Is your cross stitch floss organization all over the place? Mine was. It wasn’t bad per se, but it wasn’t the most effective way to organize it. I was using plastic floss bobbins stored in a small organizer box by number. I kept my fancy floss (Classic Colorworks, Weeks Dye Works, etc), sorted by color, in a couple clear acrylic drawers that I bought from Fat Quarter Shop. And while my floss collection isn’t huge, it was getting cumbersome and I was finding I was purchasing duplicates on accident. So I decided that I would invest in making a better process now. That way as my collection grows, it will stay organized going forward.
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First I’m going to explore a few different options for cross stitch floss storage. Then I will share the process I settled on.
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The Importance of Organization
Cross stitching is a delightful craft that doesn’t require a lot of different supplies, but it is one where the volume of supplies grows over time. Floss that isn’t completely used up on one project can be stored and used on a future project. One of the key elements of a successful cross stitching project is having your floss neatly organized and easily accessible. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of creative options for organizing your cross stitch floss, ensuring a clutter-free and enjoyable stitching experience.
Cross Stitch Floss Organization Options
- Floss Bobbins: Floss bobbins are a classic and effective way to keep your cross stitch floss organized. This method involves winding each thread onto a small bobbin (made of either plastic or cardboard). You can also label it with the corresponding color number, and store these bobbins in a storage box or binder. This approach allows you to quickly find the exact color you need, saving time and minimizing frustration.
- Floss Drops: These are similar to the bobbins but come in a variety of shapes with different variations of holes for floss storage or to be stored on a ring.
- Floss Boxes with Dividers: Specialized floss boxes with dividers offer a convenient solution for organizing your floss by color. These boxes come with adjustable dividers that allow you to customize the compartments according to your preferences. This method keeps your threads separated and tangle-free, making it easy to access the right shade when you need it.
- Floss Bobbin Keychains: If you enjoy cross stitching on the move, floss bobbin keychains might be the perfect solution. These keychains hold a small number of bobbins, allowing you to carry your essential colors with you wherever you go.
- Ring Binder with Plastic Sheets: For a versatile and expandable option, consider using a ring binder with plastic sheets designed to hold floss bobbins. This method enables you to organize your floss by color or project. It also allows you to add more sheets as your collection grows.
- Drawer or Cabinet Inserts: For stitchers with larger collections, drawer or cabinet inserts offer a space-efficient way to store your floss. These inserts fit neatly into drawers or cabinets, keeping your threads easily accessible and well-organized.
My New Floss Storage Organization
A few months ago, I was traveling with my husband and stopped in at Primitive Gatherings Quilt Shop in Wisconsin. They have a small cross stitch area in their shop and I noticed a ring with clear acrylic floss drops on them. I thought it would be a great way to organize floss in my project bags instead of loose bobbins.
I absolutely fell in love with this process of keeping my stitching bag organized. All of my floss was kept tidy on a ring and I kept a strand of the current colors I was working with on the fleece inside my cross stitch clutch.
This got me to thinking, that if I had all of them stored on drops already, I could easily assemble the needed colors for the next pattern and drop it into my project bag.
Related Post: Types of Cross Stitch Cloth
Pip and Chip Floss Chips
Enter Pip and Chip. This is a company from the UK that sells on Etsy. They offer all kinds of solutions for floss organization. They have labeled bobbins for full collections, blank bobbins, vinyl stickers for your existing bobbins, and floss chips that were strikingly similar to the clear set that I bought at Primitive Gatherings.
Like I said before, my floss collection isn’t large. Therefore, I couldn’t justify purchasing complete sets of the chips when so many would go unused. So I opted for the blank floss chips. And set about looking for an inexpensive way to label them. I found a pocket sized thermal printer on Amazon that was inexpensive but had great reviews and the labels were durable. I also purchased 2 inch binder rings. To have more space I also purchased a couple more of the acrylic drawers from Fat Quarter Shop since they fit in my cube storage so well.
All in all it took me several days to unwind all of my floss from the bobbins I had them on, print and apply a label to a floss chip, loop the floss onto the chip, and then sort by number and store them on 2 inch binder rings. The Fancy Floss, I store by color family in alphabetical order on each ring. To store the rings, I twist the floss tails together and tuck it into a spot in the acrylic drawers.
Now I have plenty of room to expand my floss collection over time. Yet I have an easy to find storage system that I can pull the chips from and put onto a new ring to drop into my project bag and take it on the go.
My Cross Stitch Floss Organization Supplies
Summary of Floss Organization
An organized stitching space enhances the joy of cross stitching and boosts your productivity. Whether you opt for color-coded bobbins, specialized boxes, or portable solutions like thread cards, finding the right floss organization method can make a significant difference in your crafting experience. Experiment with these creative options to discover the one that best suits your preferences and stitching style, and say goodbye to tangled threads and frustration. Happy stitching!
