Thread-I was wondering what do you think is the best way to mark and store your embroidery thread? The thread I originally received when I first got my machine is only marked by a sticker number on top of the thread. I want to keep up with that number-I write it with a sharpie on the bottom plastic spool and stick the sticker inside the spool it self. Currently I have one of those wooden spool holders but I've already run out of room. I guess it is whatever works best for you but I thought if I heard how everyone else does it, then I may have some better ideas. Seems like there should be a better way to have the number easily accessible instead of picking up the thread and looking at the bottom of the spool. Thanks!

Thank you for all your comments! I like the idea of the drawers to put them in! I too worry about leaving them exposed to light and fading. I will have to see if I can find something that will fit my thread and not be too deep.

I use your system as far as marking them. I embroider mostly by choosing the colors and not by the numbers so they are organized by color in clear Plastic Containers.

Be proud of yourself. You are organized. I use only Madiera thread. It was what I started out with and my machines like it, so that is what I feed them. I have my 1,000meter thread in the box I started with, which is organized by color and number. It has 5 drawers with the thread fitting into spaces. Each space is numbered. The spools and cones all have the thread number printed on top of the cone so it is easy to find the number. I have also started using as many 5,000 meter cones as the colors come in. They last so much longer. The cones in use get stored in a couple of drawers in no special order because there are not that many of them. I do recommend that you note what colors you use most often and always have 1 or 2 spools on hand when needed. Otherwise, you project will be delayed waiting for the thread to be replaced. I store my extra threads in 2 under the bed storage boxes which are organized by color and number so it is easy to find the thread I need. I am careful to not let my threads get exposed to much sunlight. So the threads live in the dark most of their lives. This is what I was taught to do. Others display their threads and seem to do fine. Figure out what works best for you and enjoy stitching.

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by mops 28 Jun 2014

I have got the same Madeira 5-drawer chest and an additional 2-drawer one with colours that came later. And I have a complete set of Marathon polyester, still in their cardboard boxes they came in, each has its own numbered slot. So both are quickly found (I sew by site of colour instead of number), and easily replaced in the right spots.
The 5000 m cones and the odd ones of various brands are in plastic containers, under my workbench, not totally dark, but dark enough.
Like most of the others: I have my favourite colours and know their numbers by heart, at least the Madeira ones. Doing those bamboo designs I use a lot of two of my most like greens - just as well I have spare ones for my favourites.

I use a thread that I am sure that no one has heard of "Colorful". It is what I started with. I also mark the inside of the reel. I have their colour chart and I highlight the number on the chart every time I buy a new colour. As jrob says I also have my very favorite colours and know those numbers off by heart. I keep the threads that I use the most in a little 3 draw cabinet - it keeps the dust and sun off.

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by RockyB 30 Jun 2014

Those fit perfectly in there!

That is important when re-ordering that color you use so much and it is almost gone. I use Sulky and Gunold threads and a few Mettler. The Mettler is permanently inked onto the spool. The other 2 have a sticker on top, but I can honestly say that in all of my years stitching, I've only had maybe 2 labels come off. My threads are in a rolling drawer container with clear drawers. I sew by site of color instead of number, but I find that I have been using the same threads for so long now I know the numbers by heart. (Oh, and I have a cheat sheet when needed from the manufacturer.)

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by graceandham 01 Jul 2014

I use a 3 drawer rolling container for my 5000 meter cones. They are between clear and white, so I cut a piece of cardboard the length of the drawer for the sunny side to protect from too much light, and also other cardboard dividers to divide the drawers into 3 columns. Works nicely, holding 45 or more cones per $25 rolling closet cart! Have printed out Robison Anton color names on the fronts of drawers and they are approximately in rainbow order. These units stack 2 high securely.

You sound as if you already have a good way of looking after and tracking your threads. Mine live in boxes divided by colour and at the moment too many are out and need putting away. I have a selection of brands so am not organised enough to sew out a specific colour number. I look forwards to hearing what others do

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by PatriciaVosloo 28 Jun 2014

Caroline, having read your ' ...mine live in boxes divided by colour) ..and at the moment too many are out and need putting away' is reminiscent of myself. I now try to make a point of relocating them to their respective boxes as soon as I have completed the article. This does make the 'next round' easier.