How to Organize Cross Stitch - Embroidery Floss - Easy Storage Solutions
1. Floss Storage Solutions – Easy Cross Stitch Storage Tips – Ideas
countedcrossstitchpatterns.net /floss-storage-solutions/
by Tracey Kramer
Floss Storage Solutions – Easy Cross Stitch Storage Tips – Ideas
There are many cross stitch floss storage systems out there to choose from. Your goal is to find the best floss inventory system
that works best for you. It should make your cross stich floss easily accessible and provide the best organization which will
increase your efficiency in completing your cross stitch projects. In other words, the more organized your floss storage is, the
faster you will be able to complete your projects. I have divided floss storage into two categories: (1) Project Storage and (2)
Stash Storage.
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Project Storage: Project storage simply means using a small storage system that contains cross stitch floss just for that specific
cross stitch project. In my early stitching days, I started out using Sudberry House floss sticks to organize my floss. (This may
have been good for storing wool for needlepoint projects, but it was not good for storing floss because the floss easily became
frayed and tangled). Also, the floss sticks did not keep my floss clean. So I ditched that method and purchased an expensive
binder system where floss was kept in the skein, but squeezed into plastic or clear vinyl slots making it hard to put in and remove
from each slot. This method also flattened and distorted the volume of the floss and gave it the appearance of being thin and
flat. You don’t want this. Your floss should look plump and healthy, not smashed and defeated.
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Sudberry House Floss Stick Organizer 1 3/4"X11" 95011
(Kitchen)
List Price:
$8.99 USD
New From: $8.99 USD In Stock
Used from: Out of Stock
Next, I decided to use small plastic bags attached to a metal ring. I took my Sharpie marker and labeled each bag separating the
floss into groups of hundreds and thousands (for instance, 100′s, 200′s, 3,00′s, 3,000, etc.), but this became too tedious, and with
constant going in and out of the bags, two problems occurred: (1) the labeling on the bag wore off, even with a permanent
marker, and (2) the DMC label often slipped off the floss skein, and when this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands trying
to figure out which skein the label belongs to. This can become a major pain in the patoot, especially if this happens to more than
one skein in the bag.
2. Now, I’m pleased to say I have reached the golden Himalayas and have found a full proof method that I have been using ever
since called “the project box.” This is simply a small storage box with a lid that has dividers in it where you wind your DMC floss
onto DMC Plastic bobbins and label them. This system is more compact, keeps your floss organized, and most of all, keeps your
floss clean. In this box I place all of the floss required to complete my project. Sometimes, depending on the size of the project, I
will need two boxes for one project, especially if there are a lot of colors involved.
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DMC 6102 Plastic Floss
Bobbins, 28-Pack (Misc.)
New From: $8.12 USD In Stock
Used from: Out of Stock
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Darice Organizer
Box 17
Compartment Clear
List Price:
$9.99 USD
New From: $11.99 USD In Stock
Used from: Out of Stock
Stash Storage: As far as having a storage system for the stashing of floss (i.e. extra floss you are holding for future projects), you
can use a larger version of the small project box. These boxes are large flat square boxes that have a lid with closure clamps and
come with removable dividers so that you can customize the cataloging of your colors within the box. These storage systems are
stackable, and are also made to fit inside a cabinet. I don’t have a cabinet at this particular time, so mine are being stored in a
stack on top of my coffee table for now.
The Ultimate Floss Storage System for Designers and/or Amateurs : This is the MacDaddy of all stash storage units! Last, but
not least, I got this idea while strolling through a hardware store in the nuts and bolts aisle. I was looking at Stack-on’s 60-drawer
storage cabinet guys use to sort out their nails and screws and other small hardware when I came across a nifty cabinet used for
this purpose. It had multiple drawers which seemed would fit the length of a DMC floss skein. I also noticed these cabinets were
3. mountable which I could someday mount on my walls for ease of filing. I became fascinated with the idea of using these cabinets
to sort my floss, so I purchased two of them to start out. I labeled each drawer with large numbered stickers I printed on my
printer and placed them in numerical order on the outside of each drawer, and placed each floss skein in them laying them flat.
This worked out so well, that I went and purchased enough of these cabinets to complete the entire DMC range. It took 8
cabinets to accomplish this, and works out very well as my floss stays clean and is organized and ready for immediate use.
See larger image
Stack-On DS-60 60 Drawer Storage Cabinet
(Tools & Home Improvement)
List Price:
$49.99 USD
New From: $27.48 USD In Stock
Used from: Out of Stock
No matter what floss storage solutions you choose, make sure it works best for you. Always keep
in mind the following equation: EA + O = HE (easy access + organization = high efficiency) and
you can’t go wrong with that equation!
Find us at http://sunrayscreations.com
About
Tracey M. Kramer is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Office Administration. She is a mother of two, an expert author and article writer with Ezine Articles.
She enjoys writing about crafts, personal growth and health issues. Tracey is the owner of Sunrays
Creations Needlearts http://sunrayscreations.com
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