Sewing Thread Holder Ideas

When I say “thread holder,” I’m not just talking about one specific item. It’s more like a whole family of sewing tools! As someone who loves to sew, I’ve come to appreciate the variety of thread holders out there.

First, we’ve got the thread stand for your sewing machine – the helpful tool that holds your thread while you’re busy stitching. But that’s just the beginning. Thread holders also include all those clever storage and organization solutions we use to keep our colorful spools tidy and accessible.

And let’s not forget about the more specialized types: spool holders, cone thread holders, and even the small but essential bobbin thread holders. It’s quite a diverse group. 

In this article, I’m going to explore the world of thread holders. We’ll look at all these different types and maybe even uncover some creative ideas along the way. I hope you’re ready to learn about the many ways we can keep our threads organized and ready for action.

Sewing Machine Thread Holders: Spotlight on Thread Stands

Sewing machine thread holders, also known as thread stands, are vertical structures designed to hold thread (going to the needle) above your sewing machine. Almost all thread stands have an extended pole for the thread to go up before going to the machine. 

They’re important for several reasons. First, they allow the thread to unwind smoothly and evenly as you sew, which reduce tension issues and prevent tangling. This is especially important when working with larger cones of thread that don’t fit on your machine’s built-in spool pin. 

Thread stands also come in handy when you’re doing decorative stitching or working with specialty threads that benefit from a longer path to the needle. Some stands can hold multiple spools at once, which is great for projects requiring frequent thread changes or for those of us who like to sew with multiple colors simultaneously. 

In essence, a good thread stand can make your sewing experience smoother, more efficient, and less frustrating.

DIY Thread Stands Ideas

DIY thread holders are homemade solutions for sewing threads. They can range from simple structures to more complex designs, depending on individual needs and skills.

We make DIY thread holders for various reasons. For me, it’s partly about customization – I can create a holder that fits my specific space and needs. Sometimes, it’s about cost-effectiveness, especially when commercial options are expensive or hard to find.

Plus, there’s a sense of satisfaction in using something handmade.

While commercial options are more readily available now, there’s still something special about a DIY thread holder. 

I have two DIY thread holders that I’ve been using for years, and they’re both special to me. They are very similar to the most popular Dritz cone thread holder, designed for a single cone thread. The first one has a rectangular metal base that provides great stability. My father made this for me many years ago when I got my first embroidery machine.

The second holder is similar in design, but it has a wooden base instead. My husband crafted this one for me about 15 years ago.

Today, you can find similar holders quite cheaply, but back then, it was a different story. To be honest, I can’t quite remember why I asked them to make these holders for me. Maybe commercial options weren’t readily available, or perhaps they were too expensive at the time.

So today these DIY holders aren’t just functional tools for me; they’re a part of my sewing history. They remind me of how my family has supported my passion for sewing over the years. While they may look simple, they’ve been reliable companions in my sewing room for over a decade, helping me manage my threads efficiently across countless projects.

Here is another DIY thread stands that was also made by my father years ago. The stand is made entirely of wood, and because of this it has a warm, handcrafted feel.

The solid wood base provides excellent stability. From this base, a vertical piece of wood extends upward, supporting a smaller horizontal piece at the top. This stand holds four cones (or spools) of thread, which is good for projects requiring multiple colors.

What I liked the most about this stand was that it allowed me to keep a minimal thread collection there. I didn’t need to bring a huge assortment of threads every time I visited. Instead, I usually had just four thread colors that worked well for almost any project.

Want to know what these colors are? They’re often called “chameleon” colors because of their ability to blend with a wide variety of fabrics. My go-to colors were

1. Light gray
2. Light to medium beige (or natural)
3. Navy blue
4. White

These four colors have served me well over the years. The light gray and beige are great neutrals that blend with both light and dark fabrics. Navy blue works well with other blues, most dark colors, and even some lighter shades. And white, of course, is a staple for many projects. Sometimes, of course, a perfectly matching or intentionally contrasting thread might be the better choice. 

On the top of the stand, there’s space for three bobbins, which is handy for keeping matched thread and bobbin pairs together. On the side, he added two dowels where I can store even more bobbins.

