best thread organizer - 7 Ideas for Thread Storage

Organizing thread storage can seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of your sewing projects, but it’s a crucial one. Properly storing your threads not only helps in maintaining their quality and longevity but also keeps your sewing space tidy and your creative process more efficient. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best ideas for thread storage, helping you find solutions that fit your space, your sewing habits, and your aesthetic preferences.

Questions to Consider Before Organizing Your Thread Storage

Before diving into the specifics of thread organizers, it’s important to ask yourself a few key questions. These questions will guide you toward choosing a storage solution that meets your unique needs.

Do you have a separate designated area or room for sewing?
How many threads do you have?
Should they be covered?
How regularly do you sew?
Should the threads be close to the working area?

My Personal Journey with Thread Storage

As someone who sews as a hobby, I understand the challenges of finding the perfect storage solution for threads. Unfortunately, I don’t have a separate sewing room. My workspace doubles as a bedroom office, with my laptop on a desk near a chest of drawers, a few bedside tables, and an open shelving unit.

With around 50 spools of thread, storing them in a box quickly became inconvenient. I didn’t want my threads getting mixed up with the stationery on my desk, nor did I want them collecting dust or creating visual clutter in the room. That’s why I decided to delve into the world of thread organization, determined to find a solution that would keep my threads neat, protected, and out of sight.

Since I sew about twice a week, I don’t need my threads to be on display or within immediate reach. Instead, I wanted a storage solution that could keep my threads hidden away, yet easily accessible when I need them. This led me to research different thread organizers and consider how they could fit into my existing space.

Best Sewing Thread Storage Solutions

When it comes to finding the best sewing thread storage, understanding the different options available can help you choose the ideal solution for your space and sewing habits. Below, I’ll explore some of the top methods for organizing your threads, from traditional racks to more creative, custom solutions.

1. Thread Wall Rack

A thread wall rack is a popular choice for those looking to keep their sewing threads visible and easily accessible. Mounted on the wall, these racks allow you to display your entire thread collection at a glance, making it simple to find the right color quickly. If you’re looking for the best thread organizer that doubles as a decorative element in your sewing space, a wall rack might be the perfect solution

Pros:

Keeps threads visible and accessible
Saves table space
Adds a decorative touch to your sewing area

Cons:

Exposes threads to dust
Requires wall space

Best Thread Wall Racks Comparison Table

1. YBING 54-Spool Thread Holder Wall Rack

Metal

Black

Wall mounted, contemporary design

Product Dimensions:

2″D x 16.14″W x 12.4″H

Item Weight: 1.41 Pounds

$19.99

 4.7/5

2. FZK Pegboard Organizer Kit

ABS Plastic

White

Rust resistant, includes accessories

Product Dimensions:

16 x 16 x 0.6 inches

Item Weight: 8.5 Pounds

$49.99

 4.6/5

2. Thread Table Rack

For those who prefer a more flexible option, a thread table rack offers the same visibility and accessibility as a wall rack but can be placed on any flat surface. This makes it easy to move your threads around as needed. It’s an excellent option if you have a dedicated sewing table and want to keep your threads within arm’s reach.

Pros:

Easy to move and reposition
Keeps threads accessible on your workspace
No wall installation required

Cons:

Takes up table space
Exposes threads to dust

Best Thread Table Racks Comparison Table

1. US Art Supply Premium Beechwood

Beechwood

Assembly Required: Yes

Premium natural beechwood construction

Product Dimensions:

26.5 x 16 x 2 inches

Item Weight: 3.36 pounds

$29.99

 4.4/5

2. New brothread 84 Spools 360° Rotating Thread Rack

Wood

Assembly Required: Yes

360° fully rotating design

Product Dimensions:

16.57 x 10.08 x 10.08 inches

Item Weight: 5.52 pounds

$41.99

 4.7/5

3. Clear Plastic Containers

Clear plastic containers are a versatile and practical solution for those who prefer to keep their threads covered and protected. These containers allow you to see your thread collection at a glance while keeping them dust-free. They’re stackable and can be stored on shelves or in cabinets, making them one of the best sewing thread storage options for those with limited space.

Pros:

Protects threads from dust
Allows for easy visibility
Stackable and space-efficient

Cons:

Requires finding shelf or cabinet space
May not accommodate larger spools

Best Clear Plastic Containers for Threats Comparison Table

1. ArtBin 9002AB Super Satchel Thread Box

Polypropylene

Color: сlear

Customizable internal compartments

Product Dimensions:

14″D x 15.25″W x 3.5″H

Item Weight: 1 Pound

$29.99

 4.6/5

2. 46 Grids Sewing Organizer by Gbivbe

Polypropylene

Color: сlear

46 compartments

Product Dimensions:

3.5″L x 3.5″W x 0.75″H

Item Weight: 1.87 pounds

$23.99

 4.6/5

3. New brothread 4 Layers Stackable Clear Storage Box

Plastic

Color: сlear

80 compartments

Product Dimensions:

9.21 x 7.24 x 0.2 inches

Item Weight: 1.32 pounds

$27.99

 4.5/5

4. Bobbin Holder

When organizing your threads, it’s essential not to forget about bobbins. A dedicated bobbin holder can help you keep your bobbins neatly organized and tangle-free. Some sewing enthusiasts prefer to organize bobbins separately from thread spools, ensuring that everything stays in order and easy to find.

