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If you've ever spent 20 minutes searching for a specific thread colour, or discovered a half-finished project looking decidedly dusty at the bottom of a bag, you're not alone. Between threads, patterns, fabric, needles, and works-in-progress, collections grow quickly and chaos follows.
This guide will help you create an organisation system that actually works for your stitching habits, protects your supplies, and makes starting a new project feel easy. Whether you have a dedicated craft room or tuck everything into a corner of the living room, there's an approach here that will suit your space and budget.
A good system saves genuine time. When everything has a place, you can sit down to stitch within minutes rather than hunting for supplies. Proper storage also protects your investment; threads fade in sunlight, fabric gets creased, and patterns can be damaged. When you can see what you own, you avoid buying duplicate colours, and the mental relief of having organised supplies makes stitching more enjoyable.
Before buying storage solutions, consider how you actually stitch:
Understanding your style helps you choose systems you'll actually use.
Bobbins and Bobbin Boxes
Wind threads around plastic or cardboard bobbins, label them, and store in compartment boxes numerically or by colour. They're compact and let you see your collection at a glance. However, winding takes considerable time, and threads can develop slight creases. Some stitchers report bobbins falling out when opening boxes. Start with one small box to test whether you like this method.
Floss Drops
Card or plastic tabs that you loop threads through are quicker than winding bobbins. Many stitchers store them on binder rings by number or colour, creating a portable, flip-through system. Particularly useful for multi-WIP stitchers who need to split colours between projects. They need storage space (pegboard, drawer, or basket) but are easier to divide between projects.
Thread Cards
Most cross stitch kits come with organised thread cards, making your life easier from the start. For your own projects, you can purchase cards or create them from cereal box cardboard. Thread cards work well for project-specific organisation rather than master stash storage.
Plastic Bags with Labels
Place each colour in a clear bag with a label showing the shade number. Store bags in boxes or drawers by colour family or number. Budget-friendly, gentle on threads, and you can quickly return threads without winding. Keep full skeins and leftovers together to see exactly what you have.
Rainbow Drawers
Small drawer units provide attractive storage for threads. Each drawer holds multiple colours, organised by shade family or numerically. IKEA Kallax units, Hobbycraft storage, and B&M stock suitable options. You can store threads on bobbins, in skeins, or in bags within the drawers.
Keep thread storage away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. Drawers, cupboards, or opaque boxes provide protection. When pulling thread from a skein, pull from the centre rather than unwinding from the outside. Most bobbin creases disappear during stitching; if concerned, gently iron on low heat.
Consider tracking your collection with a spreadsheet or mobile app to prevent buying colours you already own. Keep leftover thread bits in a separate container for small projects or touch-ups.
Ring binders with plastic sleeves work for patterns you're actively using, organised by theme. Note: for long-term storage, ink can transfer to plastic over time, potentially damaging patterns. File folders offer more breathable storage and work brilliantly in filing cabinets.
Some stitchers use trouser clip hangers in wardrobes with clear pouches as a space-saving solution for small homes. Kits you're not ready to start can stay in original packaging, stored in boxes away from sunlight.
Create a clear folder structure by designer, theme, or status (to stitch, in progress, completed). Use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox for backups. Develop consistent file naming: "Designer Name - Pattern Title - Purchase Date". Keep purchase confirmation emails in a dedicated folder. Consider printing patterns only when you're ready to start rather than printing everything immediately.
Store fabric in clear project bags or pouches, labelled with count, colour, and size. Keep pre-cut pieces separate from yardage. Under-bed boxes work brilliantly for flat storage without heavy stacking. Storage tubes prevent creasing if you have space – roll fabric around cardboard tubes and store vertically. Rainbow drawer systems also work well, with drawers for different counts or colours.
Protect fabric from sunlight (fading), dust (staining), and moths (for linen). Avoid folding tightly or storing under heavy items, as aida's starch content makes deep creases difficult to iron out.
Keep everything for each project together in clear plastic wallets (A4 document wallets work brilliantly) or [project bags](link to project bags collection) with compartments. Label each WIP with the project name. Store in clear stackable boxes, under-bed storage, or filing cabinets.
