If you’ve been sewing for any time at all, you are familiar with how quickly the thread drawer starts to get out of control.

At a certain point, you just start to get frustrated with it, raw thread ends every where and everything is tangled in rats nests.

You certainly don’t want to take the time to untangle the mess so instead you just cut it off and throw it out. 

You need a system to keep the mess to a minimum. 

But what kinds of thread storage ideas are out there, and while they all look beautiful, which one is the right one for you?

It’s officially January and the itch to spring clean is slowly creeping up on us, so if you are looking to finally tame your current thread storage solution (or lack there of) then today I’ve got lots of pretty ideas to get your creative juices flowing and get that drawer organized. 

Proper care and maintenance of thread

Before jumping into the ideas, let’s talk quickly about a few things to look for in your new thread storage solution. 

Thread will slowly degrade over time, the fibers simply get thin and brittle and eventually break.

There are a few different environmental factors that can contribute to speeding up the process so when you are deciding on your perfect thread storage solution, you’ll want to keep these in mind. 

Keep them out of direct sunlight

Constant exposure to direct sunlight will eventually wear the top layers of the thread from the heat and sun even has the potential to cause fading in the thread color.

The best method for maintaining a long life span to your threads is to keep them in a dark closed space where the sun can not damage them. 

Wait a minute. 

One of the most popular ways to store thread is on a display rack hung on the wall – does that mean I’ll never achieve my dream of owning my own ombre rainbow wall of thread spools?

As long as you keep it out of direct sunlight, it’s fine to store them (display them really) out in the open.

Keeping them in the dark is just the ideal scenario, but obviously has its cons that you can’t display them. The thread won’t disintegrate over night, just over months/years. 

You may find that they fade a bit, but if you sew enough that you are replacing them regularly anyway, it won’t make enough of a difference to matter. 

You get that ombre thread wall, and when you do, send me pictures so I can live vicariously through your beautiful thread 😛

Avoid places with dust or other particles

Maybe in the top drawer where you typically cut batting is not going to be the best place to store them.

Or hung above your ironing board where you spray starch like its windex. 

When thread is wound on a spool, the overlapping layers will tend to pick up small dust and debris floating through the air. 

And since it’s near impossible to clean it all out when you go to sew, you’ll likely end up sewing it right into your project. 

Avoiding open storage near places that are high traffic areas for dust or other particles will help keep your threads in top shape. 

In a tight sewing space with no choice? Consider putting a thread rack in a shadow box where you can close a glass door in front of them. 

You can still see the pretty display, but keep the pesky particles out. 

Avoid damp or overly dry locations

When moisture works its way into the spool, the layers of thread make it tough to dry out. 

Overtime constant moisture will cause the threads to weaken, ultimately leading to the thread breaking. Either during sewing, or in the project down the line. 

Conversely, if you keep them in hot/dry places, they will dry too much becoming brittle and more likely to break when sewing.

Avoid places like above humidifiers or radiators where the air quality is going to be more drastic than the rest of the room. 

Storing them them dry but not dried out will help keep them around longer. 

How to organize and store a lot of threads

So how do you even start organizing and storing your extensive thread collection?

Too many options can become overwhelming which means you’ll be more inclined to put the project off.

Start by deciding which category of thread storage solution appeals the most to you and then explore different options within that category. 

I did a TON of research and found a bunch of different methods of thread storage to get you started:

• In a Drawer
• On the Wall
• Displaying on Racks
• DIY options
• Ikea hacks
• Bobbin storage solutions
• Embroidery floss storage options

I found a ton of options under each category from above, but if you already know a specific category is speaking to you, feel free to jump ahead.

Ikea Thread Storage

SKADIS Accesories

Many times you’ll see wooden thread racks hung on IKEA peg boards which can become bulky.

These brilliant people on Etsy designed a 3D printed a SKADIS pegboard compatible accessory to store the threads directly on it – no rack needed.

If you already use a SKADIS pegboard in your sewing room, grab a handful of these off Etsy and you’ll have a beautiful thread display in no time at all. 

KALLAX Accessory

Using a KALLAX bookcase is an incredibly common piece of IKEA furniture to find in a sewing room. 

The LaserSmith Etsy shop uses a laser cutter to create these thread storage drawers that fit perfectly into a KALLAX bookcase cubby. 

If you’ve already got a KALLAX unit or know its on your bucket list of IKEA furniture to purchase, these drawers might be the perfect solution.

SLIBB

Although not originally designed for this purpose, this hanger might be perfect for the avid embroiderer with tons of DMC floss colors.

These hangers designed for socks, could be the perfect IKEA hack thread drop to store your threads in the closet! 

With 8 holes per hanger you’ll be able to work through your thread collection pretty quickly with minimal hangers.

Not to mention hanging them would be ideal for keeping them untangled as much as possible. 

