preventing thread from unraveling

[Nicole H.]

Hi All-

I am hoping someone can help me. Does anyone have ideas for storing thread so it does not unravel??? I am going to get a thread holder <the> but how do I keep the ends from coming unraveled????

Thanks
Nikki

[Margo C.]

Nikki, depending on the type thread you are using, there may a way to lock the thread on the end of the spool. Check your Superior thread spools like King Tut, Bottom Line, Razzle Dazzle and MasterPiece. The end caps on them will snap off and you can lay the end of your thread over it and snap the end cap back on to hold it in place. Some of the other threads like Mettler have a place at one end of the spool to just slide your thread into. I wish all manufacturers would do stuff like that!

[Nicole H.]

Thank you for your reply. I figured that out after posting...... boy do I feel dumb lol.

[Annette R.]

I love the spools that Superior thread has where you can tuck the end of the thread in and lock it down. But if you are using a thread that doesn't have that system, there are "thread socks" --kind of a plastic mesh that you can cut into various lengths depending on the size of your spool. I use those on threads that like to unravel easily. I also have a case that was designed for screws and nails etc. in the work shop. It has five trays, three large ones and two smaller ones. My thread that is stored in there does not unravel nearly as quickly as that that I have stored in the open because nothing is brushing against it and it is not rolling around anywhere. Ann is sunny, hot Texas.

[Annette R.]

But if you are using a thread that doesn't have that system, there are "thread socks" --kind of a plastic mesh that you can cut into various lengths depending on the size of your spool. I use those on threads that like to unravel easily.

Ann, I am intrigued by the "thread socks" you mentioned. Do you know where we can get those?

JoAnne

[Annette R.]

I use a bit of blue painter's tape to tame those loose ends on cones that don't have slots for holding the ends. I always keep a roll in my sewing room.

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Annette R.]

The new and improved Coats and Clark thread also has the tops that open to hold the thread ends.

I use the mesh on my large cone spools since they don't have any place to hold the thread end.

On occasion, I've put a small plastic bag over the spool and held it with a rubber band.

I've also heard of wrapping a small piece of cling wrap around a spool.

Sunny and finally warmer in western NY. Nancy

[Annette R.]

AND when all else fails--go to the hardware store and buy some vinyl table covering. It is not too expensive and you can cut it in strips to go around you thread for sewing--it sticks to itself so you don't have to worry about any adhesive on your thread.

[Margo C.]

I'm glad you posted that, Ritzy! I had heard that tip before, but never tried it. I have some vinyl that I'll cut up tomorrow!! WHOO-HOO!

[Margo C.]

I have also been told that you can use the netting that comes over roses when they are delivered to pull over your cones or you can use the cut & seal plastic wrap - just cut the size you need.

[Margo C.]

I'll remember that the next time I get roses..... :?

[karen f.]

I was watching a video online somewhere yesterday and the lady on it said she uses a finger bandage type gauze that is a tube to keep her thread from coming off the spool. She just cut off pieces from the roll of gauze. Sorry I can't remember who it was and I haven't tried this yet but I thought it was interesting anyway. Karen

[Annette R.]

JoAnne, the thread socks I bought are labeled that and are available at Hancock's here. I have also gotten them at JoAnne's and I think they are available at some quilt shops. Hope you can find them, they are great. Ann

[Annette R.]

I use a product called Marathon Incredible Tape. Comes on a 50 ft roll for around $11.00 CAD. It has static cling, no glue, 1-1/4 inches wide and is reusable. A 5" piece fits nicely around the Robison Anton spool with a little overlap for it to stick to itself. Many more uses described on the packaging. I love it!!

[Annette R.]

I use Hugo's amazing reuseable tape, It came on a 50 foot roll and is 1" wide - I have cut strips from it (less wide) to fit on bobbins as well. I purchased it from a LQS about 3 or more years ago, I'm still on that first roll and it lasts cause it is easy to reuse.