If you've been cross stitching for any length of time, you probably have a growing pile of DMC thread skeins in various states of use. An organized thread collection saves you time on every project and prevents the frustrating tangles that come from tossing loose skeins into a bag.

Bobbins vs. Bags

The two most popular storage methods are plastic bobbins and small zip bags. Each has its strengths:

Bobbins:

• Keep thread neatly wound and tangle-free
• Fit into standard storage boxes with labeled slots
• Make it easy to pull a single strand without unwinding the whole skein

Zip bags:

• Faster to set up — just drop the skein in and label
• Allow you to keep the DMC label with the thread for easy identification
• Work well for partial skeins and leftover threads

Most serious stitchers prefer bobbins for their main collection and bags for project-specific thread bundles.

Organizing by DMC Number

The simplest and most universal system is to organize threads by their DMC number. DMC numbers roughly group by color family, so numerical order also creates a natural color gradient in your storage box.

Steps:

1. Wind each skein onto a bobbin
2. Write the DMC number on the bobbin (or use a printed label)
3. Place bobbins in a compartmented storage box in numerical order
4. Leave gaps for numbers you don't own yet — you'll fill them over time

Organizing by Color Family

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Some stitchers prefer to group threads by color family — all reds together, all blues together, all greens together. This makes it faster to browse for a shade by eye, which is useful when you're choosing colors for a new project.

The downside is that DMC's numbering doesn't follow a strict color sequence, so you'll need your own organizational logic rather than just counting up.

Storage Boxes and Systems

Floss organizer boxes with numbered slots are the gold standard. A single large box holds 50–100 bobbins. For a growing collection, stack multiple boxes or invest in a rolling cart.

Other options:

• Hanging thread organizers — fabric panels with clips for each bobbin
• Binder systems — plastic pages with pockets for individual bobbins
• Drawer units — small parts drawers from hardware stores work surprisingly well

Inventory Tracking

Knowing what you already own prevents buying duplicates. StitchCraft shows you exactly which DMC colors each pattern requires, making it easy to cross-reference against your inventory. Keep a simple checklist — digital or printed — of every DMC number you own.

Preventing Tangles

Tangles are the enemy of organized thread:

• Never store loose skeins without winding or bagging them
• Cut thread to working length (about 18 inches) before stitching
• Separate strands one at a time — pull a single strand straight up and out

A few minutes of organization after each stitching session keeps your collection in order. Download StitchCraft from the App Store to see thread requirements for every pattern and keep your collection stocked.