BEKVAM

Convenient that containers for spices in the kitchen are approximately the same size as many spools of thread these days!

For smaller collections, or maybe just your go to colors that you want to keep at arms length, these spice racks from IKEA are the perfect little shelf to have your favorites displayed while looking pretty at the same time!

Thread Storage for Drawers

Spool Trays

These thread storage trays are perfect for storing your threads in a drawer to keep them organized and easy to find. 

These trays are small enough that you can take them in and out of the drawer when you need them without grabbing your entire collection. 

They are even small enough that you can easily fit many in a drawer to accommodate larger collections. 

For drawer storage these are great because they are not a full container that will take up a ton of extra room, just the tray with the prongs to keep everything organized. 

Spool Containers

For those who actually do want a full coverage storage case that they can just pull out and take on the go to a quilting or sewing class, these stackable cubes are also a great option. 

One of these containers holds 40 spools of thread so you have lots of options with this one.

And with the case being see through, you could even use this method to display them full time if you wanted to. 

Using drawer dividers 

Maybe you already know the war against thread storage is a losing battle. This isn’t your first time trying to tame the beast, and maybe it’s failed in the past. 

You change out spools so quickly that you never have the patience to organize them once you’re done and just end up tossing them back in the drawer out of sight. 

There may still be a way.

Tanya Brown has a great tutorial for using drawer dividers to group like thread colors to bypass the more regimented spool storage solutions while helping you separate into categories at the same time. 

Whether you separate by color, size, brand, or functionality, break the drawer into zones where you can easily find that specific group of threads will go a long way to help with the frustration.

Spool Huggers

Maybe you know that no matter what you do, you’ll never be able to maintain a beautifully organized thread drawer, wall, or any other method. 

You just don’t have the patience and are going to toss them in a bucket and thats the end of it. 

Well friend, there is still one last option for you. 

Just because you opt for the bucket option, doesn’t mean you are destined to waste thread cutting apart rats nests, or constantly rewind spools.

Using these spool huggers is the perfect way to mind those threads, even if you don’t want, or need, a perfectly organized collection. 

So go ahead, toss them in a bottom drawer. Now the mess is contained, and you can still feel a little more organized this spring. 

Wall Thread Storage

Thrift Store Finds

Jenni Baker shared her great idea on ArtGalleryFabrics of displaying her threads on an antique nik-nak shelf. 

I’ve seen these shelves around many times and could never understand what someone might use all those small little openings for. 

Now that I see it in the context of thread storage, I’m definitely going to grab one the next time I see one!

This application is not only super cute and practical, but definitely lends itself to the whole incorporate-antiques-everywhere vibe that Joanna Gaines shoots for. 

I’m all about it. 

DIY Shelves

Clair from Sewing Over Pins has this great tutorial for making your own thread storage shelf and I’m IN LOVE with it.

Shelves shallow enough to only hold one spool deep, and a nail on the front to store the matching bobbin. 

Bobbins are likely the hardest part about keeping threads organized so any solution that solves both problems is a home run to me. 

No more searching around and guessing if you’ve got the right one. 

Similar Ready-built Shelf Options

This shelf is very similar to the one immediately above it, but includes two major differences. 

This one uses magnetic strips instead of nails to manage bobbins. 

And you can buy this one premade from Etsy instead of building it yourself.

No fussing to try and thread the bobbin perfectly on the nail. Throw the bobbin up there and you’re good to go. 

This one does require you to use metal bobbins though, so if you lean towards plastic ones, the nails might be the better option. 

Either way I love that these options store both the thread and the bobbin the same place where they can be accessed quickly and easily.

Thread Storage Racks

Wall Mounted

I’m a fan of clean surfaces, I make enough of a mess when I clean, I don’t need other things in my way on the table. 

So if a rack was my preferred method, wall mounted would be the way I go. And since I’m a fan of clean lines and that whole Scandinavian, modern farmhouse trend, this metal version would be a great option. 

Rack Stands

If you are tight on wall space though, these wood stands are a great option as well. 

They come in many different sizes – I believe I’ve seen a singe rack accommodate over 100 spools – so depending on your collection, you’ll be able to find a solution no problem. 

This one is quick and easy to implement, no drilling holes, or DIY involved. If you are looking for a quick fix in under 5 minutes, this is a great one. 

Vintage Thread Holder

Maybe you want a thread display with a bit more character? 

This one on Etsy is a great way to bring in a bit more authenticity and a little less “straight from Amazon” to your sewing room. 

Perfect for an actual display for your favorite spools, this one even has a ring at the top so you can carry it around as needed. 

Regular Pegboards

This is very similar to the IKEA pegboard solution from earlier, but maybe you aren’t interested in IKEA, don’t live close to an IKEA, or just prefer a different look.

This thread storage pegboard from Etsy is a great option to store threads on the wall and have a fun modern look at the same time.

