Ideas for Yarn Storage

Crafters have many options for practical yarn storage.

Those who knit and crochet love their fibers and find it hard to resist picking up skeins that catch their eye whenever they visit a new yarn store. This can create a problem. Where do you stash the stash? The various yarns need to be kept in an organized way, remaining visible and accessible. But they also need to be protected from pets, dust and, in some cases, moths. If you're a knitter or crocheter with more yarn than you can use, create storage that will serve you well over the years.

Dedicated Space

The best scenario for a large amount of yarn is a dedicated space. A corner of a family room or den, one whole closet, a basement or attic room or one wall of an unused bedroom can work. Whether the dedicated space is filled with plastic tubs with lids, plastic and mesh bags, cardboard file boxes or stacked wooden cubes, one place that is used only for yarn storage will keep your stash organized and within reach.

Clear Containers

Clear containers help crafters see their yarns so that they can pull out the skeins they want without going through everything. Store yarn by weight in clear plastic tubs or shopping-bag-size plastic bags. Label the bins and bags. Keep all natural-fiber yarns, except those you are working with at the moment, in the tubs, where moths can't get at them. If you're working on a project, keep your yarn. needles and pattern in a separate canvas bag.

Stacked Storage

Stacked storage is a practical solution for limited space. Stack plastic milk crates from floor to ceiling in a corner of a room. Other stackable items that can hold yarn include large-diameter cardboard tubes cut in half, wooden cubes and flexible plastic laundry baskets. These items, turned on their sides and stacked on top of each other, possibly tied, glued or nailed to each other for stability, make handy open storage for yarn. Again, keep natural fibers that are attractive to moths in closed containers.

Repurposed Storage

Hanging shoe organizers make practical see-through yarn storage containers that fit in closets. Coat hooks in rows on a wall make it easy to hang skeins of yarn in plastic bags. Simple wall shelves suffice for yarn storage in work spaces or craft rooms. Wine racks and hanging three-tiered wire baskets work if you have a small amount of yarn to store.

References

• "Art Making & Studio Spaces: Unleash Your Inner Artist: An Intimate Look at 31 Creative Work Spaces"; Lynne Perella; 2010
• "The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn"; Clara Parkes; 2007
• "Storage & Shelving Solutions: Over 70 Projects and Ideas That Fit Your Budget, Space, and Lifestyle"; Editors of the Family Handyman; 2006
• "Knitting Rules The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks"; Stephanie Perl-McPhee; 2006
• "Taunton's Home Storage Idea Book"; Joanne Kellar Bouknight"; 2003
• "Good Things for Organizing"; Leslie Porcelli; 2001