How to Organize DMC Floss: Storage Systems That Actually Work
Stitchly StudioDeel
Ever spent thirty minutes digging through a pile of tangled floss to find one specific DMC number? Anyone with more than fifty colors knows that moment. At some point, good storage stops being a nice-to-have and becomes a necessity.
This guide compares the most popular storage systems, what they cost, and which fits your collection size.
Why systematic storage matters
- No more duplicate buys ("didn't I already have 3859?")
- Instantly find the DMC numbers you need for a new pattern
- Extends floss life (light and dust are the enemies)
- Visually motivating — you'll actually start projects more often
System 1: Bobbins + plastic box
The worldwide standard. You wind each DMC color onto a small cardboard or plastic bobbin, write the DMC number on it, and store them in a plastic case with compartments.
Pros and cons
Pros: Cheap ($15–30 for box + 100 bobbins), extremely organized, easy to expand.
Cons: 1–2 hour initial investment to wind your existing collection.
What to buy
A "DMC floss organizer" on Amazon costs $10–20 and fits 100–200 bobbins. Plus a pack of cardboard bobbins ($5 for 100).
System 2: Rings + clips
For smaller collections. You hang each DMC skein on a small clip, and the clips hang on an open ring. One ring per color family.
Pros and cons
Pros: Looks great (even as wall display), skeins stay in their natural state.
Cons: Gets awkward above 100 colors. Skeins can tangle.
System 3: Floss organizer drawer cabinet
For serious collections (200+ DMC colors). A dedicated drawer cabinet with narrow drawers, each compartment fitting one DMC bobbin, sorted by number.
Pros and cons
Pros: Professional setup, perfect for big collections, protects from light and dust.
Cons: Investment $50–150, space-hungry.
System 4: DIY with bead boxes
Budget-friendly: small plastic boxes (the type for hardware or beads) and store DMC skeins per color family or number range. Works but looks less professional.
How to sort your floss
By DMC number (most used method)
310 (black) through 989 (green) by number. Advantage: at a new pattern, you find every color instantly.
By color family
All reds together, all blues together, etc. Advantage: visually prettier, intuitive for color matching.By project
Only for people doing 1–2 projects at a time. Floss for the active project stays together. Risk: floss gets fragmented between old projects.
Storage maintenance tips
- Keep out of direct sunlight — DMC fades faster than you'd think
- Not too dry — floss gets brittle
- No smoking areas — cotton absorbs odors
- Pest-safe — moths love cotton
The app system (digital companion)
Apps like "Pattern Keeper" or "Floss Inventory" let you track what you have. For big collections (300+ DMC) this is a game-changer — especially when buying Etsy patterns and wanting to check coverage.
How to start organizing
- Gather all loose DMC skeins in one place
- Sort physically by number or color family
- Wind each skein onto a bobbin
- Write the DMC number on the bobbin (marker works best)
- Place in your chosen storage box
- Make a digital list of what you have (Excel or a floss app)
Plan for 2–4 hours initial work for a 100-color collection. Then maintenance is a few minutes a month.
Just getting started?
If you only own a few skeins from kits, you do not need a storage system yet. Our ready-made cross stitch kits come with pre-selected DMC floss per project — a safe way to grow your collection gradually without committing to a big organizer up front. A storage system becomes truly necessary once you have 50+ loose colors.
FAQ
How do I store partial DMC skeins?
Wind them onto a bobbin. A half-used skein fits fine on the same bobbin — write the DMC number and you'll never lose it.
What's the best DMC storage box for beginners?
A plastic floss organizer with 100-bobbin capacity ($10–20 online). Covers an average collection without needing immediate expansion.
Can I store DMC and Anchor floss together?
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 DMC skeins before stitching?
Not for new skeins. Yes if you take over skeins from a messy collection — hand wash in lukewarm water with a drop of baby detergent.