How to Store Embroidery? – 6 DIY Ways

Last Updated on November 1, 2022

Ways to Store Embroidery: Good day to all lovers of needlework, in particular cross-stitch. In my blog, everything about embroidery, many tips have accumulated for both beginner and experienced embroiderers. But I haven’t talked about the storage of embroidery so far. 

Moreover, we are not talking about storing embroidery floss, which every embroiderer accumulates decently over time – we will talk about this another time. Namely, the storage of finished but not designed work, one in the process of embroidery, or even long-term construction.

In fact, of course, everyone gets out of the situation in their way. After all, the square meters in the apartment and the storage space for everyone are significantly different.

Various Ways to Store Embroidery

Among the most exotic options, I came across the following:

1. Hang on the wall with needles

The finished embroidery is attached to the wallpaper with needles in a dark place inside out – to be honest, I can’t imagine how to store more than three finished embroideries in this way because some needlewomen accumulate a lot of unformed works, but most importantly, this method is definitely not suitable for long-term storage, because that even for a month of such “hanging” on the wall, the embroidery will become very dusty.

2. Store in a shoe box in a closet or sofa

Finished or “long-term” embroidery is stored folded in a shoe box in a closet or on a sofa – in general, the option is, of course, better, but two points are important here: the first is how the embroidery is folded, and it is folded immediately into a box or each the work is in a separate package;

3. Hang in the closet

Finished works hang in the closet on hangers for trousers or skirts, attached to the edge of the canvas with a clothespin – also a rather dubious option for long-term storage because the embroidery hangs in one position and can be deformed. In addition, it can be very wrinkled if there is any then-dense thing, such as a man’s suit or outerwear.

There are also more traditional ways to store current embroidery processes:

Of course, there are many options, but now, I think it is worth voicing the most sparing one. By the way, it is suitable for long-term construction, completed work, and even current processes.

Although, of course, storing it on an embroidery machine or Embroidery Hoops is also good, especially if you do needlework regularly. In the case of the embroidery process transition into the long-term construction category, removing the work from the embroidery machine is also better.

4. Drawing Tube

The easiest option is to take a drawing tube. But I suspect not every family has such an accessory. Even if, in the past, there was someone involved in the construction of drawings.

Therefore, as an alternative to a tube, either a tin flask from gift or some other improvised option is suitable – for example, cut plastic bottles (you need to cut it so that the neck of one “wraps around” the neck of the other.

Why are these items needed?

Because they allow you to store embroidery in a slightly folded, rolled form while they protect from dust, sunlight, and all sorts of “accidents.” Ideally, embroidery that you have already finished or do not plan to embroider soon should be packed in a plastic bag or wrapped in foil, then twisted with a weak roll (inside out) and inserted into the tube.

I saw a comment somewhere on the forum that the needlewoman twists the work and ties it with twine.

Tips: As for the dressing, I would like to say the following: if you tie it too tightly, you can damage the floss or jam the crosses, which will be critical for the finished embroidery. For the same reason, it is better not to use thin and tight elastic bands.

5. Cling Film

It is better to use cling film after all – it will perform two functions simultaneously: protect from dust and from unfolding. Or, if there is no such film, you can lightly tie, but not with twine, because it is a synthetic, hard rope, but take a satin ribbon, a wide nylon ribbon for bows, a piece of cotton fabric, or even a thin, chiffon scarf or handkerchief.

6. Special stitched roll

And another interesting way is stored in a special, stitched roll. Just a brilliant idea, in my opinion. Because it protects the external environment and keeps your embroidery in the correct position and in an attractive form. In addition, you can bring the embroidery to the framing workshop in such a roll.

At such moments, I sincerely regret that my hands do not grow completely out of my shoulders regarding sewing. Therefore, one can only dream of such beauty.

But I am sure that most needlewomen who read my blog are much more capable and will be able to repeat this experience by creating a unique and very useful accessory. Or even not alone. 

What Ways of Storing Embroidery Do I Use?

Firstly, I try to draw up the finished works immediately, so they do not lie and gather dust. And as a rule, I embroider a little and slowly, so the embroideries do not have time to accumulate.

At work, I usually have one or two sets (or a set and a pattern) open and started, so I just keep them in the same bag in which the set was or where they are stored together with the pattern and threads, if I do not embroider according to the set.

In the case of long-term construction, it is a little more complicated. Initially, they were also in packages. 

Some time ago, the number of long-term construction projects was reduced to one, the most difficult one, but there were no thoughts about its completion. But thoughts about the proper storage of the work arose. And so, I decided to roll up the embroidery. 

So now my storage of embroidery has become correct. I wish all embroiderers a couple of rolls for storing embroidery. 

Conclusion

In the comments, share your experience storing finished embroidery or current processes and long-term construction. 

Malinda Bailey

“I like to turn a piece of string into something that I can wear.” I am dedicated to sharing knowledge on the necessary sewing equipment in The Sewing Stuffs.