Yarn Storage Hacks: 10 Clever Ways to Tame Your Stash
By the end, you'll have a stash that's organized, easy to see, and ready to grab.
Your yarn stash is probably a mess, but it doesn't have to be.
You know the feeling: you buy yarn for a project, use half, and the rest ends up in a bag somewhere. Then you forget what you have and buy it again. Or you dig through a pile to find one skein and pull out a tangled mess.
These hacks fix that. They're cheap, fast, and you can do most of them in an afternoon. No fancy shelves required.
You can organize your yarn stash with a few simple hacks that cost little or nothing. Use clear bins, labels, and vertical storage to see everything at a glance.
What you need
Clear plastic bins
Get a few in different sizes. You can find them at any home store for a few dollars each.
Labels and marker
Masking tape and a permanent marker work fine. Or a label maker if you want it neat.
Pegboard or hooks
Only if you want to hang yarn. Adhesive hooks are a renter-friendly option.
Cedar blocks or lavender sachets
For natural fiber yarns. Cheap and easy to find online or at craft stores.
Start by Sorting Your Yarn
Before you store anything, sort your yarn by weight and fiber. Put all the worsted weight together, all the fingering weight together, and so on. Then sort by color within each group. This way, when you need a specific yarn, you know exactly where to look.
If you have a lot of scrap yarn, sort that too. Keep a bin for each weight, or for colors if you prefer. The key is to make a decision once and stick to it.
- Sort by weight first, then color.
- Use separate bins for scraps.
- Label everything clearly.
Sort your yarn when you're in a good mood. It's a satisfying task, not a chore.
Use Clear Bins and Baskets
Clear bins are your best friend. You can see what's inside without opening them. Stack them on shelves or in a closet. Get ones with lids if you're worried about dust or moths.
Baskets are great for yarn you're currently using. Keep a basket by your couch with your current project and the yarn you need. That way, you don't have to get up every time you need a new skein.
- Clear bins for long-term storage.
- Open baskets for active projects.
- Label each bin with the yarn weight or color.
Use labels on the front of bins, not the top. You'll see them when the bins are stacked.
Hang Yarn on the Wall
If you're short on floor space, use your walls. Install a few pegboards or a simple rod. Hang skeins on the pegs or hooks. This keeps yarn visible and out of the way.
You can also use a shoe organizer with clear pockets. Hang it over a door and tuck skeins into the pockets. It's a great way to store small amounts of yarn and see everything at once.
- Pegboards work for bulky yarn.
- Shoe organizers are perfect for small skeins.
- Use S-hooks to hang yarn from a rod.
If you don't want to drill holes, use adhesive hooks. They hold a surprising amount of yarn.
Repurpose Household Items
You don't need to buy special storage. Use things you already have. Old shoeboxes, cereal boxes, or even empty tissue boxes can hold yarn. Cover them with wrapping paper or fabric to make them pretty.
For scrap yarn, use a large glass jar or a plastic container. You can see the colors and it looks nice on a shelf. Just make sure the container is clean and dry.
- Shoeboxes for small skeins.
- Jars for scraps.
- Cereal boxes for larger yarn cakes.
If you use fabric to cover a box, use a glue gun. It's quick and holds well.
Keep Yarn Safe from Dust and Moths
Yarn can get dusty, and moths love natural fibers. To keep your stash clean, store it in sealed containers. Add a cedar block or a lavender sachet to keep moths away.
Check your yarn regularly for signs of moths. Look for small holes or webbing. If you find any, wash the yarn in hot water and let it dry completely before putting it back.
- Use sealed bins or bags.
- Add cedar or lavender.
- Inspect your stash every few months.
If you're storing yarn for a long time, put it in a vacuum-sealed bag. It saves space and keeps pests out.
Organize Yarn by Project
If you have multiple projects going, keep the yarn for each project together. Use a separate bag or bin for each project. Include the pattern and hooks you need. This way, you can grab a project and go.
