Organizational Tips and Supplies You’ll Need

First things first.  One of the best ways to help you in your hours of stitching fun is to make it a little easier on yourself.  Rummaging through countless skeins of thread, beads and other embellishments, just to find what you need can take up much of your precious time, not to mention sanity!

The first step is deciding where you will put all of your supplies.  If you have a craft room for yourself, consider yourself lucky.  Most of us don’t have much extra space, so having all your supplies in a neat and orderly fashion is the best way to go.  Do you have a corner of a room or a closet that has a few feet of space to use?  That’s what the majority of crafters have, especially if they have more than one type of crafting passion.  There’s nothing worse than looking for something you need and not being able to locate it!  How many times have you purchased new thread, hoops or needles, just to finally find them after you purchased more?  It’s happened to me more than once.

If you don’t have much space, plastic drawer units on wheels can be a blessing, plus, they are inexpensive to purchase. If you have more space and a multitude of supplies, crafting furniture is available as well.  I opt for the plastic storage drawers and containers.I am able to see through them to find certain items in a snap.  I have one drawer for needles, scissors and hoops, another for embellishments and another for odd items that I don’t have enough of to warrant their own drawer.  I also have one drawer for completed items that I plan on giving as gifts in the future.  When I’m in a pinch, I can usually find something I created that makes a perfect gift for  one of the kid’s teachers!

 

Go from your floss looking like this..................

To this.  It takes a little time, but it's well worth it!

Craft organizers stack well and don't take up much space.

I'd be lost without these gems!

     

Filing cabinets come in handy as well.  They are perfect for keeping your patterns in order.

Another item I use to keep my fabric in order is a small baker’s rack.  On this holds not only my fabric,

but my plastic storage containers for my embroidery floss.  It doesn’t hurt to peruse around yard/tag sales in town. 

You may find a cabinet or other storage system that will be perfect for your individual needs, not to mention how

much nicer to your wallet it will be compared to buying new!

Supplies You’ll Need

Besides the colors of floss you’ll need for your project, there are other things you’ll need to complete your project.  If buying a kit, you will usually be given all the floss you’ll need, the fabric and at least one needle with the pattern.  If you working from just a pattern alone, make sure to have the following:

Fabric/Canvas-There are many different types of fabrics.  They come in many different colors, sizes and weaves.

I have a page dedicated to fabrics alone so you can make a better informed decision on which would be best for you to use for your current project.

14 Count Aida-Antique White

18 Count Aida-Antique White

28 Count Evenweave-Antique White

Scissors-The sharper the better! Make sure to have at least one pair of scissors dedicated to your needlework projects.  Do not use them for anything but your thread!  This will keep them sharp for a long time.  Using dull or blunt scissors will only‘chew’ the ends of your thread.  All craft supplies stores have a great variety of scissors made especially for crafting.

 

These are perfect for your needlework needs.

Stay far away from dull, blunt or safety scissors like these.

Needles- There is many different types of crafting needles out there.  They come in different sizes (lengths and thickness) and some have bigger or smaller eyes, depending on what you need them for.  I have several different types of needles among my supplies and many of each type.  EX: If you have a project that will require beads, it is best to use a beading needle(#10) instead of the same needle you would use for your stitching.

*For 11count, 14count, 16 count or 28 count, use a #24 Tapestry Needle

*For 18 Count or 32 Count, use a #26 Tapestry Needle.

*If you have a larger count, use a #18 Tapestry Needle

Embroidery Hoops or Frames-These little gems are essential in keeping your fabric taught while working on your project.  They come in many sizes in both wood and plastic.  Hoops are made with two different sized rings that are held together by a tension screw.  It’s best to have several different sizes depending on the size of the project you are working on.

Scroll frames are best for very large projects such as tapestries and table runners.  Lap frames definitely help you when you are working for long hours on a project.  The hand that you use to normally hold your hoop frame tends to become tired and cramp up.  If you plan on doing a stitching marathon, perhaps a lap frame would be best for you!  Another suggestion is using a floor stand. 

                                                                                                                                          

    Wooden hoops. 10", 8" and a 5"

Lighting-When stitching, you need plenty of light.  If the light you currently have in your room is not enough, and to help prevent your eyes from straining, a direct daylight lamp is best.  They come in both small and larger sizes.

Magnifier-If you have issues with your vision, then a magnifier can be one of your best friends!  There are many types out there.  Some can attach to your current glasses and there are others that fit on your head

Tape Measure or Ruler- Is an essential part of your project items. Nothing could be more discouraging than getting close to completing your project and discovering that you do not have enough fabric left!  I know because It was a mistake I made when I first started years ago!

Masking Tape- I sometimes edge the piece of my fabric before I start my projects to help keep the fabric from unraveling. I usually prefer to stitch the ends over with regular thread instead.  Either way works well. 

                                                                                                                                        

Bobbins-The easiest way to keep your colors neat and easy to find is first winding them on bobbins.  It makes for much easier storage as well.