Released July 28, 2009
by Sandy Roberts
To keep long tails of used spools of thread from dangling & getting tangled I use 1” Coban cut into strips to wrap around my opened spools of thread.
Coban is the wrap vets use on your pets to bandage their paws, etc., and that we now can use for ourselves instead of the old Ace bandages.
It sticks to itself, but nothing else, and is available in rolls at any drug store. It’s very stretchy and can be reused multiple times. Just cut a strip long enough to overlap a bit and wrap around your open spool of thread (this product leaves no residue).
thank you for this information. I did not realize what the name was for that tape, or that it was so readily available. Great idea, but how can you see the color of your thread if you wrap it, I guess you cut it much smaller than the spool so that the color shows.
Comment by shirleysonshine — July 28, 2009 @ 9:45 pm
I love this idea!
Comment by Marilyn — July 28, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
WOW! What a good idea. I have used small bits of tape but wonder about stickiness. Thanks
Comment by Marlene — July 28, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
This is the number one top tip.
Thanks
Comment by Linda — July 29, 2009 @ 5:52 am
OR - Use Hugo’s Amazing Tape, found on the web. Does the same thing.
Comment by Linda Allen — July 29, 2009 @ 6:38 am
thanks for the great tip. I am always looking for ways to get my sewing more organize. Sandra
Comment by sandra — July 29, 2009 @ 6:46 am
Many ladies here use vinyl strips cut from a piece of vinyl purchased at WalMart (ours still has fabric dept). We purchase the $.99 a yard cheapie vinyl and then cut it into 1 inch or so wide strips and whatever length you desire. You will need to subcut the strips into a length desired for each spool. A standard length is recommended that is enough for a full spool. That way you won’t have different size strips and all your strips will fit a full to nearly empty spool. Now the down side is that the vinyl is very clingy and that is somewhat of a nuisance, but the vinyl is a major bargain. You can also use a marker to draw a line on one end of your strip so that it is easier to spot the beginning of your strip when it is on the spool. You might try Hobby Lobby if your WalMart does not have a fabric dept.
Comment by Jan — July 29, 2009 @ 7:05 am
FANTASTIC idea. Buy yourself a roll, for sure, but also, the next time you’re getting your blood drawn, ask the tech to give you his/her leftover roll(s). They usually have small amounts of leftover on rolls they’re willing to give away. I’ve tried the vinyl suggestion; it was a pain so saving the $ wasn’t worth the bad static electricity.
Comment by catsnhorses — July 29, 2009 @ 8:07 am
I use childrens stretchy ponytail holders to put around my spools of thread. They come in different sizes and colors. The price is great too and you can buy them almost anywhere.
Have a great day!
Cathy
Comment by Cathy — July 29, 2009 @ 8:49 am
This is great - splendid idea - going right out and buy a roll today! Thank you for sharing your idea.
Comment by Linda L. — July 29, 2009 @ 9:38 am
I just use a little piece of good old painter’s tape–what did we ever do without it!
Comment by Gma Pamela — July 29, 2009 @ 10:07 am
I also use the vinyl strips, but there can be a problem. I live in an area with very low humidity and the vinyl doesn’t always want to stick to itself. If the strip is moistened at the overlap end, it will help it to stick to itself.
Comment by beverly — July 29, 2009 @ 10:55 am
What a wonderful tip. Thanx
Comment by Sandra Keller — July 29, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
I have also found that the pink tape that beauty shop supply has works well too. It doesn’t leave a residue on the thread.
Comment by Emma Alverson — July 29, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
I am so glad I read this tip. I have purchased large spools of embroidery thread and want a way to store without the thread getting all tangled. So thank you for a great tip.
Comment by JoAnn — July 29, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
I use this tape on my spools, some work better than others. I got it at the dollar Store.
Comment by Peggy — July 31, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
Great tip! I bought some 1 inch Coban and am now using it on my wall rack of embroidery threads. I no longer have the problem of having stray threads hanging down and tangling with other stray threads.
Comment by Ramona — August 5, 2009 @ 1:56 pm