My floss organization system

Last year, when I was getting back into cross-stitching regularly, I realized that I needed a much better system of organizing, storing, and tracking my floss inventory.  What I had just wasn't working very well.  When I wanted to start a new project, instead of pulling from my stash, I would just go buy the floss.  So began the scouring of the internet for ideas.  I spent a couple months searching for ideas, formulating possible scenarios and running them through my head.  What supplies were needed?  How much will they cost? Where will be able to get these supplies?  How easy will it be to use and maintain?  Some of the systems were just too expensive to consider.  I couldn't bring myself to use the floss bobbins.  While I would have no problem winding all those bobbins, and the storage containers are great, I know that I just can't handle all the kinks in the floss caused by the bobbins.  So keeping the skein intact was the way to go for me.  The little zip-loc type bags sold specifically for floss storage wouldn't work for me, because I really wanted to not have to fold the skein in half, and they couldn't hold many skeins.  In fact, I didn't find exactly what I wanted detailed anywhere, but I did use elements from other folks systems and designed my own system. Since it is unique to everything I found online during my research, I want to share it, in case someone else finds it useful.

Most simply put, I have the skeins in snack size Wal-Mart brand baggies, in photo storage boxes I got from Hobby Lobby.  Inexpensive, easy to obtain materials, scalable, easy to implement, use and maintain.

I started by creating a card to go into each baggie to give it some structure.  I used MS-Word, and Snipping Tool to grab the graphic for each color floss from the DMC website.  I typed the color number above the graphic and the color description below.  Then I printed it out onto cardstock.  It took awhile to complete, so if you want a copy of the file, just email me and ask; I'll be happy to share.

 

 

Then I used my paper trimmer to cut the cards to 6" x 3".

 

And placed them into the snack-size baggies.

 

 

Then I loaded the floss into the baggies, keeping it straight and untwisted.  The cardstock gives the baggies structure and make it easy to keep the skeins straight and lined up nicely.

 

I can fit 7 skeins on the front side...

 

 

and 7 skeins on the back, for a total of 14 per each baggie...

 

and if there are more, I cut blank 6x3 cards and write the color number and which baggie it is (color 310 is up to 4 baggies at the moment).

  

The filled baggies are loaded into a standard photo storage box.  I load enough into each box so they're just slightly snug front to back.

 

This is what is looks like from the side (I started out using plastic bins, but switched to photo boxes because they are currently stored on a shelf that gets several hours of strong New Mexico sunlight through a window).

 

 

Most of the colors have between 3-7 skeins so they are single sided thickness baggies.  There are roughly 31 double thickness baggies.  They are all currently contained in 13 photo boxes, with number 13 being about 2/3 full.  I have 14th photo box that houses the skeins of DMC Varigated, Variations, Linen, and Satin. 

 

I created an Excel spreadsheet to keep an inventory of my stash. It tells me how many skeins I have, plus how many skeins are allocated to projects. It also tells me what I need to buy in order to cover new projects and maintain a buffer.  This spreadsheet was incredibly helpful during my shopping trip to Joanns this past weekend.  I was able to ensure I had enough skeins to cover my planned projects plus have a 3 skein buffer on all colors.  That way if a pattern uses more than initially called for, I'm covered.  Or if a new pattern gets added I won't have to run to the store for any of the colors.  This way I can keep my floss buys limited to the times of the year when I can get the best prices on them.  Here is what the spreadsheet looks like:

 

 

If the pattern indicates how many skeins of each color are needed, I put that number in the block.  But not all patterns do this, so if not, I just put an X in the block.  I have totals at the bottom of all the columns.  Right now, according to my excel sheet, I have 2,641 skeins of regular DMC floss.  I keep a separate tab for the special DMC floss varieties.  I've recently started using specialty over-dyed floss from other companies.  For right now, I order what I need for a specific project, but I figure soon enough I will have to add another tab and another photo box for them. 

 

If you'd like a template copy of my inventory spreadsheet, just e-mail and ask. 

 

I really hope this explanation of my system is helpful for some of you fellow stitchers out there.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

 

Happy stitching!