Do you ever feel overwhelmed walking into your craft space? You’re not alone. As creatives, we thrive in beautiful chaos… until that chaos starts stealing our joy. I’m with you – yarn organization can either be a complete joy or a total chore.
Whether your yarn stash is overflowing or your tools seem to vanish into a mysterious crochet vortex (hello, missing stitch markers!), getting organized can help you spend less time hunting and more time creating.
The good news? You don’t have to be a minimalist or have an entire craft room to get it together. I’ve created a step-by-step 6-phase yarn organization system that works for all kinds of crafters and all kinds of spaces—whether it’s a dedicated studio or the corner of your living room. To guide you through this process, be sure to download my free Yarn Space Makeover Checklist which will walk you through each phase of the process and includes lots of space for brainstorming, making lists and reflecting on the process.
And if you’re more of a visual learner—or just love a good behind-the-scenes moment—you’re in luck! I’ve created a full video tutorial that walks you through each of these six phases step-by-step. You’ll get to see my own yarn space transformation in real time, complete with tips, tricks, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re watching while you declutter or just gathering ideas, the video is the perfect companion to this guide.
Jump into your yarn organization project now, or pin it for later here!
Why Yarn Organization Matters
Before jumping into the system, let’s talk about why yarn organization is worth your time and effort.
- Reduces Stress: Cluttered spaces can increase anxiety and decision fatigue. Yarn organization allows you to approach your projects with a clear mind.
- Boosts Productivity: When you know exactly what materials you have and where they are, you spend less time searching and more time creating.
- Saves Money: An organized stash helps you avoid buying duplicates and allows you to make better use of the yarn you already own.
- Enhances Creativity: Seeing your yarn arranged by color, texture, or fiber can inspire new ideas and help you plan future projects more effectively.
- Protects Your Materials: Proper yarn organization helps prevent damage caused by moisture, pests, sunlight, and improper storage.
Ready to reclaim your space and your peace of mind? Here’s how.
Phase 1: Plan & Prep
Yarn organization starts with a solid plan. Take time to assess your current space and what’s not working. Phase 1 is the dreaming, sketching, and decision-making phase. The better you plan, the smoother everything else will go.
This is where my Yarn Space Makeover Checklist comes in. Be sure to get your free copy so you can walk through each of these phases with clarity and intention.
Yarn Organization Phase 1 Tasks:
- Define your goals: Do you want easier access to materials? A more visually calming setup? A way to plan projects better?
- Create a timeline or schedule for completing the yarn space makeover
- Ask yourself (and answer) these 3 key questions:
1-Where will my yarn live (shelves, under the bed, in a closet)?
2-What kind of storage solutions will I use?
3-What is not working with my current yarn space? - Measure your space and sketch a rough layout or take video to visualize the set up
- Set a budget, if needed, for supplies, furniture, or storage solutions
- Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your dream yarn space
- Tkae before photos for reference or sharing later
- Gather any supplies you’ll need (label maker, boxes, bags, bins, cleaning tools, etc)
Yarn Organization Storage Solutions for Every Space:
Whether you’re organizing a small corner or an entire craft room, here are some of the best storage options for keeping your yarn visible, tidy, and protected. These solutions work for a wide range of budgets and aesthetics—and many double as beautiful decor, too.
I cover these in detail in the video tutorial as well, but here are several storage solutions that work really well for keeping that yarn in check!
This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links I may earn a small commission which in no way affects the cost to you. These partnerships help me support my small business which allows me to provide you with free crochet patterns. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!
1. Cube Shelving Units
Perfect for: Medium to large stashes, dedicated craft rooms, easy visual sorting
Popular option: IKEA Kallax or similar
Tip: Use fabric bins inside to sort by fiber, weight, or color family.
2. Clear Storage Bins (Stackable or Lidded)
Perfect for: Dust/moisture protection, stacking in closets or under tables
Look for: Bins with tight-fitting lids and clear sides for visibility
Tip: Use labels or washi tape to mark yarn types or projects in progress.
- 32 Qt Stackable See-Through Bins (6 Pack)
- IRIS USA 13-Qt Stackable Storage Boxes
- IRIS USA 20-Pack 6-Qt Storage Bins (Shoe Box Size)
3. Hanging Closet Organizers
Perfect for: Small spaces, multi-use rooms
Install on: Closet rods, clothing racks, or inside wardrobes
Bonus: Great for storing lightweight yarn and finished WIPs.
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4. Rolling Carts
Perfect for: Mobile storage, working across rooms, craft stations
Bonus: Great for sorting yarn by current projects
Add-ons: Use cups or caddies for tools like scissors and hooks.
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5. Drawers
Perfect for: Discreet storage, combining yarn and tools, built-in organization
Choose: Shallow drawers for visibility, deeper ones for bulk storage
Tip: Line drawers with dividers or fabric boxes.
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- 3-Drawer Units (2 Pack)
- Wide 3-Drawer Unit
- 9-Cube Lightweight Organizer (I have this one for stuffing, finished WIPs, etc!)
6. Baskets & Small(er) Containers
Perfect for: Displaying beautiful skeins or holding WIPs
Style-friendly: Great for open shelving or cozy nooks
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7. Pegboards & Wall-Mounted Racks
Perfect for: Vertical storage, maximizing wall space, visual inspiration
Customize: Add baskets, pegs, hooks for skeins or tools
Design tip: Arrange by color for a rainbow wall effect!
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8. Zip-Top Storage Bags
Perfect for: Protecting from pests, humidity, and dust
Best for: Long-term storage, off-season yarn, under-bed use
Bonus: Some come with vacuum-seal features!
9. Under Bed Storage
Perfect for: Short, narrow storage areas
Tip: Line the inside with smaller baskets to optimize space.
