If you love embroidery or cross stitch, you know how quickly your floss stash can get out of hand. Tangled skeins, mystery colors, and half-used threads floating around your project bag? We've all been there. That's where floss drops come in. These handy gems are a game-changer for keeping your threads neat, labeled, and ready to stitch.

• What are Floss Drops?
  • Why Use Floss Drops Instead of Bobbins?
  • Types of Floss Drops
• How to use Floss Drops
• How to label Floss Drops

What Are Floss Drops?

Floss drops (sometimes called thread drops) are pieces of plastic, cardstock or wood that help you organize and store embroidery floss. The general idea is that you cut your skein down into consistent lengths, and secure them to the floss drop through a hole. They usually have another small hole for hanging them on a bobbin ring. They're an alternative to traditional floss bobbins, and many stitchers love them for their ease of use, flexibility, and the wide variety of colors, patterns and shapes, which allow for more self-expression and fun!

Why Use Floss Drops Instead of Bobbins?

While the iconic white plastic floss bobbins have long been the traditional method for storing embroidery floss, more and more stitchers are making the switch to floss drops.

Most stitchers don’t work directly from a skein. Instead, they cut it into manageable lengths - usually around 18 to 20 inches - so it’s easier to stitch without tangling or constantly pulling from a full skein. Pre-cut lengths also make it quicker to separate the strands you need and keep your workspace tidy.

This is where floss drops really shine. You can loop those cut lengths through the floss drop, keeping everything visible and ready to use. They’re also especially handy for keeping track of partial strands - those extra threads you have after pulling out just 2 or 3 from a 6-strand floss. Instead of trying to wrap them back on the bobbin with the full skein (or more likely if you're like me, setting them down with all intention to use them next and then losing them), you can loop them right back onto the floss drop. Many stitchers like to hang full strands on one side and partials on the other, so it's easy to grab what you need without second-guessing.

Floss drops also make labeling your floss easier and more versatile. With bobbins, you often have to write directly on the plastic with a permanent marker, which can rub off over time or leave stains on your hands or thread. Stickers are another option (and yes, we offer stickers which fit traditional bobbins!) but floss drops open up more flexible ways to stay organized. 

Types of Floss Drops at Chickadee Stitchery

Our floss drops are made from sturdy acrylic and feature a range of playful, creative designs to suit all kinds of stitchers. From leafy botanicals and woodland critters to glittery textures, abstract patterns, and seasonal sets, there’s something for every aesthetic. We’re always experimenting with new themes, so your collection can grow and evolve along with your stitching projects.

Each floss drop has:

• A large hole for storing floss, always large enough to store an entire 8.7y skein. 
• A smaller hole for hanging on a binder ring or organizer
• A label space - all of our designs allow you to either use the floss wrapper with the printed number, or you can use our number stickers.

Our floss drops come in two different styles for labeling:

• Wrap-Around Label: These 3mm thick floss drops use two slots designed to hold the original floss wrapper. Cut the wrapper in half (right around the middle of the barcode), then snip it open length-wise, thread it through the slots, and secure it in the back with one of the included dot stickers or tape. 
• Slide-On Label: These thinner floss drops use a clever tab that allows you to skip the tape and stickers - just cut the wrapper in half and gently slide it on the tab.

Our floss drops also come in two sizes

• Full Size Floss Drop – Includes a dedicated slot for holding partial strands separately, making it easy to keep full and used threads organized on the same drop. (Wrap-Around and Slide-On)
• Mini Floss Drop – More compact, using about half the plastic and space, but still holds a full 8.7 yard skein with ease. (Wrap-Around Label Only)

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, we offer matching sticker sheets for both sizes—ideal for long-term storage or large project planning.

How to Use Floss Drops

1. Keep the wrapper on: Start by leaving the skein fully wrapped. Locate the side with the printed DMC number—this is where you’ll pull from.
2. Gently pull one strand:  Tug a single thread from the numbered end of the skein. This helps prevent tangling and knotting as you unwind. Continue pulling until the entire skein is free. Be sure to save the number wrapper—you’ll need it for labeling!
3. Fold the floss into lengths: Line up both ends of the floss loop and fold in half. Repeat this folding until your strands are about 12–18 inches long.
4. Thread into floss drop: Take the folded center point of the bundle and insert it partway through the main hole on the floss drop.
5. Secure with a loop: Pull the loose ends through the folded loop and tug gently to tighten. This keeps your floss neatly attached and easy to grab.
6. Cut Strands: Cut the folded end now hanging at the bottom, to create individual strands of equal length, ready to separate as needed.

Photographic Step-by-Step Guide

Unwind Floss: Start by leaving the skein fully wrapped. Locate the side with the printed DMC number—this is where you’ll pull from. Tug a single thread from the numbered end of the skein. This helps prevent tangling and knotting as you unwind. Continue pulling until the entire skein is free. Be sure to save the number wrapper—you’ll need it for labeling!

Fold the floss into lengths: Line up both ends of the floss loop and fold in half. Repeat this folding until your strands are about 12–18 inches long.

Thread into floss drop: Take the folded center point of the bundle and insert it partway through the main hole on the floss drop.

Secure with a loop: Pull the loose ends through the folded loop and tug gently to tighten. This keeps your floss neatly attached and easy to grab.

Cut Lengths: Cut the folded end now hanging at the bottom, to create individual strands of equal length, ready to separate as needed.

How to Label Chickadee Stitchery Floss Drops

Slide-On Label Style: Cut the DMC label in half. Gently slide the number half onto the tab on the floss drop. No tape or stickers needed! Be careful not to push the tab too far - while the acrylic is slightly flexible, it can break under pressure. 

Wrap-Around Label Style: Cut the DMC label in half, then snip open the back seam of each piece. Thread each half through the two label slots and wrap it around the floss drop. Secure in the back with one of the included dot stickers.

Floss drops are a simple tool that can make a big difference in how you plan, store, and enjoy your stitching projects. Plus, with designs as cute as these, organizing your threads might just become your new favorite part of the process!