This stand stayed at my father’s place, and I used it whenever I visited him. A few years ago, I bought a modern sewing machine (with build-in thread stand) to keep at his house, replacing the old Singer that was there. So I don’t really use that stand anymore. But still, it’s a reminder of the many sewing sessions I’ve had at my father’s house over the years with the old Singer.

Commercial Thread Stands For Your Sewing Machine

Commercial thread stands are compatible with any sewing machine and can help sewists at any skill level. They’re particularly useful when you’re working with large thread cones or specialty threads that don’t fit well on your machine’s built-in spool pin.

In this section, we’ll look at some popular thread stands you can buy. There’s quite a range available – from simple stands that hold one spool to more complex designs that can handle multiple threads at once. I’ll share some thoughts on what to consider when selecting a thread stand and how different types might suit various sewing projects. 

Single Cone Thread Holder

This is a handy tool I’ve found really useful in my sewing room. It’s a sturdy metal stand designed to hold large thread cones and spools, which can be a bit tricky to manage otherwise.

What I appreciate about this holder is its stability. The heavy metal base keeps it firmly in place while you’re sewing, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over or sliding around. It’s also pretty versatile – I’ve used it with various sizes of thread cones and even regular spools.

The metal guide at the top helps the thread flow smoothly as you sew, which means less tangling and more consistent tension. 

I know some sewists that use multiple holders when working on projects that need several thread colors at once. It’s not a fancy gadget by any means, but it’s well-made and does its job reliably.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself. 

My thread stand is Dritz Cone Thread Holder, and it’s available on Amazon if you want to buy it. 

Dritz 896 Cone Thread Holder

Three-Spool Thread Holder

Here is a handy three-spool thread stand. It’s similar to the YEQIN Thread Spool Holder Stand you can find on Amazon, even the color is pink. These types of stands offer a solution if you work with multiple threads at once or when you simply want to keep your most-used threads ready to go.

It can hold three large spools or cones at once, which is convenient when you’re working on projects that need different thread colors. But it’s not just about holding thread – it’s also got built-in storage. Notice it has spaces for bobbins.

These stands are typically made of sturdy plastic with metal parts for the thread guides. The one I have is pretty stable and doesn’t wobble when I’m sewing. The thread feeds smoothly from the stand to my machine, which helps maintain good tension.

Assembly is straightforward – you can put it together or take it apart in just a few minutes. This ease of assembly also makes it convenient for storage when not in use.

While it’s not a high-end professional tool, it offers a good balance of functionality and affordability for home sewing enthusiasts.

Spool Pin Adapter

And now let me tell you about this interesting idea for a thread spool holder – it’s the Spool Pin Adapter.

The main purpose of this holder is to change the orientation of your sewing machine’s spool pin. This is particularly useful for parallel wound spools, which need to unwind like a roll of toilet paper (not the most elegant comparison, I know, but it gets the point across).

The standard setup on my machines was causing the thread I wanted to use (Eloflex thread from Coats & Clark brand) to twist, which was a nightmare for both the thread and my patience. This adapter solved that problem beautifully.

It fits perfectly on my machine’s bobbin winder. I’ve found it to be sturdy and reliable in use. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Once set up, the thread pulls straight off the spool into the thread guides, resulting in smooth, twist-free feeding.

While it’s not a necessity for every sewing project, for those tricky threads that need special handling, this Spool Pin Adapter can be an indispensable tool.

Sewing Thread Holders For Thread Storage And Organization

Storing and organizing threads can be a real challenge for sewists. Our collections tend to grow quickly, and before we know it, we’re drowning in a sea of spools. Let’s look at some ways to keep our threads tidy and easy to find, whether you’re into DIY solutions or prefer ready-made organizers.

When I walk into a fabric store, I’m always amazed by the beautifully organized thread displays. They’re arranged by color in perfect gradients, sorted by type, size, and brand. It looks great, but can we really recreate that at home? Sure, it’s possible, but I’m not convinced it’s all that practical.