This also helps you remember what you're working on. No more half-finished projects forgotten in a corner.
- Use a tote bag for each project.
- Include the pattern and hooks.
- Label the bag with the project name.
Use clear bags so you can see what's inside. Or use colored bags for different projects.
Use Vertical Space
If you have a lot of yarn, use vertical space. Install shelves from floor to ceiling. Store yarn in bins on the shelves, or stack skeins directly. Just make sure the shelves are sturdy enough to hold the weight.
A tension rod in a closet can hold yarn cakes. Slide them onto the rod like a curtain. It's a clever way to store bulky yarn without taking up shelf space.
- Tall shelves for bins.
- Tension rods for yarn cakes.
- Over-the-door organizers for small skeins.
If you use shelves, put the heaviest yarn on the bottom. It's easier to reach and less likely to topple.
Label Everything
Labels save you time. Write the yarn weight, fiber, and color on a tag or sticker. Stick it on the bin or the skein itself. Then you don't have to dig through everything to find what you need.
You can use a label maker, or just write on masking tape. Make sure the labels are clear and readable.
- Use a label maker or masking tape.
- Include weight, fiber, and color.
- Put labels on the front of bins.
If you store yarn in zip bags, write the info on the bag with a permanent marker.
Step
Gather your yarn
Collect all your yarn from every corner of the house. Put it in one pile so you can see what you have.
Sort by weight and fiber
Group yarns by weight (worsted, fingering, bulky) and then by fiber (wool, cotton, acrylic). This makes it easier to find what you need.
Choose your storage
Decide which method suits your space: clear bins, baskets, hanging, or a mix. Think about how much yarn you have and where you want to keep it.
Label everything
Write the weight and fiber on a label and attach it to the bin or the yarn itself. This saves time later.
Store and maintain
Put your yarn in its new home. Check it every few months for dust or pests. Refresh cedar or lavender as needed.
Ways to change it
Budget-friendly
Use cardboard boxes and jars you already have. Cover them with fabric or paper to make them look nice.
Small space
Use over-the-door organizers or hanging shoe racks. They take advantage of vertical space without taking up floor space.
Large stash
Invest in a shelving unit with clear bins. Or use a wardrobe with shelves to keep everything behind closed doors.
Scrap yarn
Sort scraps by color in glass jars. They double as decoration and are easy to grab for small projects.
Natural fibers
Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to your bins to deter moths. Check regularly for signs of pests.
Active projects
Keep a basket or tote bag for each ongoing project. Include the pattern and hooks so you can grab it and go.
The short version
- Sort yarn by weight and fiber before storing.
- Clear bins let you see what you have at a glance.
- Use vertical space with shelves, hooks, or over-the-door organizers.
- Repurpose household items like boxes and jars to save money.
- Protect yarn from dust and moths with sealed containers and natural repellents.
- Label everything to avoid digging through your stash.
- Keep project-specific yarn together in separate bags or bins.
Questions people ask
How do I store yarn so it doesn't get tangled?
Wind yarn into cakes or balls before storing. Use a yarn winder or do it by hand. Then store them in bins or on shelves where they won't roll around.
What's the best way to store scrap yarn?
Keep scraps sorted by color or weight in clear jars or bins. This way you can see what you have and grab a piece quickly for small projects.
How do I keep moths out of my yarn?
Store yarn in sealed containers. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Check your yarn regularly for signs of moths and wash any affected yarn in hot water.
Can I store yarn in plastic bags?
Yes, zip-top bags are great for individual projects or skeins. Squeeze out the air before sealing to save space. Label the bag with the yarn details.
How do I organize yarn when I have a lot?
Use a combination of clear bins, shelves, and vertical storage. Sort by weight and color. Label everything so you can find what you need quickly.
Ready to tame your stash? Start with one shelf or one bin today.
These hacks take an afternoon and cost almost nothing. You'll finally see what you have, which means less buying duplicates and more time crocheting. Start with one bin, and the rest will follow. Keep it quick and cute!
