Reddit reviews One Box of 50 Plastic Bobbins Floss & Needlecraft Organizer

I just use plastic or cardboard bobbins with these organizers. I write the number of the thread at the top and keep them in order. I have five of them and wrote down 1, 2, 3, etc. on the outsides so I have a general idea of where to look (like I know black is 310 so it'll be in the first one). I also have a mini one that I keep colors I'm currently using (more convenient and easy to carry in my purse).

I posted this in another sub about a month ago for someone wanting to learn:







It's a very inexpensive hobby. Here are the things I put on my Amazon list, just for reference if you or anyone else needed it:

Set of 4 different sized wooden hoops- $11.99 Plastic ones may be easier for some people, I prefer wooden because they're more my style for framing.

Aida 14ct Cloth 12x18- $3.55 14ct Aida is easiest to work with for beginners. The size of this is good for practicing on, get a couple so you can use the other for your first project. You can also purchase large rolls of it when you start becoming obsessed with it. They also come in lots of different colors and easy to dye yourself.

Set of 150 different colored skeins of DMC floss- $15.98 This is a great amount to start off with. It'll last you a long time, and if you ever need more or want new colors, they are very inexpensive from any craft store and Walmart. Usually around $0.25-$0.50. FYI floss splits apart into 6 tiny strings. Start off using only 2-3 strands
Do all 6 and you're gonna have a bad time.

Needles!- $3.49 Can't stitch without needles!

Bobbins and a thread organizer- $6.49 You will need this. I waited too long to get one and ended up have to wind up hundreds of tangled skeins and it took HOURS. Do it before you start practicing. Also write the thread color number on the top of each bobbin with permanent marker. When you use patterns they will be based off the color numbers.

Julie Jackson's subversive cross stitch book- $12.99 If you like those snarky offensive cross stitchings, this is the best book for it. It's also an amazing beginners guide into cross stitching. It has brief instructions on how to start and very simple but adorably offensive patterns. You can also get other books or use YouTube to find instructions on how to get started. I'd also like to suggest going to etsy for patterns. They're pretty cheap and there's endless options.

So about $55 to get started plus shipping, but it'll last you a long time and could be used on many different projects and you won't spend nearly as much when you do need something else.

I haven't got this altogether on an Amazon list, some of it's from Michael's, but here you go:

Washable Embroidery pen for marking grids.

Needles

Hoopla hoop. It's plastic (wood and metal stain projects), it grips well (with the overhang), and it's my preferred hoop for working on projects. There are other plastic hoops, but not all have the one piece with an overhang, and it's the overhang that keeps the hoop pieces together tightly so you're not constantly adjusting back together. I do use wooden hoops for mounting final projects, though.

DMC 6 strand floss. I always use DMC floss, it's silkier than cheap dollar store floss, meaning it doesn't knot as much. PRISM is cheaper, yes, but it's crap compared to DMC, imho.

Loops & Threads 14 count Aida cloth is a good place to start. This brand is more starchy than DMC brand, I find, which can make it a bit more challenging to get on the hoop, but it also stays put easier and needs less adjustment during stitching. Totally a personal preference. Aida comes in several basic colours and styles, like gold/silver dusted, pale blue, red, green, black, white, oatmeal, antique, etc. Some people hand-dye aida and sell it on Etsy for a decent price, and then you can get a much wider variety of colours if you want something unique for a project.

You'll need a nice bobbin box to organize your floss.

You'll need some floss bobbins, to organize, maybe some floss number stickers (or you could write with a sharpie), and if you're looking to see what colours of floss are available, get a colour card.

Like others have posted, try getting a kit or two first, as they give great instructions, all the supplies needed, and will get you going. Or you could just assemble the things I listed, buy a pattern from Etsy, and dive in head first!

Good luck!

FYI: I sent you lots of amazon links as I am not sure where you live or if you have access to craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabrics. I know for certain that I have seen most of these items cheaper at the store than what I could find online.

1. Embroidery scissors. The good ones (I.e. generally not ones that come in sewing kits) are incredibly sharp and a must. They are used exclusively for cutting embroidery floss. They make some really pretty ones that come in all sorts of colors and patterns.
   
2. A hoop or two. I personally prefer the plastic ones as they are a bit more durable and good for multiple projects. I also don't typically display my finished work inside the hoop. If she plans on making wall hangings, I would go with the wooden ones. They are typically a bit cheaper when you buy them at a craft store (I believe I have seen them from between 1-3 USD.) They have a nicer finished look and isn't that big of a deal to buy a new one when you start on your next project. I would buy her two of the wooden ones in two different sizes (a 4 inch and 6 inch one)
   
3. a box for embroidery thread. this one on Amazon that I listed is nice since it also contains the bobbins as well. These boxes usually cost about 3 USD at the craft store and are great for holding all of your different colors of embroidery floss. they often have one larger compartment which is perfectly sized to hold needles and the embroidery scissors as well. The floss bobbins are great at keeping everything organized in the box as well.
   