For me, I want my thread organization to be functional, not just pretty. I don’t want to spend hours arranging threads by color like a rainbow. That might look nice, but it doesn’t necessarily help me sew more efficiently.

I do see the value in organizing by type – keeping my serger threads separate from my embroidery threads, for example. That makes sense to me. But meticulously arranging every shade of blue next to each other? That’s just not how I want to spend my time.

Using Drawers as Effective Thread Holders for Sewing Organization

My goal is to organize my threads in a way that makes them easy to use. I want to grab what I need quickly and get on with my projects. After all, I’m here to sew, not to create a museum-worthy thread display in my craft room. 

So, here’s how I prefer to keep my threads – in the drawers of an Ikea Kallax unit. It might not be a traditional sewing thread holder, but why not, right? It’s simple and effective. When I need a thread, I just open a drawer and I can see all the colors at once. I pick what I need and I’m ready to go. No fuss, no muss.

✅ Related tutorial: IKEA Sewing Room Ideas for small spaces

One big advantage of using drawers for thread storage and organization  is that they protect my threads from sunlight and dust. This helps prevent fading and keeps the threads clean, which is especially important for less frequently used colors or specialty threads.

The main challenge with this method is keeping the threads from unraveling. Recently, I’ve started using Hugos amazing tape for this, and it works great. Before that, I just used regular scotch tape. Both methods do the job of keeping my threads tidy.

I do sort my threads by type, though. I’ve got different drawers for different purposes. Serger threads go in one drawer, embroidery threads in another, and I’ve got separate drawers for metallic threads, cotton threads, etc. This system makes it easy for me to find the right type of thread for each project.

This method might not look as pretty as a color-coded wall display, but it works for me. It keeps my threads organized enough to be functional, but not so meticulously arranged that I waste time on organization instead of sewing. And really, isn’t that the whole point?

Rotating Thread Rack

Even though I love my drawer system, I decided to try out a dedicated sewing thread holder. I bought the New Brothread 84 Spools 360° Fully Rotating Wooden Thread Rack/Thread Holder Organizer. This sewing thread holder looks really good and is quite practical. It’s a space-saver, and all the thread colors are visible at once. It rotates freely, so I can easily access any spool I need with a quick spin.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you need to place this rack in a shaded area of your sewing room. Direct sunlight can fade the thread colors over time, so it’s important to protect your investment.

They say it’s especially useful for the threads you reach for most often.

Now, here’s a question I’ve been asking myself: how often do I really use 84 different thread colors? For embroidery project, this might be great. But for regular sewing, especially if you’re not running a business, it might be a bit overkill. Yes, it looks very nice, but practicality is important too.

I managed to buy this thread rack for under $40, which I think is a good deal. When you consider the cost and effort of setting up DIY thread racks (like DIY pegboard holder), this ready-made rack starts to look even more appealing.

So, if you’re looking for an efficient and attractive sewing thread holder, something like this might be worth considering – just be sure you’ll actually use all those thread slots!

Utilizing Containers and Boxes as Versatile Thread Holders

Sometimes, the simplest sewing thread holder solutions are the ones that come right with the thread. I often find myself using the original boxes or containers that the thread came in from the store. It’s a practical and no-fuss approach that works really well for me.

I’ve found that plastic containers are really useful as sewing thread holders. I once bought a set of embroidery threads that came in a nice plastic container set. It’s actually three containers stacked together, with the top one having a lid and a handy carrying handle.

This type of sewing thread holder has several advantages. First, it’s completely enclosed, which means my threads are protected from dust, sunlight, and yes, even my dog’s fur! The stacking feature is great for saving space, and I can easily separate the containers if I need to.

The carrying handle on the top container is particularly useful. It makes it easy to transport my threads if I’m working on a project away from home. I can just grab the whole set and go, knowing all my threads are secure and organized.

What I like most about these plastic containers is their versatility. While mine came with embroidery threads, you could easily repurpose any similar container for storing various types of threads. They’re also usually clear, so you can see what’s inside without opening them.

