20+ upcycled thread spool crafts; put old thread spools to good use with some of these fun upcycle crafts for adults!
When my kids were younger, they loved playing with old spools. They still like crafting with them but I’m emptying them faster than my kids can make something with them so I thought I’d come up with some ideas for adult crafts with thread spools! If you don’t have a stash of old spools laying around, ask in any local sewing groups or buy a lot off ebay. If you have any ideas that I missed, please leave them in a comment so I can add them!
While you’re here, check out these other posts too!
- 25+ upcycle sewing tutorials that make great gifts
- 20+ upcycled purse tutorials
- What to do with old jeans – 45+ upcycle sewing tutorials
- 30+ amazing things to do with an altoids tin
- 40+ ways to upcycle sweaters into something new
- 15+ clay projects for beginners
Pin this round-up of upcycled thread spool crafts with this link or collage image; please click through to the original tutorials to pin individual photos!
Upcycled spool crafts
I had so much fun making these! There is a full tutorial showing you how to make some too, and the white spools are easy to paint.
I think this is such a fun craft project and would be lovely to make with tweens and teens.
Another way to turn spools into an ornament, especially perfect for using up special scraps.
A different spin, perfect for a mini "Christmas list" written out!
I think these are so darling for spring, if you have spools with leftover thread or wanted to recreate with fabric twine. [2024 edit note - this website appears to be gone, leaving it up for visual inspiration]
A fun toy idea! You could make these with family photos too.
Super simple but I love the look; these would work with modern plastic spools, painted, too!
This is an old crafty experiment but you could use spools for all sorts of stamping and painting; click through to see how I used mine in printmaking.
I love these as a simple little base, for Christmas decorations.
This would require using a lot of the exact same spools, but I love the finished project don't you?
Simple but lovely, this would look great over a mantle too.
No tutorial but isn't this a sweet inspiration idea to use up a spool!
I couldn't find a tutorial for this style pincushion but isn't it cute! Here is an adorable version I tracked down on instagram.
Another take on the spool wreath, this looks so pretty and classic.
A clever way to keep organized and reuse spools, using them to store ribbon and trim or binding! Check out their shop with EPP, fabric, and sewing supplies online here, too!
I love all the sparkle and detail on this spool garland threaded through ribbon!
I love mushrooms, so this is my favorite idea; turning them into little mini fungi!
Not pictured:
- A unique hanging Christmas decoration, I think this would look cute with modern spools too.
- Another pretty ornament idea, with sparkles.
- See how to use hand embroidery to turn them into pretty baubles.
- The coolest little books made with spools.
- A fun craft with old spools and old buttons.
Bonnie
Tuesday 9th of November 2021
I love these ideas! I keep a stash of these but haven't ever found the perfect use for them. I think I pinned half these ideas :) Side note...the number of pop-up ads and videos slows your site down so much that it takes me at least 5 minutes to actually be able to read and see all of your amazing content. I know it's what pays the bills, but it would be interesting to test if a few less made a better experience for your readers.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Tuesday 9th of November 2021
hey Bonnie, thank you for reading and taking the time to leave a comment, and I'm glad you liked the post! That is great feedback; I actually just switched my site's theme which doesn't mean much for a reader but DOES mean I should go and look at my ad settings, there may definitely be some tweaking to be had with the new settings. It is a balance for sure and I will work on it!!