How to organize bobbins and threads

SpoolPod

These little trays are fantastic for keeping your thread and bobbins in the same place without them rolling around the inside of a box, drawer, or any other storage place you might want to hide them. 

They are definitely designed for smaller spools, but for many quilter’s thats all they own! This solution is a pinterest perfect solution for reigning in a crazy Gutterrman spool collection.

Bobbin Organizers

So you’ve finally achieved that dream of making a wall of ombre thread spools. Now where do the bobbins go?

This organizer is the perfect solution to get a matching color array of bobbin storage. 

These little organizers can hold up to 60 bobbins – plenty of room to keep everything exactly in its place – even room to grow! 

Space Saving Bobbin Organizers

So maybe you don’t have the space for bulky containers. 

You are working in the confines of a small desk with minimal storage and need options to match your needs. 

These bobbin savers will be your new best friend. 

These little rings pack a huge organizational punch and store over 20 bobbins in a fraction of the space of foam trays. 

Keeping all the bobbins contained in a flexible plastic ring, these things are perfect for managing the bobbin mess, while being able to get tossed where ever is most convenient at the time. 

Handmade Bobbin Storage

Is it obvious that Etsy is my all time favorite place to shop? These handmade bobbin storage racks are a perfect option for displaying out on the table. 

Handmade by Boutique Display Store, they offer different styles to choose from to perfectly display your threads and bobbins. 

Whether you use it to store just your bobbins or both the bobbin and coordinating thread, these displays will bring a beautiful handmade touch to your sewing table. 

Embroidery Thread Storage

Plexi Hanging File Organizer

My floss collection is small so I don’t personally have a need for this type of storage, however I saw this option and it made me stop. 

How pretty and organized are these?

Keep that DMC floss organized and more importantly – untangled. 

Thread drops in bulk storage like this are a great way to store the skeins you are not currently using without letting them get unruly.

And for those looking for storage in smaller spaces, a file organizer like this is super easy to store in the bottom of a closet or a corner of the room where no one will notice it. 

And since each organizer can hold up to 20 threads, the second you open that container… pure joy in the form of beautiful ombre colors all hanging in a row. 

That’s the stuff of dreams right there. 

If I had a large DMC floss collection, this is definitely how I would store it. 

3-in-1 floss chips

A common internal battle emboidery and cross-stitch hobbiest’s have is the choice between bobbins, or thread drops.

With these floss chips, you can have the best of both worlds. Use them as a thread drop OR a bobbin, the choice is yours. 

It even has a small hole toward the bottom to separate your left over lengths of thread for easy use the next time you need that color. 

The battle is over, you can actually have both!

Binder Storage for Floss

So maybe your collection is far too large for individual bobbins, but you just don’t have the storage for a large file organizer. 

Enter stage left – the binder solution. 

Very similar in set up to the file organizer, these inserts are made to fit a 3-ring binder. 

Each organizer can hold up to 16 skeins of thread, and for large collections and no space to put them, using a zip close binder like this is a great way to contain the threads and keep them organized. 

DIY – Make your own thread storage rack

DIY peg board

Making your own storage rack is a fantastic way to customize it exactly the way you want. 

Get the perfect size, spacing, or even stain color. DIY is a great way to go. 

This would be a fun one to do with kids, this kit is a precut option that only requires you to have a screw driver and a hammer. 

If you like the idea of a project for a Sunday afternoon, while getting in a little organizing at the same time, this is a perfect option.

Full Wood Working Project

Maybe you are bit more experienced in the art of building things with wood – or maybe you know someone who is. 

This one is a pattern for making a spool cabinet from scratch – no materials provided, just the instructions for how to make it. 

This one stores 160 spools so if you or someone you know enjoys working with wood then this project would be super special to include in any sewing room. 

DIY Drawer Peg Board

Maybe you are working with some antique furniture in your sewing room. 

The drawers are definitely not standard sizes that will fit fancy premade organizers, and you definitely don’t have enough room for some of these other larger storage options. 

Create your own custom drawer insert for spool storage. 

As easy as going to Lowes and cutting down a pegboard to perfectly fit the dimensions of any drawer you happen to be working with.

Hot glue the pegs in the board holes at the spacing perfect for your go to thread brand. 

And then just drop the entire thing into the drawer and organize away. 

The perfect DIY solution for any situation, my version of this hack above was made for my custom IKEA hack sewing table, but this solution would work for any drawer or desk you have on hand.  

Get the Latest Ideas

That’s it! I’m out of unruly drawers of thread, and ideas for how to contain them. 

Next week I’ll be tackling a new project in the quilting room and you aren’t going to want to miss it.

If you got some great ideas from this post and want to see what I’m working on next, be sure to sign up for my email updates below. 

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We’ve got a TON of great stuff coming up this year so be sure to stick around to see what new tips and tricks we’ve got next.