Pros:

Keeps bobbins organized and accessible
Prevents tangling and confusion with threads
Compact and easy to store

Cons:

Requires additional storage space if separate from threads
Limited to bobbins only

Best Bobbin Holders Comparison Table

1. ADAM Bobbin Holder Storage Case (2-Pack)

Plastic

Color: Transparent

30 bobbins per case, 60 total (2-pack)

Product Dimensions:

8.39 x 4.88 x 2.83 inches

Item Weight: 6 ounces (total)

$9.99

 4.6/5

2. ALKOO 63 Slots Bobbin Case Holder

Plastic

Color: Black

63 bobbins

Product Dimensions:

6.6 x 1.6 x 8.3 inches

Item Weight: 2.82 ounces

$16.99

 4.5/5

5. Custom best thread organizer solutions

Sometimes, the best thread organizer is one you create yourself. Custom solutions can include repurposed items like spice racks, cutlery trays, or even small baskets to store your threads. These personalized options can be tailored to fit your specific space and aesthetic, offering a unique and functional way to organize your sewing supplies.

Here are two of the best unusual solutions I have found:

5.1. The Thread Bank by WonderFil

The Thread Bank by WonderFil offers a premium, enclosed storage solution ideal for organizing various thread spools. Adjustable shelves accommodate different spool sizes and protect threads from dust and light, maintaining their quality over time. However, it comes with some notable drawbacks.

Pros:

Enclosed Design: Protects threads from dust and UV exposure, ensuring longevity.
Adjustable Shelves: Can be customized to fit a variety of spool sizes, making it versatile for different thread types.
High Capacity: Offers ample storage space for a large collection of threads.

Cons:

High Cost: The Thread Bank is not a budget-friendly option, making it less accessible for hobbyists on a tight budget.
Wasted Space: The design may lead to inefficient use of space, especially if you’re storing smaller or skinnier spools.
Limited Suitability: It’s not ideal for skinnier spools, as they don’t fit as well, leading to potential under-utilization of the storage space.

While the Thread Bank is an innovative solution, it doesn’t fit my needs due to its high price and inefficient use of space. The storage unit seems to be over-engineered, leaving a lot of wasted space, especially for those who work with skinnier spools. For the cost, I expected a more tailored solution that maximizes every inch of storage. Therefore, I would not recommend it for sewists with similar needs.

5.2. Self made Drawer Thread Storage

One creative thread storage solution that has gained popularity is a DIY drawer thread storage system, inspired by an IKEA hack detailed on Arabesque Scissors. This method involves converting a drawer into a customized thread organizer, using inexpensive materials to create dividers that neatly hold and display spools. It’s a budget-friendly option that maximizes storage efficiency and makes it easy to see and access your thread collection.

I love this DIY approach for its simplicity and effectiveness, serving as great inspiration for those looking to blend functionality with a personalized touch in their sewing space. However, instead of crafting my own, I now use the YBING 54-Spool Thread Holder Wall Rack in the drawers of my IKEA closet. This rack fits perfectly within the drawers, allowing me to store a large number of spools in an organized manner. The combination of the wall rack and the drawer setup offers the same benefits as the DIY method, with the added convenience of being ready-made and easy to implement.

6. Non-Obvious Storage Methods for Sewing Thread

When it comes to sewing thread storage, thinking outside the box can lead to some clever and unexpected solutions. Here are a few unconventional methods that can help you organize your thread collection in a creative and practical way:

Book Rings: Perfect for keeping spools together in a portable, easy-to-access manner. Simply loop the spools through the ring and hang them up or store them in a drawer.
Matchbox Car Plastic Containers: These containers, often designed to hold small toy cars, are surprisingly well-suited for organizing spools of thread.
Cigar Boxes: A classy and compact option, cigar boxes are ideal for storing smaller spools of thread, adding a vintage touch to your sewing space.
Fishing Tackle Boxes: These boxes, designed to hold fishing gear, work exceptionally well for storing balls of thread, offering multiple compartments for easy sorting.
Vase: A decorative vase can serve as a stylish and functional way to keep thread spools within arm’s reach while adding an aesthetic element to your workspace.
Baskets: Simple yet effective, baskets can hold a variety of spools, making it easy to transport your thread collection around your sewing area.
Jewelry Organizers: These organizers, designed for small items, are great for keeping thread spools neat and visible, particularly those with multiple compartments and hanging options.

7. Mini Hacks to Make Threat Storage Easy

If you don’t have a lot of threads or simply want to avoid the hassle of organizing them, here are a couple of quick and affordable tips to prevent thread tangling:

Embroidery/Sewing Machine Thread Spool Savers: This handy product is a lifesaver for keeping thread tails neat and tidy. The spool savers are made of flexible material that easily fits over various thread spools, holding the loose ends in place to prevent tangling. With a pack of 48, you can secure a large number of spools, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for managing your thread collection with minimal effort.

2. New Brothread 100pcs Mix Sewing Notion (50 Bobbin Holders + 50 Bobbin Clamps): This combo pack is perfect for those who want to keep their bobbins and threads organized without a lot of fuss. The bobbin holders fit snugly over the thread spools, while the bobbin clamps prevent thread tails from unwinding. This ensures that your threads and bobbins stay neatly wound, saving you from the frustration of tangled threads. These tools are especially useful if you sew frequently and need a quick, reliable way to manage your supplies.

Conclusion

Organizing your sewing threads can significantly enhance your sewing experience, making your workspace more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you opt for the best sewing thread storage solutions like wall racks, table racks, or clear plastic containers, or decide to get creative with custom solutions and non-obvious storage methods, the key is to find what works best for your needs and space.

From budget-friendly mini hacks like spool savers and bobbin holders to more elaborate setups like drawer storage inspired by DIY projects, there are endless ways to keep your threads neat and accessible. By taking the time to organize your sewing supplies, you’ll save time and frustration, allowing you to focus on what you love most—creating beautiful projects. Happy sewing!