How I Organize My Cross-Stitch Projects

I recently saw a Better Homes & Gardens Facebook post about how Cross-Stitch is making a comeback. For some of us, it never really left. I always have some projects in the works, even though it may take me months or years to complete them. Today, I decided it was time to revamp an old post and reshare how I organize my cross-stitch projects.

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I started cross-stitching when I was a teenager because two of my older sisters also loved it. We have even worked on projects together that are hanging in each other’s houses. I continued this tradition of swapping ideas and projects with a couple of coworkers in the 1990s (when cross-stitching was more popular) and now with a few friends who have continued the craft beyond the 1990s, like myself.

Over the years, I have had several questions about how I organize my numbered and colored thread storage. Since two of my sisters taught me how to cross-stitch, and I follow their method of organizing my threads, I really can’t take credit for this idea. Even today, this method of organizing my projects and threads still works very well. It is also very inexpensive.

Instead of using the cardboard spools to wrap my thread around and then store them in plastic containers made just for thread storage, I use envelopes, plastic bags, and shoe boxes.

How I Organize My Cross Stitch Supplies and Projects

To adopt this method, you will need:

• Shoeboxes or any cardboard box with a lid
• Gallon Size Plastic Bags
• Small Envelopes
• Markers
• Magnetic Board 

I’m not against using the recommended storage solutions you can find in craft supply stores. A friend of mine gave me her supplies when she moved, so I have threads on spools, too. Old habits are hard to break, though, and I have so many colors of thread already stored in envelopes and shoe boxes that I see no reason to change everything over to another “system.” If the spool system or any other system is what you prefer, I say go with a system that works for you.

My system basically works like this: I have a small envelope for each numbered color of thread in my stash. I label the outside of each envelope with the number in the top right-hand corner and file it in numerical order in a shoebox.

Whenever I start a new project, I pull out the numbered colors I need from the shoe box and put them in a large zip-lock bag. This is also great for easy and portable storage while I’m working on the project. I can also insert the magnetic board and folded fabric inside the zip-lock bag for waterproof and safe travel if I’m taking a project on the road with me.

Using the envelopes saves every little piece of thread for future cross-stitch projects.

By using envelopes instead of cardboard spools, I can easily insert small leftover pieces of floss inside the envelope to use later. Very little thread gets wasted this way. Sometimes, you just need to use a small piece for a few stitches, so keeping every little strand saves thread and money over time.

If you don’t like the look of plain shoe boxes, you can always cover them in pretty paper to make your craft area more visually appealing.

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”  Luke 12:40

More cross-stitch posts to enjoy:

Finishing What I Started – Cross Stitch Patterns From the Craft Room

I Love My Home State – Cross Stitch Project

DIY Canvas Art For Finished Cross Stitch

Using The Mollie Ollie Caddy for Craft Projects