Thread storage. I sat on that problem for years. Previous method: 5 shoe box size plastic containers sitting on the floor, colors sorted into small plastic sandwich bags. Not an efficient method for finding a color match.
These magic ArtBin Thread Boxes were my Christmas booty from Greg’s annual pilgrimage with the girls to buy Mom gifts at the fabric store. OK, they didn’t know enough to buy THREE, they bought one and I loved it so much I ordered two more online during a half-price sale. They all beamed because me ordering more meant they did good. I always keep everyone guessing because I say I love everything and use it too so they never really know if I like something or not!
There are several features that make these work for me. There are two trays in each box. The trays lift out so I can see the colors and make a match. The lids lock. I tend to move piles around a lot and stack things on top of each other. Invariably containers get flipped over. Flexible configuration. I removed the spool tray from one of the bins so the large spools of quilting cotton can lay on their sides.
Cons: once sorted by color numbers I had to face exactly how many duplicates I’d purchased over time!
Ohhh, I have thread envy!!!
Thread storage is an issue of mine too. Mine’s currently all in a bucket. Not cool. I need to check those out!
My spools are all thrown in a Longaberger basket which sits on top of my kitchen cupboards.
That’s fantastic! How did you know that I was digging through Grandma’s old copper bowl today looking for the right thread? Seriously. it’s that bad. Thanks so much for the great solution.
Ooooooooohhhhhh. I have container envy. I have thread envy. I store my cotton sewing threads in an old cookie tin (Lazzaroni amaretto cookies, delish), my polyesters and rayons in ziploc bags in the same tin, and my quilting and heavy threads in a separate cardboard box. I probably don’t have enough threads to even fill one tray.
I know what you mean about duplicates. I sometimes find a spool and think, when did I ever buy this? And I always forget to check when I’m at the store, but it’s amazing the number of times the quilting thread is over in the sewing thread section, or the polyesters are in the cottons. By the time I realize I’ve gotten the wrong type of thread, I usually need the right type for a project or it’s weeks after I bought it.
oh my goodness kathy! you do have some thread!!
Wow! That’s a lot of thread! I thought I had a lot, but not compared to you. You must never have trouble finding just what you need. Good for you though, getting it all organized!
What a great solution to the problem all of us crafting / quilting / sewing fans have. I have never seen anything like this in Australia. Definitely need to check those out!
Ooooooh, I like these! I have various storage thingys, but these look like they would work better than what I have. (going to check and see if they are still on sale!)
WOW! That is some thread collection Kathy!! As soon as I stop drooling over all the thread you have, I just might take a moment to be a bit jealous!:) No, I think I will just go out and buy one of those containers and try it out for myself. I have a basket full of thread and digging around in it to find a color isn’t fun. I’ve always looked at them while they are on sale and end up passing up the opportunity to buy one. Now that you have given it the “Kathy Seal of Approval,” I think I will buy one.
Wow! I can see that a little 120 spool wall rack would not have worked for you. These are great.
thank you for sharing this! so many people tell me to use a wall rack – but i don’t want to give up wall space (i have too many other things i want to hang on the wall). and the plastic bin i currently use doesn’t lock…i am going to look into these!
Those thread containers look fabulous. I also have issues with how to store my thread, but the one thing I don’t see anywhere is how do you store the bobbin with the matching thread? Is there enough room in these containers to keep the bobbin with the thread? How do you deal with this?
Funny, I’m afraid that I will find many duplicates when I finally get around to buying one of those boxes. (yes, I’ve had my eyes on the same ones.) But, I guess that’s a good thing now that you are organized you probably won’t be buying extras because you will know for sure you already have it.
I have a serious cast of thread envy.
Robin: I’ve thought about that too. I know there are clips that can keep the bobbin attached to the spool of thread but I haven’t researched brands. There’s enough room on top of a Gutterman or Mettler spool with the lid closed for a bobbin to also sit on top of the thread.
Please leave a comment if you know what these are called and where they can be found!
I’m so jealous! That’s what I asked for on my Christmas list – but didn’t get it.
Oh! I have one of these as well. It’s quite nice! Yay for organization! However, it doesn’t hold the thicker spoons very well so my thread doesn’t looks so nice and neat.
WOW… I only dream about owning that many spools of thread!!! But when I do I want some of those boxes you have, what a great idea… I currently have the whole 20 that I own now in an old tin.
I have a little tiny version of those boxes for my thread, and a drawer full of cut pieces from an unmade quilt:(
Hi!
Love all the threads, it looks great with all the colours…a feast for the eyes!
Barbara
Oh my!! That is too cool. I need to get a set up like that. Thanks for sharing.
Wow look how much cotton you have, I probably have only 35 cotton rees ! Clearly I need to go and buy some more !
I recently got a similar box and it has changed my thread searching life. I only have one box though. Before that I had spools in lots of different places. The box was just what I needed.
Where do you buy these great thread containers, I live in Nova Scotia Canada. I would like to purchase a few.
Good write-up. I definitely love this website. Thanks!