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If your yarn stash has slowly (or suddenly) taken over cupboards, baskets, drawers and possibly the dining room table… you’re not alone. Most crocheters don’t set out to create chaos — it just happens one skein at a time!
The good news? You don’t need a full craft room or expensive storage to get your yarn under control. You just need a system that works for how you actually crochet.
If your yarn stash feels overwhelming, I’ve created a free printable Yarn Stash Tidy Checklist to help. You’ll find the link further down in this post.
Here are practical, realistic ways to keep your yarn stash tidy — without over-organising the joy right out of it.
1. Sort First, Store Second (This Is the Game Changer)
Before buying storage, take everything out and sort your yarn into simple groups:
- By fibre (acrylic, cotton, wool, blends)
- By weight (DK, aran, chunky, etc.)
- By project (active WIPs vs “one day” yarn)
This step alone often cuts visual clutter in half.
Top Tip
Keep your current project yarn in a dedicated project bag or basket to make it easy to pick up and put down without losing momentum.
2. Use Clear Storage So You Can See What You Own
Out of sight = forgotten yarn.
Clear boxes, open baskets, or shelving lets you see colours and quantities at a glance — which helps prevent buying duplicates (because we’ve all done that!).
Look for:
- Stackable clear boxes
- Open-front storage cubes
- Breathable baskets for natural fibres
3. Store Yarn by How You Use It (Not How Social Media Says)
Instead of “pretty” systems, choose functional ones:
- Colour lovers: store by colour family
- Pattern makers: store by weight
- Gift crocheters: store by project type (baby, blankets, toys)
There’s no wrong way — the right way is the one that makes you want to crochet
4. Keep Yarn Labels (Future You Will Thank You)
Yarn without a label is mystery yarn.
Simple solutions:
- Slip labels into the centre of the skein
- Store labels in a small envelope or pouch
- Take a quick photo of the yarn + label
This is especially helpful where you may want to re-order the same yarn later.
5. Create a “Yarn In / Yarn Out” Rule
To stop stash creep:
- Try to finish one project before starting another
- Match new yarn purchases to a planned project
- Do a quick stash check before shopping
This doesn’t mean no new yarn — just more intentional yarn.
Yes, yarn shopping is still totally justifiable!
6. Protect Yarn From Dust, Pets & Sunlight
- Keep yarn away from direct sunlight
- Use lids or fabric covers if stored openly
- Avoid damp areas (lofts and garages are risky)
Natural fibres especially benefit from breathable, enclosed storage.
A tidy stash is also a protected stash.
One of my favourite stash-tidying tricks is turning leftover yarn into the solution. Keep reading for more on this.
7. Do a Mini Stash Reset Every Season
Instead of one massive de-clutter, do a quick seasonal tidy:
- Donate yarn you no longer love – do not let yarn guilt trip you!
- Pull out yarn perfect for the season
- Plan 1–2 projects using what you already have
This keeps your stash inspiring instead of overwhelming.
Top Tip
Use Your Stash to Make Storage (Yes, Really!)
If you have partial balls or yarn you’re not quite sure what to do with, consider crocheting your own yarn storage baskets. Not only does this help reduce stash guilt, but it also creates practical storage that’s perfectly sized for your space.
I’ve designed a simple crochet basket pattern that works beautifully for:
- Holding mini yarn balls and leftover yarn you’re not quite ready to let go of
- Keeping smaller WIPs contained
- Organising hooks, notions, and other crochet accessories
LoveCrafts also has a great selection of yarn storage patterns, including crochet baskets and project bags, designed specifically with crafters and yarn organisation in mind.
Using your yarn to make storage for your yarn might sound a little meta — but it’s incredibly satisfying and keeps everything feeling intentional rather than cluttered.
A Tidy Stash = More Crochet Joy
You don’t need perfection — you need ease.
When your yarn is tidy:
- You start projects faster
- You waste less money
- You crochet more joyfully
And that’s the whole point, really.
Once your yarn stash feels calmer and more intentional, it’s often helpful to think about how you’ll keep that feeling going.
There’s a free Yarn Stash Tidy Checklist linked earlier in this post if you’d like something printable to work through alongside these tips — it pulls everything together into one simple place.And if, once your yarn feels calmer, you’d like a way to keep projects and ideas organised as you go, my Crochet Project Planner is there to support that next stage, helping turn tidy yarn into finished pieces.
If this post was helpful, feel free to pin it for later so you can come back to it when your yarn stash needs a little reset.
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