Creative ways for storing threads and bobbins
 

I was on Pinterest looking for ways to organize threads and bobbins, and some of the displays are phenomenal. Unfortunately, I can't use things that hang on walls or buy extra cabinets because my sewing is done in a corner of my bedroom or my kitchen table. So...I need bin storage that would fit in a dresser drawer or under the bed.

How can I manipulate a flat bin to accommodate threads and matching bobbins without them rolling around when I move them? How do you store yours?

I bought the thread boxes from Connecting threads. Each one holds 48 spools of thread, and they open on both sides. I put the bobbins with the matching thread color. These are not great big so easy to store, and there not expensive either!
I have three and really like them, keep my thread clean too.

How about one of those under bed storage tubs on wheels? If your bed is too low you can place bed risers ( sold at Walmart) under each leg of the bed. Great for fabric storage as well. I have quite a bit of thread stored in plastic carrying cases. Each case has different types, for instance, I have all my Aurifil in one, small spools for taking to classes and workshops in another, cones for quilting in one, and orphan threads in another. I hung my serger threads on racks behind the door. HTH

I purchase small plastic bags from the jewelry craft area a WalMart. I put my spool of thread and bobbin in one bag together. They are then stored in a plastic box. It works because it keeps my thread and bobbin together and they do not get tangled. I do this with all my threads because I transport them to guild and UFO's. The plastic bags come in various sizes, but WalMart only has a couple of them. Hobby Lobby has a large number of sizes. They are not expensive and I use the larger ones to store and transport my cut squares for piecing.

This is exactly how I do it. My dollar store has small Ziploc bags in the craft/jewelry area 3"x4"?? The reason I like this method is there are no strings hanging around which seems to be the case with all other methods.

I bought very small round fabric type elastic at Walmart to put around my bobbins and they fit just fine in a bobbin case. Hope that makes sense.

hm...the little baggies may work because I too don't like all the tangled threads. I like the mini ponytails for the bobbins too. Good ideas, thanks!

I have 2 machines that use different size bobbins. Those I keep in separate bobbin cases and are labeled 401 and the other 2662. The threads are kept in larger boxes. I have orphan threads for piecing and doing yo yos and hexies which are kept in clear plastic bags away from the others. they are all in a tool box with couple layers for machine and hand sewing.

I used to store my thread on a board that hung on the wall with spindles on it. I quit doing that because the thread got dusty. I don't keep my bobbins and thread together. I primarily use grey, beige or white thread for piecing so have a few bobbins of each color wound. When I need a specific color of thread I either find a bobbin that is already wound with a color that is near that same color or wind about as much as I think it will take on a bobbin. I don't worry about an exact match because you don't look at both sides together anyway. The best bobbin box I have found is one made by Singer. It clear plastic with a hinged lid. It has indentations for the bobbins to rest in so once placed in it they don't move around. If I place the thread end so it is on the bottom I don't have any tangling problem. I found that an empty Crystal Light container holds four spools of Aurifil thread which makes a good dust free container for it. Other thread I have in clear shoe boxes.

I use pipe cleaners (cheap) through the thread spool and bobbin and twist together at the top of the bobbin. Works great! To keep the thread from unwinding from the bobbin, I give the thread a little tug when I finish winding it up. It kind of sticks between a couple of threads. Then the spool and bobbin pairs can go in a box or drawer, and they don't roll around. Because of the pipe cleaner.

I have always struggled with this. I do embroidery, also, so I tend to collect a lot of thread. I used to keep it on a wooden thread rack, but the thread was getting dusty. I then went to flat plastic storage boxes with wooden dowels (that I hot glued on) to hold the threads. I now use the Connecting Threads boxes and love them. I don't store my bobbins with the thread but there is room for that if you want that. I love theses boxes, as the other poster said, they don't take a ton of space.

I went to a class at a local sewing machine store and a lady's DH put a piece of pegboard in the bottom of a storage case. He then put short dowels in the holes and she put her thread on the pegs. She said it was cheaper than the conventional thread boxes and easy to take to class because she had all her embroidery thread with her. I thought it was a great idea.

Those thread cases from Connecting Threads look wonderful! And to hold 46 spools would be more than enough room. Now I'll have to browse the site for other things...:)

I have a plastic case that has 44 spaces for thread 22 on each side, but I keep bobbins in a clear bobbin case. I got this case in a thrift store for $1. so I can't recommend a source.

Although I don't do this, I would think for easy access you could use muffin tins in a drawer. You could keep a spool with its bobbin in each cup, see them at a glance, not even have to take the whole bin out of the dresser drawer . Of course if you DO want to move it all it once, you'd have to carry it carefully.

What about styrofoam egg cartons? Again, not something I've tried, but you'd have separate compartments for small spools and bobbins, with lid, in this "case."

Don't overlook plastic cases in sporting goods for fishing tackle supplies or in hardware stores for storing various items.

I use the clear plastic boxes the kids use for Hot Wheel Cars, it works great for thread. For my Bobbins I use the little Singer clear plastic bobbin boxes works for me. The Hot Wheel Boxes open on bot sides which gives you lots of room for spools.

Good Morning someone gave me 2 cases with the spindles in them for threads, you are more than welcome to both of them if you like? I have no use for them and you could fill them up and slide them under the bed? Or put them in the closet. They are like little plastic suitcases LOL I don't know how to describe them, but they are yours if you want them? Rachel

Can you post a link for the Connecting Threads thread boxes?

