17 Yarn Storage Ideas (How To Store Your Stash)

In this blog post, you will see 17 yarn storage ideas (how to store your stash).

If you’re an avid knitter or crocheter, you likely have more yarn than you know what to do with and might be struggling to find effective storage solutions. 

This post will explore how to store, organize, and protect your yarn.

All About Yarn

Yarn is the foundation of every knitting or crochet project, and understanding how to manage it is essential for a smooth crafting experience. 

Yarn comes in a variety of weights, fibers, and textures, each suited for different types of projects. 

Proper storage is key to maintaining its quality and longevity. 

• Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+Conversion Chart}
• Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers 

Key Factors for Organizing Your Yarn Stash

When organizing your yarn stash, it’s essential to reflect on your personal goals and preferences to create a system that works for you.

• What is my main goal for organizing yarn?
• Where will I store my yarn?
• Do I need to declutter or invest in more storage solutions?
• How do I want to categorize my yarn?
• Do I want to keep scraps or small leftover balls?
• Should they be stored separately or integrated into the main stash? 
• How should I store yarn to protect it from damage?
• Do I need to see my yarn to stay inspired?
• Do I have WIPs with attached yarn?
• Do I want to prioritize certain yarns for upcoming projects?
• Do I want my yarn to be part of my décor?
• How easy will it be to maintain this system?

The answers to these questions will help you make the best decisions when organizing your yarn stash.  

How to organize your yarn?

Organizing your yarn can make your crafting projects more enjoyable and efficient. 

Start by grouping your yarn by type, such as wool, cotton, or acrylic, to ensure easy access to the right material for each project. 

Next, sort by weight, from lace to super bulky, to quickly find the appropriate thickness. 

Use clear bins, shelves, or cubbies to store your yarn, and consider labeling them for added clarity. 

How to organize and store your yarn scraps.

Organizing and storing yarn scraps can be both practical and inspiring if done thoughtfully.

• Start by sorting scraps by color, weight, or fiber type, depending on how you use them. 
• Store them in small containers, clear zippered plastic bags, or jars to keep them tidy and visible. 
• For easy access, consider grouping scraps by project potential, such as separating them for scrappy blankets, amigurumi, or colorwork. 
• Labeling containers or using a drawer system can make finding specific scraps quick and efficient. 
• To save space, roll smaller scraps into mini balls and secure them with a yarn tail or twist tie. 

Keeping scraps in a dedicated, accessible space will make it easier to incorporate them into your projects and reduce clutter in your stash.  

What is the best place to keep your yarn? 

The best place to keep your yarn is in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, and moisture. 

Direct sunlight can fade colors, while dampness can lead to mold or mildew, especially with natural fibers. 

A dedicated craft area or closet works well, where yarn can be stored in airtight containers, zippered bags, or on shelves in decorative bins. 

If you prefer your yarn visible for inspiration, consider glass-front cabinets or open shelves, but ensure they’re in a space free from pests and dust. 

Avoid basements or attics unless they are well-insulated and climate-controlled, as fluctuating temperatures and humidity can damage yarn over time.

How To Store Your Yarn?

1. Clear Plastic Bins

Use stackable clear bins to easily see your yarn while keeping it dust-free. 

2. Shelving Units

Install cube-style shelves or bookshelves.

Place yarn directly on the shelves, sorted by color or type, for a visually pleasing display. 

3. Wicker Baskets

Arrange yarn in decorative wicker baskets for a cozy, accessible storage solution that blends well with home decor.

4. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

Repurpose a shoe organizer with clear pockets to hold individual skeins.

Hang it on the back of a door for space-saving storage.

5. Glass Jars or Vases

Use large glass jars or vases to store yarn balls.

This works great for showcasing colorful skeins while keeping them tidy.

6. Ziplock Bags or Vacuum-Sealed Bags

Store yarn in ziplock bags to keep it free of dust and moisture.

For larger quantities, use vacuum-sealed bags to save space.

7. Drawers and Cabinets

Dedicate a dresser or cabinet to your yarn stash.

Use drawer dividers or baskets to keep skeins organized within each drawer.

8. Hanging Baskets

Hang baskets from the ceiling or a wall-mounted rail system.

This creates a whimsical, functional display while freeing up floor space.

9. Wine Rack or Cubby Storage

Repurpose a wine rack or cubby storage unit to store yarn skeins.

