Get 9 free patterns worth £54!

  • Log in
  • Cart (0)
  • Cart (0)
  • Log in
  • Checkout
  • NEW
  • Shop All

    All Kits & Patterns  

    Best Sellers
    Cross Stitch Kits
    Stitch-a-Longs
    Subscription Box
    Advent Calendar
    Cross Stitch Patterns
    Exclusive Member Patterns
    Crochet Kits

    By Skill Level  

    Beginner Kits
    Advanced Kits

    By Theme  

    Christmas
    Halloween
    Easter
    Nature
    Floral & Gardens
    Animals
    Adventure & Travel
    Inspirational & Quotes
    Positivity

    By Age  

    For Children
    For Adults
  • Accessories

    Accessories  

    Needle Minders
    Planner
    Hoops and Stands
    Scissors
    Project Bags
    Thread Holders and Bobbins
    Thread Wax

    Merchandise  

    2025 Advent Calendar
    Gift Cards
    Mugs
    T-Shirts
  • Subscription Box
  • Membership
  • Community

    Join Our World  

    Membership
    Facebook Group
    Stitching Socials
    2025 Stitch Retreat
    About Us

    Learn Cross Stitch  

    YouTube Tutorials
    Blog
    FAQs
  • Country

  • NEW
  • Shop All
  • All Kits & Patterns  

    Best Sellers
    Cross Stitch Kits
    Stitch-a-Longs
    Subscription Box
    Advent Calendar
    Cross Stitch Patterns
    Exclusive Member Patterns
    Crochet Kits

    By Skill Level  

    Beginner Kits
    Advanced Kits

    By Theme  

    Christmas
    Halloween
    Easter
    Nature
    Floral & Gardens
    Animals
    Adventure & Travel
    Inspirational & Quotes
    Positivity

    By Age  

    For Children
    For Adults
  • Accessories
  • Accessories  

    Needle Minders
    Planner
    Hoops and Stands
    Scissors
    Project Bags
    Thread Holders and Bobbins
    Thread Wax

    Merchandise  

    2025 Advent Calendar
    Gift Cards
    Mugs
    T-Shirts
  • Subscription Box
  • Membership
  • Community
  • Join Our World  

    Membership
    Facebook Group
    Stitching Socials
    2025 Stitch Retreat
    About Us

    Learn Cross Stitch  

    YouTube Tutorials
    Blog
    FAQs
  • Country

Worldwide Shipping
Free UK P&P on orders over £40
01926 485 045
BLOG & NEWS

4 Creative Uses for Leftover Threads

October 08, 2021

4 Creative Uses for Leftover Threads

So, you’ve come to the end of your cross stitch project and you’re now left with all the small snippets of thread after tucking in the ends… surely we can get creative with these? Here are some different ways of displaying or repurposing the small bits of thread or ORTs as they're otherwise known! This is an acronym for 'Old Ratty Threads' or sometimes 'Odd Random Threads.'

 

thread ORT baubles

ORT THREAD JARS

One of the most common uses of leftover threads is storing these in jars. Let the colours mix together and come to life as proof of the hours and sometimes months spent on your special project! Not only can these be used as a beautiful piece of decoration, but also to showcase memories of a special project and can be a lovely reminder. You could use smaller jars and pop in leftover threads from different projects or even organise these by different colours! Check out this 2019 ORT jar by u/kate479 on Reddit, displaying all of her leftover threads from the year.

 

  

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Another beautiful way of displaying your leftover threads is by creating a Christmas ornament or as some people refer to them, a Christmas ORTament! Here’s one created by u/SpeightJenkins on Reddit. Similar to the jar, you can fill these up with your scraps of leftover threads. You could even pick out colours that match the decorations on your Christmas tree! Simply buy some clear plastic baubles which are easily fillable and these are available in packs of 5 on eBay, Hobbycraft, The Works and Amazon. Stuck for gift ideas? You could gift a Christmas ornament filled with a friend or family members favourite colours. So simple yet effective. Go one step further and grab a marker pen to write a special message, name or year on the outside. 

 

 

STUFFING SMALL CROSS STITCH PIECES

Feeling resourceful? You could always use your leftover threads as stuffing for small cross stitch finished pieces rather than using toy stuffing! Not only is this a more creative method, but better for the environment and also a fun way to reuse your ORTs. They can be used as stuffing in a range of small projects such as ornaments, mini cushions or even a pin cushion. Take a look at this biscornu tutorial by Sirithre where she shows you how to create a cross stitch pin cushion. 

 

 

FROM ORT TO ART

If you have some longer bits of leftover thread, why not stitch your own piece of patchwork art? Use the colours you have to create small squares and build them up with more leftover threads, gradually creating a beautiful array of colours. The different shades and shapes will blend together to make a stunning piece of art that you can proudly display. This can be a fun side project from your main cross stitch WIPs, enjoying the relaxing process of slowly adding a square of colour at a time. What’s more, the colours used will depend on the project that these threads have been snipped from! Here's a patchwork cross stitch project by Laura, isn’t it just mesmerising?

 

 

There really are endless possibilities when it comes to repurposing your leftover threads! We would love to see if you have used your leftover threads in any projects, do tag us @caterpillarcrossstitch across social media so we can take a look. Take care and come back next week for another new blog post.

Try our best-selling kits here. 



Also in BLOG & NEWS

5 Reasons to Consider a Cross Stitch Subscription
5 Reasons to Consider a Cross Stitch Subscription

July 03, 2025

In this post, we're going to look at the benefits of a cross stitch subscription to help you decide if it’s right for you. Whether you're just starting as a cross stitch beginner or you've been at it for years, a subscription box can add that extra spark of excitement.

Continue Reading

Cross Stitch Terms That Every Cross Stitcher Needs to Know
Cross Stitch Terms That Every Cross Stitcher Needs to Know

June 30, 2025

Whether you've just picked up your first beginner cross stitch kit or you're a few projects in and still feeling confused by some of the terminology, this guide will help you understand the essential cross stitch terms and acronyms that crop up time and time again.

Continue Reading

Create custom patterns
How To Create Custom Cross Stitch Patterns from Photos

June 19, 2025

If you've been cross stitching for a while and are looking for ways to build on your skills, transforming your favourite photos into unique cross stitch designs is a brilliant way to challenge yourself whilst creating something truly meaningful.

Continue Reading

NEED HELP?
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Buy Gift Vouchers
  • Corporate and Events
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Returns Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Address: Unit C15B Holly Farm Business Park, Warwickshire, CV8 1NP

Email: support@caterpillarcrossstitch.com

Tel: 01926 485 045

Join the Stitch Club newsletter below and you'll receive weekly emails with tutorials, offers and free patterns. We take your privacy seriously and never share data.

Sign up below to access your FREE eBook of 9 cross stitch patterns, worth £54.

ABOUT
  • Our Story
  • Blog
  • Subscription Boxes
  • Wholesale
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Giving Back
  • Press & Awards
  • Join Us

© 2025 Caterpillar Cross Stitch. Caterpillar Crafts Limited Company Number 08347850 VAT Registration Number 338300521 Powered by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Maestro Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Union Pay Visa