There are lots of reasons why a thread might be breaking when you're quilting on your longarm or piecing on your sewing machine. But if rethreading your machine and switching out your needle hasn't fixed the problem, you might have had your thread impromperly stored. Thread is more delicate than we realize. Humidity weakens fibers, sunlight bleeds colors, and dust clogs your machine’s tension discs. Proper storage keeps your threads strong, vibrant, and tangle-free, saving you money and frustration when you sew.
The Golden Rules of Thread Storage
The most important thing to remember is that threads hate sunlight and dampness. Store them somewhere cool, dry, and dark. That sunny windowsill above your sewing machine? A death sentence for vibrant colors. We like to keep ours in lidded plastic bins, far away from humid summers and radiator-dry winters. If you’re tight on space, even a drawer lined with acid-free tissue works wonders.
Specialty Threads Need Extra Love
Metallic and silky threads are the slippery divas of the thread world. Store them lying flat (standing spools can unravel) and use some of Hugo's Amazing Tape to keep them from sliding off their spool or cone.
Bits 'n Pieces' Pro Tips for Thread Longevity
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For your go-to threads that you use most often, try labeling either the spool or the box with the date you bought it. That way you can be sure to use older threads first.
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Dust your threads regularly. A clean and soft makeup brush or paintbrush works great for cleaning spools.
- Don't leave threads in overcrowded jars unless you enjoy untangling a giant knot every time you need a new spool.
Good thread storage doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need attention. If you have a big collection, you can start small and maybe just organize one color family and notice how much smoother your sewing becomes. Come by Bits 'n Pieces for more tips and tricks, classes, and of course new thread to keep you sewing and quilting in top shape.