Crochet Storage: 11 Cheap Ideas for Organizing Your Yarn Stash
Do you love to crochet but struggle with organizing your supplies? If so, you're not alone. Crochet storage can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of yarn, hooks, and other accessories. However, with a little creativity and some helpful tips, you can create a functional and stylish storage system that works for you.
One of the first steps in organizing your crochet supplies is to assess what you have. Take inventory of your yarn, hooks, and other accessories, and think about how you want to group them.
For example, you might want to keep all of your hooks in one place and separate your yarn by colour or weight. Once you have a clear idea of what you have and how you want to organize it, you can start thinking about storage solutions that will work for your space and budget.
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How do you Store Crochet?
Here are some popular types of crochet storage solutions to help you keep your supplies in order. In summary, there are many ways to store crochet. Here I have broken them down into the separate components we like to store as crocheters – meaning yarn organizers, hook cases and project bags. As each specific item has different sizes, the storage solutions vary for each one, as you can see below.
How do you Store Yarn in a Small Space?
Yarn organizers are a great way to keep your yarn from getting tangled and knotted. There are a variety of options available, which is elaborated on below. Organizing your yarn can make your crochet projects more enjoyable.
Here are some yarn organizer suggestions, starting from the smallest to the largest:
Plastic Zip Bags: Store yarn in large plastic zip bags, especially if you have limited space. Press out excess air to save space and keep yarn protected.
Clear Plastic Bins: Use clear containers to store yarn, making it easy to see colours and textures. You can label the bins to quickly identify the contents. This is generally what I do.
Yarn Bowls or Baskets: Yarn bowls are typically made of ceramic or wood and have a curved shape that allows the yarn to flow smoothly as you work, also keeping the yarn from rolling away. Baskets are another way to store yarn, which is also what I do sometimes.
Rolling Cart with Drawers: A rolling cart with drawers is a mobile solution for organizing yarn. You can move it around as needed and categorize yarn by colour or project.
Choose an organizer based on your available space, the quantity of yarn you have, and your personal preferences for visibility and accessibility.
If you are wondering ‘how do you store yarn so it doesn’t tangle’, check out this article on ‘How to Keep Yarn from Tangling: Simple Tips to Avoid Frustration’ to get more yarn organization ideas.
How do you Store Crochet Hooks?
Hook cases are essential for keeping your crochet hooks organized and easy to find. There are many different types of hook cases available, including the following mentioned below. I had previously used a cylindrical hard case before that was meant to house colouring pencils and placed my crochet hooks inside!
Portable Crochet Cases: Roll-up organizers, zippered pouches, hard cases and simple pouches are all good options for storing your crochet hooks
Crochet Hook Stands: Placed at a designated spot for each hook, ensuring they remain easily accessible on your crafting table.
Crochet Hook Trays: Functional and decorative addition to your crafting space, suitable if you have fewer hooks, or when you choose to use one particular hook during crocheting.
Customizable DIY Projects to make a Crochet Hook Organizer: Consider making your own crochet hook roll-up case so you can personalize it to your needs.
Check out this article on ‘Crochet Hook Organizer: The Ultimate Solution to Keep Your Hooks Neat and Tidy’ to get more ideas on crochet hook organization.
What are some Good Project Bags?
Project bags are a convenient way to keep all of your crochet supplies together in one place and are portable. These bags come in a variety of sizes and styles, and many feature multiple compartments for organizing your materials. Some project bags even have built-in yarn dispensers, making it easy to work on your project on the go. Here are some examples below:
Cylindrical Yarn Holder Bag: Larger capacity to house more skeins of yarn, sometimes with a drawstring or zipper closure, together with external compartments for crochet hooks.
Tote Bag with Pockets: Stylish option to bring around, with external pockets for holding smaller items like scissors, crochet hooks, stitch markers, and a larger main compartment for yarn.
Zippered Pouch Set: Smaller pouch to house a few working skeins of yarn with grommets at the sides to prevent yarn threads from tangling while crocheting.
Wrist Tool Bag: Smaller version of a tote bag, foldable, portable and easy to bring when travelling, similarly housing yarn and external pockets for smaller crochet equipment.
What are some DIY Crochet Storage Ideas?
If you're a crochet enthusiast, you know how important it is to keep your yarn and tools organized. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a lot of money on fancy storage solutions. With a little creativity, you can create your own DIY crochet storage that is both functional and stylish. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Repurposed Items to Store Crochet
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to create crochet storage is to repurpose items you already have. Make use of household items you have lying around and repurpose them for simple yarn organization solutions. Some examples are given below:
Shoe Organizer: Hang a clear shoe organizer on the back of the door to store yarn, each pocket is the perfect size for a skein of yarn.
Mason Jars: Store yarn inside mason jars and line them up on shelves for a colourful and organized display.
Baskets: Use old baskets, wicker baskets and even wire baskets to hold yarn. (See what I used to do previously below.)
Wooden Crates: Repurpose them for a vintage storage solution and stack them for a unique shelving unit to store yarn.