I have a plastic box from Joann 's (I think, I've had it fro several years). I use it when I go somewhere for more than a few days and intend to sew while I'm there. :-) It has places for your thread and I put the bobbin under the matching thread. There's also 2 spaces for misc stuff like small scissors, needles, thimble, etc.

Storing threads and bobbins
 

I have a wooden box with a lid, but any box would work. My threads cones fit, a drinking straw is cut to fit inside with enough sticking out the top of the cone to hold the bobbin. Everything stays together.

I use the snack size baggies , or larger, for the spool of thread with its matching bobbins. I use pony tail elastics to keep the thread wound around the bobbin. Works for me!

Great information! Thanks

I use these too.

I use Q-tips. Stick it in the center of spool & put the bobbin with matching thread.

I use two different methods: first, a wooden rack, commercially made. I had to modify it because the little dowels were too short to hold my small cones. Drinking straws work wonderfully and they fit snuggly over the dowels. I cut the straw in half, fit it onto the dowel and now have room for the cone and its bobbin. Which brings me to the second storage method. At the hardware store, in the plumbing department is clear tubing. I get the 1 inch outside diameter tube (you buy it by the foot) and use my hose cutter to cut 1/4 inch slices. Then I cut them open (into a "C" shape). These fit perfectly over my bobbin, are easy to put on and take off, and because it is clear, I can see what color thread is on the bobbin. Out of a foot of tubing, you can cut a WHOLE BUNCH of bobbin minders (and it only cost about $1.00)

I use the thread boxes from Connecting Threads for spooled thread, a flat plastic container to stack cones on layer deep, rubber ring for neutral thread on bobbins for each machine, and small plastic fishing tackle case for colored thread on bobbins. Connecting Threads box and fishing tackle case open on both sides for easy access.

A separate flat plastic box holds specialty threads either in medicine bottles or plastic bags. Nylon thread with bobbin in medicine bottle; hand quilting thread in plastic bag; buttonhole and carpet thread in another plastic bag.

My rules are: visibility, accessibility, and no tangles!

I forgot to mention that the bobbins fit nicely over the straws, so I can keep my bobbin with the thread.

The connecting thread box for thread storage http://www.connectingthreads.com/Too...r__D82068.HTML

looks like the matchbox type boxes that I got at Walmart several years ago for like $5

Here's my solution. Note that I also use the plastic tubing to keep the bobbin thread in place.

I checked the connecting threads website and couldn't find anything like this. Do you have any other info on how to find it? Thanks

papple00 .... here is a link to the Connecting Threads page.

http://www.connectingthreads.com/too...___D82068.html

If they aren't already taken I will buy them, just private message me with your price. I need something to hold my antique wooden spools in until my new sewing room is done with the remodel. Thank you
Jeri

How about Cone thread containers? Anyone have ideas about them? I buy cones a lot so I have a good supply of neutral thread for piecing and for SID (can't do FMQ yet). The cones don't really fit on the wooden spindle holders. Speaking of which I was given a large piece of (ack..can't remember the name of the board with holes in it) board that had 2 of the spool thread holders attached to it, what a great idea, of course it is old so I'll have to disassemble, clean and get new (hole board) & attach the spool holders to...PEG BOARD..thats the name of the board with holes in it DUH me. So close to having my newly remodeled sewing room I can taste it, getting it painted at the end of this month then flooring put it & set everything up it's going to be awesome to be able to turn around in without bumping into or knocking something over in.
Jeri...excited beginner!!

Carol45, I have two large containers of leg screws and bolts. Now I know what to do with them, if my grandson's allow me to. This is one of their fav toys. I do use the plastic tubing and wrap around my bobbins. They stay so nice.

Harbor Freight has sectioned plastic boxes like the hot wheels boxes only much cheaper. Works very well for keeping threads oganized and ready to go. Matching bobbin would probably go into each section with its thread. I haven't done that, I keep my bobbins in a small 3-drawer box my mom used for "trinkets".

If you know any one who has a baby using the fist solid foods, the ones that come in rectangular plastic containers with lids, have them save a bunch for you. They hold the thread and several bobbins. They are durable and can last a long time. To store in a drawer, you could put the whole lot in some flat basket or other container.

I have seen those wonderful things with the little spindles, but I worry about dust. I like mine in plastic boxes. I've got five of these, and there is room for bobbins to stay with the thread of its color so that I do not get confused.

I bought some thread holders at Wal Mart and couldn't get any more so got some from connecting threads. I label and store by colors so when I want a particular color I look at boxes, grab the right one, have lots of thread in colors from sewing clothes etc. Have a box of button/craft and quilting thread. Keeps it clean and bobbin stays with spool and labeling makes what I am looking for as I have a very small 6-8 sq ft. to store everything and have to have it organized. Material in labeled bins is in same place. Doesn't make it easy to sew sometimes but do what we have to.
To make it easier I have two small clear sterilite 1.2 qt. containers (5 x 7)from WM to store colors I use a lot, makes it easier as we have puppies right now to reaching thread is harder. You have to find a way that works for you and keep working on it. Would just love having a sewing room but don't so make do.

Get one or two of the plastic shoe boxes at Wal Mart and cones store great in there. Have serger thread in several.
Connecting thread http://www.connectingthreads.com/too...___D82068.html