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Do you need to wrap some shorter pieces of thread around something? You could make a DIY flat thread spool.
And you can free up space from bobbins and spools with only a little left on them. You could put it inside your travel sewing kit.
I’ll show you the materials needed and my step-by-step on how to make it with photos. Then you can make one too.
Materials
You won’t need many things, and you might already have much of this around the house.
The first thing you’ll want to do is gather this stuff.
- Index cards
- Glue
- Tape
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Thread
- Scissors
How to Make a DIY Flat Thread Spool
Now you’re ready to start the project. It shouldn’t take too much time, but cutting the notches might be the most tedious part.
1. Cut an index card.
You can wrap your thread around an index card or stock paper. I cut my index card to 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Then, fold it in half width-wise.
This size fits in my DIY travel sewing kit tin. If this size doesn’t fit your tin, you can cut it bigger or smaller to your preference.
You can add a little glue inside or tape to hold it down. I use a glue stick, but it stays in place without adhesive.
2. Mark the notches on the sides.
I measured off 5/16-inch (0.3125-inch) notches on both sides. Mark with a pencil.
You don’t have to be that precise. You can use 1/2-inch (0.5-inch) notches to make this easier.
3. Cut triangles at the notches.
Take your scissors and cut little triangles. These little grooves will hold the thread in place when wrapped around the card.
4. Wrap your thread around.
Now, you’ll choose your colors to wrap around the card. If you are making the flat spool for a travel kit, you might want to pick colors you wear a lot or stick with basics such as black, white, red, beige, blue, and brown.
I spread out my arms to measure the length of thread to wrap. Note—I have long arms! Ha!
Anyway, this comes out to about 60 inches. Remember, you don’t need to bring the whole spool for a travel kit. You can always replenish later, right?
5. Repeat with the other colors.
Repeat the above step with other colors. Secure the thread to the card with a tiny piece of clear tape if needed.
Alternative to Making the Spool
If making the flat spool is too much of a hassle, you can put the thread in tiny plastic bags. So save the little bags that jewelry and beads come in!
Project Notes
You can buy wooden flat spools online. They come in packs of 50 to 200 pieces if you need a lot of them.
Plus, if you have the materials at home, you can make them yourself and save money!
Since they lie flat, you can store them in a drawer or in a small plastic bag. They sure take up less room than the spools.
Final Thoughts
I have used my flat thread spools to wrap shorter pieces around them for hand sewing. Because if you’re like me, you don’t toss good thread.
Hey now… I could use that little bit to sew a button!
More About Sewing
I have more related posts on my blog. You might want to check them out.
- You’ll want to make your own travel sewing kit to put your flat thread spool in for fixes on the go.
- There’s a great skill you’ll want in your toolkit, and that’s sewing a button by hand.
- See how I fixed my dress when it got stained and how I overdyed the fabric to save it.
I’d love to hear about your sewing adventures!
Originally published: November 1, 2024