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10. Especially for Notions
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This is where my Yarn Space Makeover Checklist comes in. Be sure to get your free copy so you can walk through each of these phases with clarity and intention.
Phase 2: Let it Go
This is your chance to clear the slate, to be absolutely ruthless. Let go of what is no longer serving you and create breathing room in your yarn space (and your brain!)
Yarn Organization Phase 2 Tasks:
- Pull everything out of your yarn space and put it in one big pile. The goal is to lay everything out so you can see what you’re working with.
- Group similar items together as you pull them out (yarn, hooks, books, etc)
- Create 3 piles:
- 1- KEEP: With each item, ask yourself – Do I love this? Will I actually use this? Does this have a specific purpose RIGHT NOW?
- 2-DONATE: Yarn and items that are still in good condition, but just aren’t going to be used. If you’re still not ready to donate something, assign it a purpose right now – decide what crochet project you’re going to use it for. If this is still fruitless, strongly considering donating it to create space for other items to breathe.
- 3-REPURPOSE: Items that can still serve a purpose inside your home, but aren’t going to be used for crochet – give them that permanent home right now. Yarn snippets and strands in quantity less than 1 yard can be put into a jar to be used for amigurumi stuffing. Small yarn balls in quantities over 1 yard can be put into a small basket and saved for a “scrappy project” later on, when you have enough saved up.
- Clean and wipe down shelves, bins, and storage containers
- Box up your donate pile and bring it to it’s new home (friend, donation center, etc)
Phase 3: Sort & Categorize
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to bring order to the chaos. Phase 2 was definitely the hardest part, so take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now, let’s sort everything so it’s easy to find, love and actually use!
Yarn Organization Phase 3 Tasks:
- Sort your yarn by one or more of the following categories (or a different way that works well for you!):
- FIBER TYPE: cotton, wool, acrylic, blends, etc
- YARN WEIGHT: DK, worsted, bulky, etc
- COLOR: rainbow, neutrals, monochrome, etc
- YARN BRAND: yarn types made by a specific brand
- PROJECT: yarn you’ve purchased for a specific project or yarn types that are frequently used for specific TYPES of projects (amigurumi, blankets, werables, etc)
- OPTIONAL: implement some kind of documentable system to keep track of yarn you have on hand (Ravelry, spreadsheet, etc)
Phase 4: Arrange & Implement
This is the fun part! Now it’s time to make your space beautiful AND functional. This is where you give everything a home and start turning the chaos into calm.
Yarn Organization Phase 4 Tasks:
- Assess your newly sorted yarn stash and make final decisions on your storage solutions
- Arrange and store your yarn by your chosen category (or categories)
- Use dividers or containers to separate categories within bins or drawers
- Label bins, bags, drawers or other solutions where contents aren’t easily identifiable from the outside
- Keep frequently used items in a more accessible location
- Test your layout – is it easy to grab what you need? Adjust if not.
- If possible, keep some surfaces clear for actual crafting
Phase 5: Tend Your Tools
Yarn isn’t the only thing that needs a home! Hooks, scissors, stitch markers, tape measures… they may be small, but they sure multiply fast! Let’s give them all a proper place to live.
Yarn Organization Phase 5 Tasks:
- Gather all your tools and notions and put them in one big pile
- Group similar items together as you pull them out (hooks, scissors, books, etc)
- Create 3 piles:
- 1- KEEP: With each item, ask yourself – Do I love this? Will I actually use this? Does this have a specific purpose RIGHT NOW?
- 2-DONATE: Excessive duplicates or tools and notions you just don’t use anymore. Maybe you once loved them but you just don’t reach for them anymore. Assign them a new home right now.
- 3-REPURPOSE: Items that can still serve a purpose inside your home, but aren’t going to be used for crochet – give them that permanent home right now.
- Choose storage solutions based on use and visibility
- Label each drawer, section or container
- Store tools near your main crafting area if possible
- Create a travel kit with your on-the-go essentials
- Do a final sweep of EVERYTHING: is anything still homeless?
Phase 6: Mindful Maintenance
You did it! Your yarn space looks amazing – but how do you keep it that way? This phase is all about building simple habits to keep your space tidy, functional and joyful long-term.
Quick Tasks To Build Long-Term Habits:
- Establish a regular routine for quick maintenance (daily, weekly, etc)
- Always put your yarn and tools away after every project
- Regularly check your stash before buying new yarn
- Schedule season check-ins to declutter and reorganize
- Quarterly, or semi-yearly, revisit Phase 2 and assess if anything needs to be donated or repurposed at this point
- Keep a dedicated project bag for every WIP (Work In Progress)
- Keep a dedicated basket or location for all your project bags
- Consider limiting your WIP count to a number that feels manageable for your space to remain tidy
- Keep a donate or de-stash bin accessible for making quick decisions about yarn you’re not going to use again
- Give yourself grace – it won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay!
Download the Free Yarn Space Makeover Checklist
To help you stay on track, I created a free printable checklist that walks you through each of these phases. It includes space for notes, inventory, and brainstorming as you go.
Click here to download your free Yarn Space Makeover Checklist.
Yarn Organization Step-By-Step Video Tutorial:
CONCLUSION ✨
Yarn organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space that serves you. Whether you’re working from a tiny corner or a full craft room, following this 6-phase system will help bring more ease and enjoyment to your creative process.
Want a visual walk-through? Be sure to check out the companion video on YouTube, where I take you behind the scenes of my own yarn organization journey.
Have questions or tips to share? Leave a comment below or join the conversation on social media. I love seeing how different makers adapt this system to fit their lives.
Keep this ultimate guide to yarn organization for later reference here:
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