If you enjoy embroidery then you have probably collected quite a large number of threads. I am always searching for cheap embroidery products and threads, so storage can be quite a problem. Many people like to keep their threads in a traditional sewing box but this is not very portable or easy to carry around. I like to have all my threads with me when I travel, so I keep them in a large, soft case which is similar in design to a pencil case but much longer.
You could just buy a large pencil case for your threads, but I find that very few of these are long enough and they can also be quite expensive. I like to make my own thread cases, like the one shown in the picture, from old cushion covers.
Finding a Cushion Cover to Make your Embroidery Case
I regularly buy old, used cushions from charity shops. I buy these because I use the fabric and the stuffing to create teddy bears. However, I have realised that the top of each cushion cover be used to make an excellent thread case.
When you are looking for cushion covers for your thread case, it is probably best to select one that is made from a fairly plain fabric. You also need to pick a cushion with a zip up cover, and it is easiest if the zip is placed at the top of the cushion. Once you have found this type of cushion cover then you are ready to make your embroidery thread case.
Making the Embroidery Case
Remove the cover from your cushion and turn it inside out. Make sure that the zip is at the top and then decide how deep you want the thread case to be. Draw a straight line where you wish to end the case but make sure that you leave enough extra material to make a hem. Once this is done then cut off the selected area from your cushion cover and simply sew it up, either by hand or using a sewing machine. Turn it the right way around and you have your embroidery case. The rest of the fabric and the stuffing can be used for other sewing projects.
Decorating the Embroidery Case
Once you have made your thread case then you can decorate it with embroidery. There are two ways to approach this. You could either use existing embroidery pieces to decorate your case or you could sew a design directly onto the fabric. You may have to consider the thickness of the fabric before you make your choice.
I made my case out of a thin, cotton fabric so I could have stitched into it quite easily. However, I chose to sew a piece of embroidery work onto the case which includes stitching, beads and sequins. Similar methods can also be used to decorate canvas bags and ordinary pencil cases. If embroidery is your hobby then I am sure you will have plenty of ideas for this stage of the project!
Once your embroidery case is finished then you can use it to store your threads and if you need more space then you can just go out, buy another old cushion, and make another case for your extra embroidery threads.
Susannah White - Susannah White lives in Gloucestershire, England where she works in education. She has an M.A degree in Writing For ...
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