This bone rectangle thread winder is used to store your thread in the 18th century fashion. This was one way thread was stored, by just winding the thread in the cut grooves and then the winder could be put in the sewing basket for save keeping,an added feature for this winder is you can store several different kinds of thread. Sewing was not just a past time ,but a necessity, so these little items were highly prized. Many times men carried a small sewing kit with them when they were out on extended trips, this would be a great little winder to store their waxed linen thread. The thread winder is 2" long x 1 1/4" wide and comes polished.