Tracy's Tips

by Tracy Chapman - October 21, 2006

Clear vinyl shoe holders make very efficient, easy and inexpensive thread storage.

This particular model has 24 regular size pouches and two odd size ones at the top.

There are several great features about using these holders:

• they are clear clear - you can see all your colors at a glance

• you can store your thread cones/spools and bobbin threads of the same color in a single pouch - this helps you keep everything together and in easy reach

• easy to label, move, and re-organize according to your own personal preferences (organize by color, by type, by brand...whatever suits you)

• very inexpensive -- I have found these clear vinyl shoe holders at Target and Lowes for under $10.00

• mount them on the front or back of your studio door(s) or in your closets...OR...place hooks at the appropriate height (and level) to hang a sturdy dowel and then hang your new thread holder against the wall...very colorful!

Make it dust free storage by adding a cover.  I recycle clear poly bags by cutting them and slicing strips the width and length appropriate to make a cover across each thread pouch. This cover is sufficient to keep the dust out, but I can still reach in and pull out what I need with only one hand.

I secure my "cover" strips of poly by stapling each end of the strip.  It doesn't need to be air tight to keep the thread clean and dust free.