Roll larger projects around cardboard tubes rather than folding to prevent creases. Keep WIPs in closed containers to avoid dust accumulation. Store needles safely using needle minders or small needle books.
Needles: Use needle books (fabric booklets with felt pages), magnetic needle cases, or needle minders during active stitching. Label by size.
Tools: Keep scissors, needle threaders, and marking pencils together in a small organiser or pencil case. Hang hoops on hooks or stack in drawers. Store scissors separately to protect sharp blades.
Repurposed Items: Margarine tubs for small supplies, cereal boxes for thread cards, old tins for bobbins, ziplock bags with labels, ice cream tubs for fabric.
High Street Bargains: Poundland, B&M, The Range, and Home Bargains stock plastic storage boxes inexpensively. IKEA offers affordable drawer units. Primark and Wilko have craft storage, particularly in January.
DIY Solutions: Make thread cards from cardboard (free templates online), decorate plain boxes with fabric or paint, sew project bags from fabric remnants.
For stitching on-the-go, use small project bags with compartments. Transfer only needed colours to travel-sized thread organisers rather than transporting entire boxes. Pack small embroidery scissors. Roll work-in-progress rather than folding, keeping it in a clean, zippered pouch or by using a project bag.
Audit your supplies every six months to reorganise anything chaotic and rediscover forgotten projects. Put things back immediately after stitching; it takes two minutes. Update your inventory when buying supplies or finishing projects. Declutter patterns you'll never stitch. As your supplies grow, reassess and adjust systems. Many stitchers find seasonal refreshes helpful.
Don't buy expensive storage before understanding your stitching habits; start with basic options. Avoid airtight containers without checking for moisture first. Keep threads and fabric away from sunlight. Don't store patterns in plastic sleeves for decades. Label everything clearly. Measure space before purchasing larger furniture. Don't make your system so complicated that you won't maintain it; simpler storage systems often work better.
The best method depends on your style. Bobbins in compartment boxes work for large collections. Floss drops on binder rings suit multi-project stitchers. Thread cards are ideal for individual projects. Plastic bags with labels offer a budget option. Our cross stitch kits come with organised thread cards from the start.
Keep each WIP separate in its own project bag or clear wallet with everything needed: fabric, pattern, threads, needles. Label clearly and store in stackable clear boxes or hanging in a cupboard for easy access.
Use proper storage like bobbins, cards, bags, or floss drops rather than loose. Pull thread from skein centres, not outside. Wind bobbins with moderate tension. Store threads separated to prevent rubbing.
Yes, for kits you're not starting soon. Store complete kits in a box away from sunlight. Once started, transfer to a project bag or clear wallet for easier access and progress protection.
Repurpose household items: margarine tubs, cereal boxes for thread cards, ziplock bags, ice cream tubs. Pound shops stock plastic storage boxes inexpensively. IKEA offers affordable drawer units. Think creatively about containers you already have.
Create folders by designer, theme, or status. Use consistent file naming. Back up to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox). Keep purchase emails in a dedicated folder. Print patterns only when ready to start them.
Only if bobbins suit your style. Winding takes time, and threads can crease. Consider floss drops, thread cards, or labelled bags instead. Try different methods with a small portion first. Many use different storage for master collections versus active projects.
Roll fabric rather than folding tightly. Storage tubes work brilliantly. For flat storage, use shallow boxes without compression. Store in sealed bags away from sunlight. Label immediately so you don't need to unfold to check contents.
Happy stitching!
So you want to learn cross stitch? You've come to the right place. Cross stitch is a relaxing, rewarding craft that anyone can pick up, regardless of age or experience. With its calming, repetitive motion, many people are turning to this hobby to reduce screen time and support their mental wellbeing.
Teaching a child to cross stitch is one of those simple pleasures that creates lasting memories. Whether you're passing on a skill learned from your own parents or grandparents, or picking up a needle for the first time alongside your child, the experience of creating something together is genuinely rewarding.
If you're looking for a new hobby that's calming, creative, and keeps your hands busy, you've probably come across both crochet and cross stitch. Both crafts have devoted followings, and both offer genuine benefits for your wellbeing. But they're quite different in practice, and knowing which one suits your lifestyle can save you time, money, and frustration.
