As we work our way through our cross-stitch and embroidery pattern folders, us crafters certainly get through rather a lot of thread. Many, understandably, throw these little offcuts away, but for some of us, they’re kept and displayed in little ORT jars.

“What the heck are they?!” we hear you cry! The definition of the word ‘ort’ basically means the scrap or remaining morsels of a meal. Yet in the needlecraft world, it’s typically seen capitalised; some say it stands for “odd remnants and threads” or “old ratty threads”. While there’s not a crystal-clear acronym definition, storing thread offcuts is a wonderful way to remind you of just how much work and passion you’ve soaked into your project.

Does it have to be a jar? In short – no. Displaying your ORTs is half of the fun and it’s another way to let your creativity flow, but using finished jars and little pots are a great way to repurpose those, too. If you’re out and about for a cream tea, stash the teeny jam pot, give it a rinse when you get home and use it for your ORTs or old needles!

When it comes to organisation, you can just add-as-you-go. Or if you want to get even more creative, you could spend a rainy afternoon thread sorting into colour. Mix that with listening to your favourite podcast or a lo-fi chillout playlist and you’ve bagged yourself the mindful afternoon of the year.

Separating the threads gives you even more options to play around with; you could layer your offcuts for a fun rainbow jar or pop each colour into their own little jar. Many crafters save them to use as stuffing for a pin cushion or to help pad out a scent sachet. There really is repurposing inspiration everywhere!

However you store them, we’d love to see! Share your photos using #TotallyORTsome and we’ll share some of our favourites!