage drawers because they are lidded and keep out dust. Happy organizing!
Billy'sgirl says
I want one of those wall spool racks! Talk about organization that looks pretty as well! I'm loving the Aurifil thread boxes, and would love to display all the glorious colors I have. I saw the new Fig Tree box on a Quilt Market video! I have to have those colors!
Joy says
I am really loving the suggestions for storing and organization. I do not have a sewing room yet…waiting for one of the kids to move out. I am taking over a computer cabinet, which no one uses and am enjoying setting it up for me!
susiefloozie says
Sherri, you're killing me! There is no way I can get each step done in the small amount of time you give us. YIKES! Too much to do and most definitely not enough time! Love the ideas. Maybe I'll have it all done by the end of the year! ;-D
Laura says
Thanks for sharing this. I'd never thought about storing LOTS of neutral bobbins already made up. What a great idea, that will definitely help me be less frustrated when I'm quilting!
Quilting Focus says
Thread storage is always a tricky one, just when you think you've got it sussed, along comes a different sized spool you just have to have!
I wrote an article for Quilting Focus, a quilting directory site, and included a link to a really cute tutorial to make a thread storage race from an embroidery hoop. Not practical for heaps and heaps of spools, but lovely to hang a few vintage wooden reels on the wall perhaps.
quilt room organisation