The cubby holes keep them neat and separated.

Can You Use Vacuum Bags To Store Yarn?

Vacuum bags compress the yarn, significantly reducing the storage space needed.

They keep yarn safe from dust, dirt, moisture, and pests like moths.

Many vacuum bags are clear, allowing you to see your yarn stash easily.

Over-compressing, however, can damage the fibers, especially for delicate or natural fibers like wool. 

Keep the compression to a minimum if the yarn is for long-term storage.

Ensure the yarn is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Use vacuum bags for medium-term storage. 

Prolonged compression can deform the yarn and affect its elasticity and bounce-back quality.

Once removed from the bag, allow the yarn to rest and regain its natural loft before using it in a project.

Acrylic yarns and blends tend to handle compression better than delicate fibers like silk, alpaca, or mohair.

Avoid vacuum-storing fragile or luxury yarns that rely on their loft and texture.

Do Insects Hurt The Yarn? 

Insects can harm your yarn, especially if it contains natural fibers like wool, alpaca, or silk. 

Moths, specifically the larvae of clothes moths, are notorious for feeding on these fibers, leaving holes and damage. 

Carpet beetles and their larvae are another common culprit, as they also enjoy feasting on natural materials. 

To protect your yarn from insects, store it in airtight containers, plastic bins, or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent access. 

Natural fibers like wool are particularly attractive to pests, so keeping them separate from synthetic yarns can help minimize risk. 

Adding natural repellents like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or eucalyptus oil to your storage area can deter insects like moths and beetles. 

Ensure the storage space is clean, dry, and free from debris that might attract pests. 

Regularly inspect your stash for signs of infestation, such as small holes, larvae, or webbing, and clean the storage area frequently to maintain a pest-free environment.

Should You Store Your Yarn In The Attic?

Storing your yarn in the attic is generally not recommended due to the potential for extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which can damage fibers over time. 

Natural fibers like wool are particularly vulnerable to mold, mildew, and pests in such environments. 

Additionally, attics often lack insulation and climate control, exposing your yarn to heat in the summer and cold in the winter, which can weaken the fibers. 

If the attic is your only option, consider using airtight, moisture-proof containers and adding silica gel packets to absorb excess humidity. 

However, a temperature-controlled and dry space like a closet or craft room is a much better option for preserving your yarn’s quality.

How Do You Store Your Knitting Needles And Crochet Hooks? 

Storing your knitting needles and crochet hooks properly ensures they stay organized, undamaged, and easy to access. 

Use a dedicated case, roll-up pouch, or fabric organizer with labeled slots to keep them sorted by size and type. 

For an aesthetically pleasing option, place them in decorative jars or containers, grouping them by material (metal, bamboo, plastic) or purpose. 

Circular knitting needles can be stored in zippered pouches or hanging organizers with clear compartments, while double-pointed needles (DPNs) can be secured with elastic bands or tucked into labeled tubes. 

Crochet hooks can also be stored in a pencil case or on a magnetic strip for easy visibility. 

Keeping your tools in one designated area, whether in a drawer, basket, or wall-mounted organizer, will help maintain order and make your crafting time more enjoyable.

Related Post: 21 Must-Have Yarn Bags For Your Knitting Projects

How do you store your notions?

Storing your notions—such as stitch markers, tapestry needles, scissors, tape measures, and row counters—can be simple and efficient with the right system. 

Use a small, divided storage box or organizer, like those designed for jewelry or fishing tackle, to keep each type of notion separate and easy to find. 

Zippered pouches or fabric cases with compartments are another great option, especially if you want a portable solution for traveling with your tools. 

Magnetic dishes or pin cushions work well for metallic items like stitch markers or needles.

For frequently used items, consider a small basket or drawer near your crafting space for quick access. 

Labeling compartments or using clear containers will make finding what you need even easier, keeping your crafting space tidy and functional.

Free Patterns To Use Up Your Yarn Stash

• 37+ Patterns To Use Up Your Yarn Stash (Small Projects)
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• 50 Stash Busting Crochet Patterns (Quick Projects)
• 27+ One Skein Knitting Patterns (Easy + Quick) 
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• 31+ Free Knitted Dishcloth Patterns For Beginners
• 37 Easy Crochet Dishcloth Patterns (+ Free Beginner Pattern)