How to organise your sewing machine needles

How to organise your sewing machine needles

I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit of a compulsive organiser. I do love to have everything a nice neat box, or several, and to be able to get to what I’m looking for as easily as possible.

Last year, I reorganised my sewing room and put all my haberdashery into a divider box. However, as time went by, I realised that this is not the best solution for items that I need to use very often, especially for my sewing machine needles. It really annoyed me to dig under the table, open the box, close the box etc. So I have been looking for options for this and came across a brilliantly simple idea: PILL BOX DISPENSERS.

Machine Needles #02

I did a bit of research trying to find the ones with the most suitable size, that will fit a standard Schmetz sewing needle box (that’s the brand I mostly buy). This is a jumbo seven days pill organiser, that I bought for less than £2 from Amazon. They fit absolutely perfectly and one compartment will take up to 6-7 needle boxes.

Two boxes were enough for all my needle categories, including all Universal available thicknesses. I even have a few spare compartments.

Machine Needles #04

By using stick-on labels, I know what’s where, and because the boxes are clear, I can easily see the ‘stock’ and when I need to reorder the next batch. I just have them on a shelf near my sewing machine and we’re in business.

HOW DO YOU STORE YOUR SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES?

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20 Comments

  1. 11 January 2016 / 6:58 AM

    That’s very clever! I have to admit, I chuck all my sewing needles in the same compartment in my notions box and (but pst, don’t tell anybody) I’ve even been known to put a used needle back in the WRONG box..

    • Alex
      Author
      11 January 2016 / 11:06 PM

      Ha ha, it’s only because I can’t see the actual number on the needles. So I need to make sure they are organised. 🙂

    • Alex
      Author
      11 January 2016 / 11:07 PM

      Thanks! I can’t claim credit, I saw it on another blog as I was looking for ways to organise my needles. 🙂

  2. 11 January 2016 / 8:29 AM

    Great idea! Could you link to where on Amazon you bought the dispenser please, as I need some help organising my needles too.

  3. 11 January 2016 / 10:09 AM

    Well this is a very good idea! They’re probably handy for other little bits and bobs too! I don’t know where half my needle packs are… They’re in such a jumble!!

    • Alex
      Author
      11 January 2016 / 11:20 PM

      Thanks! My thoughts exactly, until yesterday that is 🙂

  4. PsychicKathleen
    11 January 2016 / 4:58 PM

    WOW this was a brilliant solution! I have my needles still in their cases as you’ve shown above but sadly they are all randomly pitched around in a drawer and I have to pick up several cases before I FINALLY find the one I’m looking for and honestly have no clue whether I have enough of one or another. I’m going to order those cases right away! Thank you for this help 🙂

  5. 11 January 2016 / 7:08 PM

    Good idea! I have a similar setup for my sewing machine feet that fit in the little box! Easier to find them!

    • Alex
      Author
      11 January 2016 / 11:21 PM

      Thanks! That’s me all the way, practical, ahem, OCD 😀

  6. marycr8on
    12 January 2016 / 3:56 AM

    Great idea! I have all of mine in a small three drawer plastic unit, but they are alway jumbled together. I still have to go through them to find what I’m looking for. This is a lot easier! Any ideas for making my sewing room more stream-lined is something I want to do. Thanks for sharing!

    • Alex
      Author
      12 January 2016 / 6:57 PM

      I used to have them like that, but this feels easier to find the exact size I need and quickly. I did get a small drawer Very Useful Box unit just now, so I’m reverting to that for other bits and bobs. Please share if you pick up any more tips!

  7. Julie
    12 January 2016 / 11:11 AM

    Thanks for passing this info on Alex. That is exactly what I need. I think I’ll get some for my sewing machine feet too.

    • Alex
      Author
      12 January 2016 / 6:58 PM

      Yes, what’s a great idea!

  8. 14 January 2016 / 10:05 PM

    What a fab idea, I just have mine in a plastic box, but I keep thinking I need a way of organising my partly ones ones.

  9. Debra
    15 January 2016 / 8:35 AM

    Thanks Alex, I am currently organising my sewing room and this is a great solution for needles. I have ordered my boxes :).

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