4. about a yard of fabric. Muslin is generally pretty cheap. For a beginner, I might also suggest Aida cloth. It it woven in a way that there is a "grid" in the cloth which makes it easier to make straight lines. It is typically used for Cross Stitch but can be used for embroidery as well. The cloth is more expensive that the muslin, and I personally don't prefer the finished look of the fabric, but it makes it easy to make straight lines and practice stitches. Someone on here also mentioned buying Fabric quarters which is a great idea. They come in a whole bunch of designs, run around 2 USD a piece, and work pretty well for embroidery.
   
5. Needles. You don't need the golden eye ones like I have listed here. Just make sure that the package says it's for embroidery as the of the needle varies depending on the type.
   
6. Now here's the hardest part of the whole thing: Embroidery floss. Most stores offer DMC brand cotton floss by the skein for about 0.48 USD. The problem is that there are literally hundreds of different colors and picking out just a few might be a bit difficult. The sets that DMC does sell are a bit pricey and aren't often set up to give you a beginner's set of colors. You could however buy an off brand set of embroidery floss that does come in a nice variety of colors and is cheaper. However, I have found that a lot of these packs have low quality thread. It often can look dull when compared to DMC brand floss. (look how Satin-y this Flower looks with the more expensive floss!) I have also heard of some people say that the colors can run when they get washed. All that said, these packs are inexpensive and great for someone just starting with embroidery as there are so many colors to choose from. Its great when you are practicing or are not 100% sure of what you are going to make yet.
   
7. transfer pen: I bought a set of those Frixion Pens that someone else mentioned in this post and I love them. They are a bit pricey. I believe that I bought my set at Target for 6 bucks. It came with 5 different colors including pink and silver which work great on dark colored fabrics. These pens are used to plan out your design on your fabric before you embroider. These pens are special in that they disappear completely with heat (such as an iron). If you don't want to go that route, they also make Water soluble markers which serve the same purpose. They don't work quite as well in my opinion as they tend to erase themselves after a few hours/days. They have the advantage of being inexpensive and work fine for small projects.
   
   I hope that all of this helps. Good luck on the shopping. I know that whatever you end up getting her she will love.

Haha I think my fingers need a break from all the winding! I'm surprised I don't have any calluses. :x

I got the boxes from Amazon. You can also get them at Michael's or Hobby Lobby if you have one near you. The boxes come with bobbins, so you don't need to purchase them separately. :)

Here is what works for me! Hope it helps :)

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Long term storage:


I have a small unit that all the supplies live in permanently, which can stay in a closet or under the bed, and having a separate tote for my current project.

For you I'm picturing something like this: https://www.target.com/p/translucent-tote-handbag-shade-shore-153/-/A-53913203?preselect=53752648#lnk=sametab or

https://smile.amazon.com/Clear-Bag-Stadium-Approved-Games-Cross-Body/dp/B01NAJELJ3/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1543006502&sr=8-3-spons&keywords=zipper+tote&psc=1 or

https://www.target.com/p/sterilite-174-clear-plastic-under-bed-storage-bin-clear-with-white-lid-7gal/-/A-13794483 to hold all your extra fabric, hoops, and floss.

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I like to wrap my thread and organize by color, I use these for storage:

https://smile.amazon.com/Plastic-Bobbins-Floss-Needlecraft-Organizer/dp/B000BKVMOM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543005340&sr=8-3&keywords=floss+bobbin+storage

It has one section that is a bit bigger than the others, which is where I keep needles, seam rippers, thimbles, etc.

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Short term - Project in process:

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When I am working on a project, I take all the necessary colors and clip them together using one of these binder rings, example:

https://www.staples.com/Staples-Loose-Leaf-Rings-1-Size-Silver/product_481326

Then I have a particular zipper pouch that I keep everything in for a project. There are all kinds of cute ones out there. I'm currently hunting for a zipper pouch which has an interior zipper pocket as well to hold little scissors and a needle threader. Currently I just use a Klein Tool bag that my SO gave me. The hoop, bundle of floss, scissors, etc all fit in there nicely and make it really easy for your project to be portable. It makes it easy to have a central location where the project lives and everything goes back inside every time.

