Securing the thread on a spool for storage

Original text by: Marina Belova 

Everyone knows that the threads are winded on the spools of different kinds. Some of these spools have a very convenient clasp, like this one: 

I like it, because it allows to store a spool upside down without thread coming off of it. I store my threads in the plastic boxes with lids so they do not to get dusty or dry up, and also for easier transportability. And this clasp is what allows me to store much more threads in a box. 

There is one more well-known way of securing the thread:

And this way of securing the thread I don't like — it's neither convenient nor reliable. I always have to put such spools in the upright position in order to avoid problems. Yet still, this is better than no securing at all. Like here: 

I know that such spools may be stored each in a small packet, net or a stocking. But, in my opinion, it just makes thing more complicated.

Indeed, if one remembers that every time when we open a new spool or a bobbin (it doesn't matter if it is a sewing or embroidery thread) without a securing mechanism, we can see that the tail of the thread is not loose, but instead comes in an easily untied knot. This way the thread is secured tightly and will never unwind. 

The way of making such a knot is no secret. It's very simple. 

Unwind the thread a bit and hold it like on the photo below: 

Holding on to the loose tail with the right hand, twist the thread in order to make a loop with the left: 

Take this loop and slip it over the spool: 

It'll look like this: 

Take the loose tail of the thread and run it through the loop. It doesn't matter whether you do it from the top or the bottom: 

Pull the loose tail of the thread, so the loop would sit tightly onto the spool. That's all. Now the thread is secured in place and does not unwind. 

Everything is very simple and easy in use. 

P.S. Only a year after having written this blog I realized that an easy way of securing the thread on a spool is using a price sticker (the one that comes in rolls). You should stick the tail of the thread to the plastic spool itself and not in any case to the thread, so as not to smear it with glue, or you will have a big problem in future.