Thread is for embroidery what paint is for canvas. These tips will help you create masterpieces.
1. Proper Storage
Light and dust are natural enemies of thread, making proper storage a necessity. You can use cabinets, drawers, and storage bins. See what I use for thread storage here. Pull-out drawers, peg boards, and golf tees make it really easy to find colors that I need while keeping my investment safe from the elements.
2. Organization
Just like with any hobby, having a place for everything makes embroidery easier. I keep my thread organized by manufacturer number so that spools follow my Floriani thread card. Each spool corresponds to a key tag containing the thread number centered on a golf tee. That makes my threads easy to find and easy to inventory. I simply used a hole punch multiple times to make the hole on the key tag larger to accommodate the golf tee.
3. The Real Deal
Thread cards feature actual samples of thread and are the most accurate way to match true colors. That is important because, if you are getting thread charts online, computer screen colors and printer colors vary from one to the next. If you do not have an actual thread card, this blog shows you the next best thing.
4. Chart Inventory
Digital thread charts can be downloaded and printed from most any manufacturer. They are a wonderful tool for keeping track of your thread colors and easily fit in your purse when you are shopping. Just place a mark by the colors that you have in stock and you will not buy duplicates by mistake. Sometimes, you find a great sale on your favorite thread brand and, although it might be a great price, if you don't have your thread chart, you have no idea what colors you may need. Additionally, track the colors that you use most on a thread chart so that you can easily stock up during a sale.
5. Smooth Thread Paths
Thread stands help with tension problems by maintaining a clear path for thread to enter your machine and allows time for specialty threads like metallics to relax. Thread or needle breaks are typically caused by thread getting hung up some place. In addition to troubleshooting and checking the way your machine is threaded, check the top of your thread cone for burrs and smooth out rough edges with an emery board.
Be sure to comment with your thread tips, too!
Have a day blessed with perfect stitches and GlitterFlex!!
Jody - November 19, 2023
I love your ideas for storage. For my threads and bobbins I use fishing tackle clear boxes that have compartments. This works great for me. I have storage unit from IKEA and it holds my boxes perfectly. I label the outside of the box if it’s embroidery or sewing thread. I also use those boxes for sewing machine gadgets and parts. I even put feet in there for my older machine. But this works for me. Thanks for your great ideas.
Bonnie Welsh - May 03, 2022
Laxmi—Our contact information is under “Contact Us”.
Laxmi nagesh - May 03, 2022
Plz give ur contact no
Mary - December 23, 2021
I add a drop or two of oil to my thread spool and bobbin thread
Bonnie Welsh - September 11, 2021
Hannalie—You’re most welcome!
Hannalie - August 24, 2021
Thanks for a way to mark my treads in a compartment
Bonnie Welsh - May 18, 2020
Margorie—I think Floriani is the only one with a digital download but there are conversion charts out there for all brands for sure.
Bonnie Welsh - May 18, 2020
Mary—I agree. There are burrs on the bottom of Floriani thread spools. But I love the sheen. I think, too, if you put it horizontally without a spool cap that would solve the problem too. I’m going to test. We used to do that all the time successfully with similarly styled cones. =)
Bonnie Welsh - May 18, 2020
Barbara—Oh that’s so sweet of you to say! We recently moved and I’m still getting everything rearranged in this new location. It’s a bigger space, but more doors and windows that break up my walls—different challenges. =)
Marjorie Brown - May 18, 2020
I know some thread companies have a digital download for you to input what colors you have. Floriani has it. Hoping the others will do so. I put the colors I have in the app, then when I visit our Daughter out of state and we go to her shop I can tell what colors I have
Pou teessen - May 18, 2020
Love the threat
Mary Moore - May 18, 2020
On the Floriani thread cones I also have to file down the bottom part of the spool, because there are burrs from the plastic cone that catch the thread. One was so bad that my husband took it to his workshop to grind down the burrs and make the bottom smooth. Something to watch for.
Barbara - May 18, 2020
I have spent the past fainter organizing my sewing room, using many of your tips. The pull-out door & shelves of my Koala sewing stand are beautifully in place & a joy to sew from. Thank you for steering me into smplicity!