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I'm assuming that thread/bobbin boxes aren't your thing?

these are the bobbins i use, and i use the darice box for storage as well. the initial time spent to thread the bobbins is well worth it in my opinion! super inexpensive and is safer than using things that might snag and ruin your thread. i ended up fitting something like 110 skeins in my box and keeps me conscious of the colors that i do/don't have

plus it's wonderful to look at when you've arranged all your colors in there

For small things, I have a few clear plastic organizers with compartments. Specifically, I have this one and that one.

I mostly use PDF patterns and I hang them up on a wall, as shown here, using clamps I got from Dollar Tree (kinda like clothespins).

You can use floss bobbins or sort them into little individual ziploc bags. I wouldn't use a popsicle stick because that will cease the floss and make it hard to work with.

Something like this would work great.

This is the box and some boxes come with 50 cards inside. I bought them at Michael's craft store for ~$3 each and an extra pack of 100 cardboard cards for ~$1.

Yup! And there are about 8 million way sto organize it too. I'm a fan of putting them on bobbins and putting them in these clear plastic containers: link to amazon

If nothing else, having cats has made me much more diligent about cleaning up & storing my art supplies when I've finished using them.

One thing that surprised me regarding my kitten plus art supplies was that he liked chewing on wood. He chewed up the flanges on some stretcher bars pretty good before I realized what was going on.

Also both of my cats have had a thing for trying to eat shiny metal. Anything from loose picture hanging wire to stray pins or needles. So BE VERY CAREFUL when you are using anything like that and put everything away the minute you aren't using it.

In terms of embroidery thread, if you haven't already invest in one of these. Cats WILL bat around the plastic bobbins given the chance so be religious about replacing them in the box. I've also taken to putting all of my accessories (needle case, scissors, thimble, thread heaven, etc.) in a zippered pouch when not in use after losing several leather thimbles to my cat's prey instinct.

Also, the best way I have discovered to keep your cat off the craft table or area is to provide a high up perch quite close that he can observe the action from but still be out of the way. Be consistent with putting him up there whenever he tries to get on the table and he'll get the picture eventually. My cat's perch is literally just a fleece pad on top of shelves but it keeps the peace quite well.

I just use this cheap thing that I got on Amazon a while back (here it is). The threads are pretty cheap, like $0.30 a pop, if you go to an actual store and buy them. Amazon seems to only have bulk thread. I only stopped working on that project because I finally ran out of black and can't finish the Death Star until I actually leave the house to go buy more. :( Damn you women with your babies strapped to your chest always in Joann's Fabrics! Etsy has a ton of really adorable projects that are instant download. I think I'm going to do something like this next for the kitchen.

DO ITTTTT!!! It's such a great way to feel productive while you watch TV. I recommend starting with those counted cross stitch kits they sell at Michael's! It comes with a pattern, the cloth, a needle, and all of the thread you need. Look for smaller designs without a lot of shading to start (shading can be a huge pain in the ass and easy to mis-count).

Once you get the hang of it and want to stray away from kits, you'll need some supplies. I suggest the following:

• A roll of 14 count Aida cloth in white
  
  
• Slightly smaller pack of 14 count Aida cloth in black (Not necessary, but some designs look really cool against black, and I like to have options)
  
  
• Starter pack of different colors of embroidery floss. You can also buy colors separately for ~$1/skein, but if you have a bunch of patterns, it's worth it to have a base supply and just buy specialty colors separately as you go.
  
  
• Needles (duh)
  
  
• A couple embroidery hoops. These aren't necessary, but they make things a lot easier, and keep your hand from cramping up. I suggest having one smaller one and one slightly larger to accommodate different size projects.
  
  
• Also not necessary, but I got this handy little organizer for cheap, and it makes dealing with the thread situation a lot easier.
  
  Once you have some basic supplies, Dailycrossstitch.com has one free cross stitch pattern every day! They're usually small and simple enough that a beginner could accomplish them pretty quickly.
  You can venture into Pinterest, which has some nice, simple patterns available for free. Etsy has a ton of great ones too (I've ordered some from LindyStitches, CapesAndCrafts, nerdylittlestitcher, and granniepanties, and there are SO MANY MORE!).
  
  Feel free to PM me if you have questions! I'm by no means an expert, but I know a thing or two from a novice's perspective!

I bought 1000 off Amazon, but I obviously don't need all 1000 so I'm selling a couple hundred of them.

25 for $3
50 for $4
100 for $5
150 for $6
200 for $7

Prices are in US dollars and include shipping to the US. PM me for shipping quotes for everywhere else.

If anyone has bought this organizer box from Amazon, these bobbins are nearly identical to the ones that come with the box.