Vous voulez en savoir plus sur How to Store and Organize Your Floss and Projects ?

I've been cross stitching for eight years, and I've tried almost every storage method out there. Trust me, I've made mistakes. One time, I spilled an entire box of loose DMC floss on the floor, and it took me four hours to sort out the tangles. Never again.

So let me walk you through my system. It's not perfect, but it works. And it keeps my floss and projects neat, accessible, and ready to stitch.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

  • DMC plastic bobbins (100 pack, about €8) [1]
  • Bobbin winder (DMC or generic, €5-€10) [1]
  • Storage boxes with compartments (e.g., ArtBin Super Satchel, 38 x 25 x 8 cm, €20-€30) [2]
  • Floss drops or thread drops (pack of 50, €6) [3]
  • Binder rings (2.5 cm diameter, pack of 100, €5) [3]
  • Clear plastic divided caddy (like the one in my hero image, 30 x 20 x 10 cm) [3]
  • Label maker or masking tape and marker
  • Project bags (clear zipper pouches, 25 x 30 cm, €1 each) [3]
  • Needle minders (magnetic, €5) [3]
  • Small glass jars with clasp lids (for orts, 250 ml) [3]
  • Notebook or app for inventory

Step 1: Sort and Wind Your Floss

Start by gathering all your skeins. I sort by DMC number. Then I wind each skein onto a bobbin using a bobbin winder. It takes about 30 seconds per skein. For 100 skeins, that's roughly 50 minutes. I do it in batches of 20 while watching TV. Label each bobbin with the DMC number using a fine-tip marker or label maker. I store bobbins in ArtBin boxes, one box holds about 50 bobbins. [2] Honestly, this step is tedious, but it's worth it.

Pro tip: Keep a small notebook or spreadsheet with your DMC inventory. I use a simple Google Sheet. When I buy new floss, I add it. When I use a skein, I mark it. This saves me from buying duplicates.

Step 2: Organize Your Bobbins by Color Family

I arrange my bobbins by color family: reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, purples, neutrals. Within each family, I sort by DMC number. This makes it easy to find the exact shade I need. I use a label maker to label each compartment in my ArtBin box. For example, "Reds 347-3801". I also keep a separate box for metallic and variegated floss. [1] This system works for me. It might not work for you, but try it.

Pro tip: If you have floss drops, use binder rings to group them by project. I have a ring for each active project. When I finish, I move the drops back to the main box.

Step 3: Set Up a Project Bag System

Each project gets its own clear zipper pouch. I put the pattern, fabric, floss (on bobbins or drops), needles, and a small pair of scissors inside. I label the bag with the project name and date started. I use a 25 x 30 cm pouch, which fits a 30 x 40 cm piece of Aida comfortably. [3] I keep all active project bags in a large tote or basket near my stitching chair. This way, I can grab one and stitch without hunting for supplies.

Pro tip: Use a needle minder on your project bag to keep your needle safe. I lost a needle in my sofa once. Found it a week later. Not fun.

Step 4: Store Your Floss and Projects Vertically

I store my ArtBin boxes vertically on a bookshelf. This saves space and lets me see the labels. I also use a clear plastic divided caddy for my most-used tools: scissors, needle minders, thread conditioner, and a small ruler. The caddy sits on my desk, just like the one in my hero image. It has compartments for rubber bands, paperclips, and binder rings. I even have a small glass jar with a clasp lid for my orts (thread scraps). [3] I empty it every month. It's oddly satisfying.

Pro tip: If you have limited space, use a rolling cart with drawers. I have one from IKEA (RÅSKOG, €30). It holds my boxes, project bags, and a small iron.

Step 5: Maintain Your System

Every Sunday, I spend 15 minutes tidying my stitching area. I put away loose bobbins, empty my ort jar, and update my inventory sheet. I also check my project bags for missing supplies. This small habit keeps everything organized. I also do a bigger sort every three months. I go through all my floss, check for duplicates, and re-wind any bobbins that look messy. [3] It takes about an hour. But it's worth it.

Pro tip: Label everything. I mean it. I use masking tape and a marker for temporary labels, and a label maker for permanent ones. You'll thank yourself later.

My Biggest Mistake

I once stored my floss in a clear plastic bag in a sunny room. The colors faded. I didn't notice until I stitched a project and the reds looked pink. I had to replace 20 skeins. That cost me about €20. Now I keep everything in closed boxes away from direct sunlight. [1]

Final Thoughts

Organizing your floss and projects doesn't have to be complicated. Start with one step. Wind your bobbins. Label a box. Create a project bag. You'll feel the difference. And when you're ready to start your next project, you'll know exactly where everything is. Which photo will you stitch next? Whatever your idea, we are here to help.

Sources

💡 Try it yourself: Download our free Free Cross Stitch Pattern: Butterfly pattern and practice this technique.

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Claire Moreau — Fondatrice de Flossize

Passionnée de point de croix depuis 8 ans, Claire transforme vos photos en grilles personnalisées. Elle partage ici ses conseils et astuces pour vous aider à créer des motifs uniques.

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