Anyone who sews or quilts will acquire lots of empty thread spool or cotton reels as we call them in the UK.

Back in the olden days (that’s what I call the slightly indeterminate time period which was a while ago but I’m not exactly sure when!) cotton reels were wooden which made them cute and perfect for upcycling. You can still find wooden cotton reels occasionally in house clearances, garage sales etc. I have just a few that I inherited from my nan and my mum’s sewing stuff (by the time I was buying sewing thread for myself the spools were all plastic) You can also buy wooden spools especially for crafting. There are dozens of ideas for crafting with vintage or new wooden thread spool online, a quick search will find you loads. When I was little my nan would hammer 4 nails into wooden spools to make me a french knitting dolly.

But what about all the plastic spools that us sewists accumulate regularly these days, what can we do to put them to good use? I keep mine in a jar until I need them. Just because they are not as cute as vintage wooden spools doesn’t mean they can’t be really useful or be used in craft projects.

These thread spools still had thread on them but it was very poor quality, it kept breaking making it unsuitable for sewing. It just needed a few beads adding to make a pretty garland, find out how here: Upcycled Cotton Reel Garland

It is possible to paint old plastic cotton reels, like this one that was spray painted yellow. It is then used to hold a button bouquet. Find out how to make it here: How to make a button bouquet in a cotton reel.

It’s easy to make little table name place settings from old thread spools. These ones are Christmas themed but you could make them for any occasion. Find out how to make them here: Upcycled cotton reel table place settings.

Maite from Hilos y Retales Made these lovely keyrings from her empty thread spools, read the tutorial here: Hilos y carretes.

Vicky Myers Creations made some pretty Christmas tree ornaments using eyelash yarn and embroidery thread. Find out how to make your own here: Recycle Cotton Reels - Upcycled Christmas Decoration.

Another Christmas ornament idea using pom poms and tassels. See how to make them here: Pom Pom Tassel Spool Upcycled Christmas Ornaments.

Empty thread spools are great for storing lengths of ribbon or embroidery thread.

Keep empty plastic spools in a tub with a shoelace and you have a simple toy for really young children, it’s great for developing their fine motor skills apparently.

Vintage Violet shared an idea over on Cut Out and Keep to make your own stamps by attaching a shape cut from craft foam to an empty cotton reel, what a versatile idea - See the tutorial here: Cotton Reel Button Stamp

Our Daily Craft shares how to use old plastic spools in printmaking.

So there you have it, that’s 10 ways to reuse or repurpose empty plastic cotton reels (thread spools). If I come across any more ideas of course I’ll add them here. If you have any ideas of ways you’ve reused old spools do let me know in the comments.

I’ve done a little research and in some parts of the world plastic like this can be recycled but as that varies so much depending on where you are it’s great to find some ways to reuse them as a first choice.

Julie

I’ll be sharing these ideas at some of these link ups

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