Whether you are tired of spending your precious sewing time digging through a tangled mess of threads, or dream of a neat, organized and accessible sewing space, this blog post is for you! For this month's Aurifil Artisan Challenge, we are focusing on thread organization! And I am also back to the Tip Monday blog post series I started last year!
As avid sewists, we all know how crucial it is to have a well-organized sewing space. Not only does it save time, but it also allows us to focus on our creative process without distractions. But...how many of us are really organized?
As you might know, I don't have a sewing room, and sew on my kitchen table. Therefore, an effective storage solution to keep my threads neatly organized and easy to access or pack away is of utmost importance. Plus, thread organization directly affects my sewing time management. With limited sewing time at the moment, I would rather spend it creating than being frustrated untangling threads.
I don't have an extensive Aurifil thread collection, just the colors I use most, threads I bought for some particular projects and those I received in my Aurifil Artisan welcome package. They used to fit in a large metal tin, but eventually the tin got far too small.
TIP 1: Find a cost-effective storage solution.
When it comes to cost-effective storage solutions, Ikea never disappoints. One of their versatile and budget-friendly options is the “Glis” box, measuring 13 3/8" x 8 1/4" (34 x 21 cm).
This sturdy and stackable box is perfect for thread organization. With its clean and minimalist design, it will effortlessly blend into any sewing room. It has a lid, making it easy to access your threads and preventing collecting dust. The best part? It's only a fraction of the cost of specialized thread storage containers.
TIP 2: Organize your threads by weight.
As you know, Aurifil has a wide range of thread weights: 8, 12, 28, 40, 50, 80, and floss, each suitable for different purposes. While organizing by color may seem visually appealing, organizing by weight is more practical and efficient. By organizing your threads by weight, you can quickly identify the right thread for your project.
Color can still play a role. I think it makes sense to group threads of similar colors together within each weight category. This way, you can easily find the right weight of thread in the color you need for your project.
The box has 5 compartments. The small compartment fits 12 small spools, or 4 large + 3 small (3 large + 6 small) spools.
In the large compartment I store different weights.
TIP 3: Store the spools with small amounts of thread upside down. Not only does this save space, but it also serves as a visual reminder of what thread to use first and restock, as well as making those easy to access.
The box is the perfect height for small spools, but it can also hold large spools.
TIP 4: To ensure the lid closes perfectly, avoid placing the large spools in the corners of the box, right under the circles on the lid.
As my Aurifil collection grows, all I'll have to do is buy another box at Ikea and stack them.
This blog post is not a paid advertisement, but instead my insight on how to organize a thread collection with an easy-to-access and cost-effective storage solution.
Of course, it's important to choose a storage option that works best for your space and the size of your thread collection.
I hope these tips help you take control of your crafting space, say good-bye to thread chaos and keep your treasured thread neat and organized!
Happy Sewing!❤