5 tips to organize your yarn stash for a blissful crochet environment
As crocheters, yarn can take up a significant portion of our homes, and consequently, our mental space. But if you organize your yarn stash effectively, you can create a harmonious environment—the perfect foundation for a stress-free crochet experience.
Why should you organize your yarn stash?
The changing of seasons reminds us to reflect on our living space and how it is serving us. To start the new season out with a clean foundation, we clear out items that are causing us mental stress and mindfully arrange what’s left.
For many of us, crochet is a major part of our self care. That’s why it’s so important to organize your yarn stash in such a way that contributes to relaxation.
Not only does a neat and tidy yarn stash contribute to your mental well-being, it also helps you create an inviting home. When your yarn collection is under control, there’s no need to quickly shove your yarn in a closet or under your bed when unexpected guests arrive. Instead, you can enjoy their company, free from the anxiety and embarrassment that clutter can cause.
Are you convinced? Then let’s go!
How to organize your yarn stash for a harmonious crochet space
These tips will get you started on your journey to refresh your crochet space.
1. Sort your yarn stash
Sorting your yarn stash allows you to easily see what you have available for future projects. For example, next time you find a gorgeous scarf pattern that uses DK weight yarn, you will know exactly where to look.
Choose a sorting system that works for the way you use your yarn. I prefer to sort my yarn collection by weight category, then by color. Depending on how you work, you can sort by color family, yarn weight, fiber content, or manufacturer.
2. Break the job up into chunks
Is the size of your yarn stash overwhelming? You’re not alone. Maybe you can’t sit down and sort it all in one afternoon. That’s okay. Instead of tackling it all at once, try sorting in small batches. Here are some different ways you might break up the task:
- Start with the area where you like to relax and crochet, like around your favorite chair.
- If you have yarn scattered around the house, sort the yarn in one room at at time.
- If a whole room is too much, sort all of the yarn in one container or on one shelf.
Remember, the goal is stress relief. Do what you can in the time that you have. Even committing 15 or 30 minutes a day can make huge progress towards organizing your yarn and reducing your stress.
3. Use budget friendly yarn storage solutions
You don’t have to go out and buy an expensive shelving unit to get a handle on yarn room clutter. Jessica from Mama in a Stitch gives some fantastic budget friendly methods to organize your yarn stash. You may even have some of these storage solutions, like food storage containers or an old dining room hutch, in your house already!
An added benefit for your budget is that by knowing what yarns you already have, you can avoid duplicates and unnecessary purchases. Instead, you can shop your stash for an appropriate yarn.
4. Find a place for those small bits and bobs
What about the short lengths of yarn that aren’t enough to complete a whole project? Scrap yarn can quickly become messy and hard to contain. To keep an organized yarn stash, find a consistent place to store your scraps.
Ashley from A Crafty Concept provides practical suggestions for yarn organization of those little bits. It can be as simple as winding them into balls (she shows you how), securing with a rubber band or bobby pin, and placing in a Ziplock bag.
You can also make your yarn scraps into a design feature. Add them to a shadow box or display them in a pretty jar. Sarah from Repeat Crafter Me shares how to make a yarn storage mason jar that doubles as storage and decor!
Or turn your scraps into a stash-buster yarn ball (sometimes called a Frankenstein ball). Jessie from Projectarian shows you how to tie all of those small pieces together with magic knots to create a fun multicolored yarn with random color changes.
5. Get rid of yarn you know you’ll never use
If you know you’ll never use certain yarns in your stash, give them a new life by selling or donating them.
If you need some extra cash, try selling yarn on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You’d be surprised how much your yarn may be worth, especially if it’s a discontinued brand or color. Your unwanted skein might be exactly what another crocheter needs to complete their project!
Or support a good cause and save the environment by donating yarn to your favorite organization. A school, thrift store, or assisted living facility will appreciate the gift and you can enjoy a more functional crafting space.
Not quite ready to let go? Knitting for Charity addresses the familiar struggle of hanging onto yarn because you might need it someday. Once you’re ready to donate, they also list several great places to donate yarn, both local and online.
Bonus tip: Use your yarn scraps for stash-busting patterns
Use up those little random bits of yarn with stash-busting crochet patterns. These items make great small crochet gifts for holidays or when you need a last-minute hostess gift.
- 8 Unique Scrap-Busting Crochet Patterns
- Happy Scrappy Potholder
- Wee One Lovey
- Seneca Wine Bottle Tote
- Double Spoke, Bobble, and Double Bobble Face Scrubbies
- Pathways Washcloth
- Neve Headband
- Mini Granny Square Stocking Ornament
- Farmhouse Granny Blanket (use scraps for the first four rounds and bring it all together with one main color)
These patterns are just a starting point. Any small project, or one that requires several colors, can make a good stash buster.
Enjoy the benefits of your well-organized yarn stash
When you organize your yarn stash in a meaningful way, you’ll be able to look at a crochet pattern and instantly know, “I have the perfect yarn for that!” Even better, you’ll eliminate stress and anxiety so you can enjoy a relaxing crochet experience. So where are you going to start?
