Yes, you can organize embroidery floss effectively using a system based on your workspace, project style, and budget—ranging from simple zip-top bags to elaborate wall-mounted displays. The best method keeps your threads visible, tangle-free, and easy to access, so you spend more time stitching and less time searching.
Why Organization Matters
Embroidery floss is usually sold in small 8.7-yard (8-meter) skeins, and a single project can easily use 20 to 40 different colors. Without a system, floss becomes a tangled nest, and you risk buying duplicates of colors you already own. A good organization method protects your thread from dust, moisture, and sunlight, which can fade or weaken the fibers. It also lets you see at a glance what you have, making color selection faster and more enjoyable.
Common Floss Storage Options
There are several popular ways to store floss, each with its own strengths. Most stitchers choose one or combine a few.
- Plastic storage boxes with dividers: These are the classic choice. They come in various sizes, often with adjustable dividers, and are inexpensive. You can store floss in small bags or on bobbins inside the compartments.
- Bobbin boxes: These are specifically designed to hold floss wound onto plastic or cardboard bobbins. They often have a built-in organizer with slots for each bobbin, and many have a place to write the color number.
- Floss-away bags: These are clear, resealable bags that fit on metal rings, like a mini binder for thread. You place one skein per bag, and the bags hang in a binder or on a hook. They keep floss visible and tangle-free.
- Drawer organizers: If you have a large stash, using a deep drawer with small containers or compartmentalized trays can work well. You can sort by color family or number.
- Wall-mounted racks or pegboards: For a craft room, you can wind floss onto bobbins and store them on pegboard hooks or in specially designed wall racks. This is space-efficient and beautiful, but it exposes floss to light and dust.
How to Wind Floss onto Bobbins
Winding floss onto bobbins is a popular method because it keeps threads neat and makes it easy to see the color. Here is the standard process:
- Unfold the skein and find the loose end. Do not cut the paper band yet—it has the color number.
- Hold the skein with the paper band facing you. Locate the thread end that is tucked under the band.
- Pull that end out gently, then wrap the thread around the bobbin, starting at the notch or slot.
- Wind the floss around the bobbin in a smooth, even layer. Do not pull too tight, or you will stretch the thread.
- When you reach the end, tuck the loose end into the slit on the bobbin to secure it.
- Write the color number on the bobbin (or use a pre-printed bobbin).
If you prefer not to wind, you can store skeins as they are in floss-away bags or small zip-top bags. Just make sure to keep the paper band with the number.
Sorting Systems: By Number or Color
There are two main ways to sort your floss: by manufacturer’s color number or by color family. Both have pros and cons.
- By number: This is the most common for cross-stitchers and those who follow patterns. It makes it easy to find a specific thread called for in a chart. You can sort numerically within a brand (e.g., DMC, Anchor, or J&P Coats).
- By color: This is great for freehand embroidery or when you want to pick a palette. Group threads into color families (reds, blues, greens, etc.) and then within each family, you can sort by shade from light to dark.
Many stitchers use a hybrid: they sort by color family, but within each family, they keep the numbers in order. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Labeling and Inventory
To make your system truly effective, label everything. Write the color number on the bobbin or bag. If you use a box with compartments, you can label the outside of the box or the dividers. For a large stash, consider creating a simple inventory list on paper or in a spreadsheet. Note the brand, number, and quantity you own. This helps you avoid buying duplicates and makes it easy to know what you need for a project.
If you have multiple brands, be aware that not all floss colors are identical. DMC, Anchor, and other brands have their own numbering systems, and a color match between brands is not guaranteed. Always use the brand specified in your pattern, or test for colorfastness if you substitute.
Portable Storage for On-the-Go
If you stitch while traveling or at a stitch night, you need a portable solution. A small plastic box with a few bobbins of the colors you need is simple. Floss-away bags on a ring are also portable—you can take just the rings you need. Another option is a fabric roll-up case with pockets for individual skeins or bobbins. These are lightweight and fit easily in a tote bag.
When packing for travel, avoid storing floss loose in a bag where it can tangle. Always secure the ends, either by winding on bobbins or using a small piece of tape to hold the skein together.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with a system, you may run into issues. Here are some frequent problems and how to solve them.
- Tangled floss: This usually happens when you pull a single strand from a loose skein. Always wind your floss onto bobbins or use floss-away bags to prevent tangling. If you keep skeins in a bag, make sure the end is tucked in.
- Losing color numbers: The paper band on a skein is easy to lose. Write the number on the bobbin or bag immediately. If you lose the band, you can try to match the color to a chart, but it is not always accurate.
- Dust and fading: If you store floss in a drawer or on a shelf, it can collect dust. Use a closed container or keep your storage area clean. Avoid displaying floss in direct sunlight, as it will fade over time.
- Running out of space: As your stash grows, you may need to upgrade. Consider moving to a larger box, adding more rings, or using a drawer system. If you have floss you no longer use, consider donating it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep embroidery floss from tangling?
Wind the floss onto bobbins or store each skein in a separate bag. Always pull the thread from the end, not the middle. If you are using a skein, you can also use a floss holder or a small piece of cardboard to keep the strands separate.
Should I store floss in the original paper band?
You can, but the band can tear or get lost. It is better to write the number on a bobbin or a small label. If you keep the band, you can also slip it into the floss-away bag with the skein.
What is the best way to store floss for cross stitch?
For cross stitch, sorting by number is usually best because patterns call for specific DMC or Anchor numbers. Bobbin boxes or floss-away bags on rings work well because they keep the numbered threads in order and easy to find.
Can I use a regular tackle box for floss?
Yes, a tackle box with adjustable dividers works perfectly. Just make sure the compartments are large enough for your bobbins or bags. Many stitchers use tackle boxes because they are durable and portable.
How do I store floss that is already in a project?
If you are working on a project, you can use a small floss organizer or a piece of cardboard with slots to keep the active threads separate. This prevents them from tangling while you work.
Is it okay to store floss in plastic bags?
Yes, as long as the bags are clean and dry. Avoid storing floss in airtight bags for long periods, as moisture can cause mildew. Use resealable bags and make sure the floss is completely dry before storing.
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