I have a cat, so threads on the floor are a big no no. My aunt, who is also a quilter, has a cat that ate a thread and the surgery cost $1200! I use a thread catcher and it works great! There a quite a few patterns for them out there. Mine goes everywhere with me whether I am quilting or doing counted-cross stitch. Also, when I am done sewing I do a floor and table check for threads and pins. I can't be too careful.