Storing DMC thread: storage systems for your embroidery floss collection
Stitchly StudioDeel
Have you ever spent thirty minutes digging through a tangled mess of loose threads, searching for a specific DMC number? Anyone with more than fifty DMC colors knows that feeling. At a certain point, good organization is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.
In this guide, we'll discuss the most popular storage systems, their costs, and which system best suits the size of your collection.
Why a system is important
- No more duplicate purchases ('didn't I already have that 3859?')
- Instantly find the DMC you need for a new pattern
- Extend the lifespan of thread (light and dust are enemies)
- More beautiful to look at—motivating to start
System 1: Bobbins + plastic box
The world standard. You wind each color of DMC thread onto a cardboard or plastic bobbin, write the DMC number on it, and store them in a plastic box with compartments.
Pros and cons
Pro: Inexpensive (€15-30 for box + 100 bobbins), very clear, easy to expand.
Con: Initial investment of 1-2 hours to wind your existing collection.
What to buy?
A 'DMC floss organizer' on AliExpress/Amazon costs €10-15 and has space for 100-200 bobbins. Plus a box of cardboard bobbins (€5 for 100 pieces).
System 2: Rings + clips
For smaller collections. You hang each DMC skein on a small clip, and those clips are hung on an open ring. One ring per color family.
Pros and cons
Pro: Looks nice (even as wall decor), threads remain in their natural state.
Con: Becomes cumbersome with more than 100 colors. Threads can get tangled.
System 3: Floss organizer drawer unit
For serious collections (200+ DMC colors). A special drawer unit with narrow drawers, each compartment fits a DMC bobbin, sorted by number.
Pros and cons
Pro: Professional setup, perfect for large collections, protects against light and dust.
Con: Investment €50-150, space-consuming.
System 4: DIY with photo boxes
A budget-friendly option: small plastic boxes (the kind for screws/beads) and storing DMC skeins per color family or number range. Works fine but looks less professional.
How to sort your thread?
By DMC number (the most common method)
310 (black) to 989 (green) by number. Advantage: for a new pattern, you'll immediately find every color.
By color family
All red shades together, all blue shades together, etc. Advantage: visually more appealing, more intuitive for color matching.
By project
Only for those doing 1-2 projects at a time. Thread per active project together. Danger: thread fragments among old projects.
Tips for thread care
- Store out of direct sunlight — DMC fades faster than you think
- Avoid very dry places — thread becomes brittle
- Avoid smoky areas — cotton thread absorbs odors
- Avoid pest-prone moisture — moths love cotton
The App System (digital addition)
Apps like 'Pattern Keeper' or 'Floss Inventory' let you keep track of what you have. For large collections (300+ DMC), this is a game-changer—especially if you buy patterns via Etsy and want to check if you have all the necessary colors.
How to start organizing?
- Gather all loose DMC skeins in one place
- Physically sort by number or color family
- Wind each skein onto bobbins
- Write the DMC number on the bobbin (marker works best)
- Place in the desired storage box
- Create a digital list of what you have (Excel or a floss app)
Expect 2-4 hours of initial investment for a collection of 100 colors. After that, updating takes a few minutes per month.
Just starting your collection?
Anyone with a few loose DMC kits doesn't need a storage system yet. Our ready-to-use embroidery kits come with pre-selected DMC threads per kit—a safe way to gradually build your collection without immediately investing in a large organizer. Only when you have 50+ loose colors does a storage system become truly necessary.
Frequently asked questions
How do I store open DMC skeins?
Wind them onto a bobbin. A half-used skein fits perfectly on the same bobbin—write the DMC number on it, and you'll never lose track again.
What is the best DMC storage box for beginners?
A plastic floss organizer with space for 100 bobbins (€10-15 online). Fits an average collection without needing immediate expansion.
Can I store DMC with Anchor thread?
Yes, but mark them clearly. Better: separate sections or boxes—because when replacing, you'll want to know which brand you had.
Do I need to wash my DMC threads before embroidering?
Not necessary for new skeins. However, if you acquire skeins from a messy collection—hand wash them in lukewarm water with a drop of baby detergent.