ORT Jars: A Simple Crafty Habit That’s Good for You (and the Planet!)
If you’ve ever finished a stitching session with a little pile of leftover threads, snips of fabric, or those tiny yarn bits too small to save—but too colourful and pretty to just toss—then it’s time to meet your new best friend: the ORT jar.
What’s an ORT jar, you ask? I’m so glad you did! Let’s dive into this fun and eco-friendly tradition that’s perfect for stitchers, crafters, and anyone who loves giving their scraps a second life.
What Is an ORT Jar?
ORT stands for "Old Raggedy Threads" (or sometimes "Old Ratty Threads"), a term that’s been lovingly adopted by the crafting community for all those little leftover bits from stitching projects. Instead of throwing those scraps away, you collect them in a jar—turning what would be waste into a beautiful, ever-growing piece of your creative journey.
Not only does an ORT jar keep your workspace tidy, but it also serves as a fun, decorative reminder of how much you’ve created. Every piece is like a mini memory from a project you worked hard on (or maybe just enjoyed with a glass of juice and a good podcast!).
A Little History Behind ORT Jars
The idea of saving every scrap comes from a time when nothing was wasted—every thread had a purpose. Our thrifty ancestors would have made good use of every last bit, especially when resources were scarce. Today, ORT jars help us carry that mindset forward but with a modern twist: they’re about being mindful, reducing waste, and embracing the beauty in every little leftover piece.
Why You’ll Love Having an ORT Jar
Starting your own ORT jar is easy and brings a surprising number of perks:
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Eco-Friendly Habit: Instead of tossing those little thread bits in the bin, you’re reducing waste—every scrap saved is a tiny win for the planet.
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Creative Uses: Once your jar fills up, those scraps can be used as stuffing for pincushions, ornaments, or even incorporated into textile art pieces.
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A Decorative Touch: ORT jars aren’t just practical—they’re also beautiful! A clear jar filled with colourful threads becomes a piece of decor that reflects your creativity.
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Mindful Crafting: Watching your jar fill up is a lovely reminder of the time and effort you’ve put into your stitching projects. It’s a small but meaningful way to stay mindful of your craft.
How I Use ORT Jars at Two Little Kits
Since 2018, when I picked up cross-stitching again (and never put it down!), I’ve been saving my floss scraps in yearly jars. I keep only my own scraps, which makes each jar a personal record of the work I’ve done over the year. It’s like a colourful diary of creativity—each little snip represents time spent stitching, experimenting, and completing projects.
One of my long-term goals is to transfer all of these yearly ORTs into shallow shadow box frames. I’ve already bought the frames for this project, but—if I’m honest—I’m a little nervous to take the plunge. Still, I love the idea of turning these jars into a visual timeline of my stitching journey.
One of the most rewarding things about my ORT jars is how clearly I can see the projects I’ve completed. Larger projects or embroidery patterns leave noticeable bunches of colour in the jar, especially since embroidery tends to use more floss. It’s such a satisfying visual reminder of all the work I’ve done over the years!
If you’ve ever felt the same, or you’re simply looking for a new way to be mindful in your crafting, I can’t recommend starting your own ORT jar enough.
How Else Can You Use Your ORTs?
While collecting your ORTs is fun and rewarding on its own, there are plenty of creative ways to give those scraps a second life:
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Positive Uses:
- Stuffing for homemade toys or pincushions.
- Adding texture to mixed-media art or textile projects.
- Filling clear ornaments for a festive, handmade touch.
- Using pieces to complete single stitches.
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What NOT to Do:
- Avoid putting your ORTs outside for birds to use in nesting—while it might seem like a sweet idea, threads and fibres can be dangerous if ingested, leading to choking or other health issues for wildlife.
How to Start Your Own ORT Jar
Getting started is as simple as grabbing any clear jar you have lying around. Mason jars, old candle jars, or even repurposed pasta sauce jars work perfectly. Once you’ve got your jar:
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Pop it somewhere handy – Keep it near your stitching spot so you don’t forget to use it.
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Drop your scraps in as you go – Threads, tiny fabric bits, yarn snippets—if it’s too small to reuse elsewhere, into the jar it goes!
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Get creative with the display – Group jars by project, colour, or season for an extra fun touch.
A Small Step Toward Sustainable Stitching
At the end of the day, an ORT jar isn’t just a place to put scraps—it’s a celebration of the time, effort, and love you pour into your craft. Plus, it’s a simple way to practice sustainability without making any big changes to your routine.
So, grab that jar, start collecting those colourful threads, and let your ORT jar become a beautiful reminder of your creative journey. Trust me—you’ll love watching it fill up as much as I do!