Handmade Containers to Store Crochet
If you're feeling crafty, you can create your own crochet storage containers. You also crochet a bag with pockets to hold your hooks and other supplies. Another idea is to repurpose old tins or jars. You can cover them with crochet or fabric to create a unique storage solution. Other ideas are as follows:
Yarn Baskets: Crochet sturdy baskets with handles to hold multiple skeins of yarn, using yarn or rope. (Image courtesy of MJsOffTheHookDesigns)
Hanging Yarn Holder: Crochet a hanging organizer with pockets for each yarn colour and hang it on the wall.
Nested Yarn Bowls: Crochet a set for individual skeins, and stack them inside each other when not in use.
Yarn Cozy: Crochet a cozy with individual slots for each skein.
Free Crochet Planner Journal!
Click here to grab this 20-paged workbook and checklists that will help organize your creativity before you even start on your next crochet project! Or click on image on the left.
How do I Organize My Crochet Space?
This section is about keeping your crochet space organized, which can help you save time and increase productivity. Here are some tips to help you keep your crochet supplies and tools in order.
Labelling Systems
Using a labelling system can help you quickly find the supplies you need. You can use labels to identify the contents of your storage containers or to mark the different sections of your crochet space. You can use a label maker, or simply write on adhesive labels with a marker.
Consider using colour-coded labels to help you quickly identify different types of supplies. For example, you might use one colour for yarn and another for hooks, or you could label different brands of yarn with different colours if your collection is extensive.
Shelving and Furniture
When choosing furniture for your crochet space, consider the size of your room and the amount of storage you need. You don't want to overcrowd your space, but you also don't want to run out of room for your supplies.
Cubby Shelves: Cubby-style shelves provide compartments for storing yarn, making it easy to sort and access different colours or types. That’s what I used too, with a simple shelf from Ikea.
Cabinet or Armoire: Convert an old cabinet or armoire into a yarn storage unit. Adjustable shelves or bins inside can accommodate various yarn sizes.
Drawer Dividers: Use these in a dresser or storage unit to keep skeins separate and easily accessible.
Pegboard with Hooks: Install a pegboard on the wall and use hooks to hang skeins of yarn. This provides a visually appealing way to organize and display your collection. The yarn will be exposed though.
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What are some Portable Crochet Storage Options?
When you're on the go, you need a way to keep your crochet projects organized and easily accessible. Portable storage options are a great solution. There is some overlap with what was discussed earlier as there were some portable options mentioned above.
Tote Bags
Tote bags are a popular choice for carrying crochet projects. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that suits your needs. Look for a bag with pockets or compartments to keep your yarn, hooks, and other supplies organized. Some tote bags even have built-in yarn dispensers to make it easier to work on your project while you're on the go.
Travel Kits
If you're looking for something more compact, a travel kit might be a good option. These kits typically include a small pouch or case to hold your hooks and other supplies. They're designed to fit easily into a purse or backpack, so you can take your crochet project with you wherever you go. Look for a kit with multiple compartments to keep everything organized.
How do you Preserve Crochet Items?
Cleaning Tips
When it comes to maintaining your crochet storage, cleaning is an essential part of the process. It's important to keep your storage space clean and free from dust and dirt. Here are a few tips to help you keep your crochet storage clean:
Use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to remove any dust or lint from your crochet projects before storing them.
If your storage space is exposed to sunlight, make sure to rotate your projects regularly to prevent fading.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning your storage space, as this can damage your crochet projects.
Storage Maintenance Routines
In addition to cleaning, it's important to establish a regular maintenance routine for your crochet storage. This helps to ensure that your projects stay in good condition and are easy to access when you need them.
I previously decided to use a beautiful looking wooden box to hold my amigurumi and it was not airtight, and it got invaded by insects! I learnt my lesson and decided to subsequently keep my crochet projects inside airtight plastic containers and that insect problem never came back.
Here are a few tips to help you maintain your crochet storage:
Use clear plastic storage containers to store your crochet projects. This makes it easy to see what's inside and helps to protect your projects from dust and moisture.
Label your storage containers with the name of the project and the date it was completed. This makes it easy to find what you're looking for and helps you keep track of your progress.
Store your crochet projects in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from humidity or moisture.
Consider investing in a dehumidifier or moisture absorber to help regulate the humidity in your storage space.
Remember to Pin the image below to Pinterest if you found this article useful.
Conclusion of Crochet Storage
In summary, maintaining an organized crochet space is essential for a seamless and enjoyable crafting experience. Whether using purpose-built organizers, repurposed items, or DIY solutions, finding the right storage enhances accessibility.
From yarn organizers to portable options like tote bags, a well-organized space contributes to on-the-go convenience. With a blend of creativity and practicality, you can create a functional and stylish crochet storage system tailored to your needs. Happy crocheting!
Free Crochet Planner Journal!
Click here to grab this 20-paged workbook and checklists that will help organize your creativity before you even start on your next crochet project! Or click on image on the left.
Related Resources
Crochet Hook Organizer: The Ultimate Solution to Keep Your Hooks Neat and Tidy
How to Keep Yarn from Tangling: Simple Tips to Avoid Frustration
Crochet Hook Size Chart for Amigurumi: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know
Best Crochet Hook for Amigurumi and 12 ways for Choice Selection
12-point Checklist to Select the Best Yarn for Amigurumi
Yarn Weight Chart for Crocheting: Ultimate Comprehensive Detailed Guide