Another example is the serger thread that came with my Triumph serger. It arrived in a plastic container, and I’ve found no reason to change that. The container is perfectly designed to hold those large serger thread cones, so why reinvent the wheel?

Sometimes I even use paper boxes as thread holders. For instance, I have this 15 weight embroidery thread from Dime which I hardly ever use. Instead of transferring it to a different storage system, I just keep it in the box it came with. It’s sturdy, it’s the right size, and it keeps the threads neatly organized.

I use this method for my prewound bobbins. They come in a small, convenient box that keeps them all in one place and prevents them from rolling around. It’s so handy to just open the box and pick the bobbin I need.

What I love about this approach is its simplicity and convenience. These boxes and containers are designed specifically for the threads they hold, so they often work better than generic storage solutions. Plus, it saves me the time and effort of transferring threads to a different system.

Of course, this method works best when the original packaging is sturdy and well-designed. But when it is, I find it’s one of the ways to keep my threads organized and easily accessible. Sometimes, the best sewing thread holder is the one the thread already came in. 

Lazy Susan as Thread Holder

Oh, I almost forgot to mention one of my ideas for big embroidery and quilting projects. When I’m working on a project that requires many colors and spans over several days or even weeks (like the quilt I made for my granddaughter), I use a lazy Susan rack as a thread holder.

This lazy Susan wasn’t originally meant for thread storage at all. But I realized it would make a perfect thread holder for my big projects. That’s why I call it my DIY thread holder – I repurposed it for sewing!

This rack has three tiers, and I can place all the colors I need for the project on these three levels. It rotates, just like it would if it were holding condiments or spices on a dining table.

The rotating feature is very handy. I can easily spin the rack to access any color I need without having to get up or reach across my workspace. It keeps all my project threads organized and within arm’s reach, which is a huge time-saver when you’re switching between many colors.

It’s especially useful when I’m working on a project over an extended period, as I can leave all the necessary threads set up and ready to go. When I come back to the project, everything is right where I left it, neatly organized and easy to access.

It’s a great example of how sometimes, the best sewing thread holders can come from repurposing items we already have around the house. Who knew a kitchen organizer could become such a useful sewing tool?

Bobbin Thread Holders

Now, let’s talk about bobbin thread holders. If you’ve been sewing for any length of time, you know that keeping bobbins organized can be a real pain in the neck. But it’s a necessary evil – without proper organization, bobbins can quickly become a tangled mess.

One solution I like is these colorful plastic rings designed specifically for holding bobbins. They’re simple, but they work wonders. Each ring can hold lots of bobbins, it keeps them neat and easily accessible. I’ve actually accumulated 12 of these rings, and they’re all full! It’s amazing how many bobbins we sewists can collect over time. I found these bobbin holders on both Temu and Amazon, so they’re pretty easy to get your hands on.

✅ Related tutorial: Deciding Between Amazon and Temu: A Head-to-Head Review

Another bobbin storage solution I use is a bobbin tower. This little gadget takes up very little space, which is always a plus in a busy sewing room. But what I really love about it is how easy it is to use. I can quickly see all my bobbins at a glance and grab exactly the one I need without disturbing the others.

Oh, and here’s what I use for empty bobbins: I keep mine in the plastic box they originally came in. This box has individual spaces for each bobbin, which is perfect for keeping them organized and preventing them from rolling around. It’s a simple solution, but it works great for those times when I need a new bobbin for a project.

Between the plastic rings, the bobbin tower, and the original box for empties, I feel like I’ve finally got a handle on my bobbin storage situation. No more loose bobbins rolling around in drawers or getting tangled up with each other. 

The key to good bobbin storage is finding a system that works for you and sticking with it. Whether it’s rings, towers, boxes, or something else entirely, the best bobbin thread holder is the one that keeps your bobbins organized and readily available when you need them.

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Well, there you have it – we’ve explored quite a few ideas for keeping your threads organized and ready to use. There are plenty of creative solutions out there. What matters most is finding what works best for you and your sewing space. So, what’s your favorite way to wrangle your thread collection? You can mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique solution. After all, organizing your threads should be just as fun as using them in your projects.

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