15 Yarn Storage Ideas To Prevent A Tangled Mess

Yarn Storage Ideas

If you’re a dedicated crafter or an occasional knitter, then you likely have some yarn in your arsenal of supplies. Whether you have a few spools or hundreds, organizing your yarn in a way that keeps things simple (and untangled) is key. Plus, there are tons of storage solutions that can turn your yarn collection into a beautiful display, too.

When you enjoy a hobby, the last thing you want is for it to become a frustration. Therefore, ending up with tangled yarn, missing supplies, or hard-to-reach items can shut down your project before you even start. 

Instead of giving up on your yarn creations, you just need a better way to organize your projects. But don’t worry, you don’t have to look far, because we’ve got you covered right here.

The Best Storage Ideas For Yarn

1. A Classic Craft Box

Image source: The Container Store

Stackable clear bins like this one from The Container Store are a ready-to-go way to keep your yarn organized and tidy. Two larger compartments and three smaller ones allow you to separate several types of yarn by size or color family or however you prefer. Then, the snap-on lid makes it easy to stack multiple bins so you can store your whole collection.

Storage with covers is also a great option if you’re concerned about things like dust or critters getting to your supplies. And since the container is see-through, there’s no need to mess with any labels (unless you’re really into that sort of thing).

2. A Pegboard Full of Yarn

Image source: Cut Out + Keep

Pegboards have come a long way from grandad’s workshop. Nowadays, they hold anything from tools to toys and of course, craft supplies. This design from Cut Out + Keep features a basic pegboard, mounted with the included hardware, and simple pegboard hooks to display numerous spools of yarn.

First, they winded the yarn on a winder to give them a distinct center and a more cohesive look. Then, just arrange the hooks where you want them to go and start hanging up your yarn, placing like colors together for a seamless and beautiful display. This storage solution is also flexible since you can easily move hooks as needed to accommodate different yarns.

3. Use a Collapsible Rack

Image source: Haute Juice

You can use collapsible wooden racks for so many things, including wine, utensils, and even as a coat rack with a few extra hooks. Haute Juice decided this folding rack was just what the doctor ordered to hold a few skeins of yarn. This option is great for a small yarn collection, but you can also use multiple racks to hold a more extensive arrangement.

Plus, since it’s collapsible, it also becomes a good temporary solution. For example, if you’re bringing a few skeins with you on a trip, you can easily fold the rack down to fit into your suitcase, then pop it up when you’re ready to set up shop.

4. Binder Clips, Who Knew?

Image source: Pocket Pause

Binder clips are some of those things that end up being so much more useful than originally intended. You can use these handy little clips for a whole lot more than keeping papers together. When it comes to keeping your yarn untangled while you work, check out this clever idea from Pocket Pause. It’s brilliant!

Plus, you don’t have to be relegated to just one ball of yarn, either. All you need is a larger bowl (or multiple bowls) and more binder clips to have a few working spools going at the same time. Just make sure you get medium to large clips so the yarn has enough room to pass through smoothly. 

5. Pair Your Yarn with a Fine Wine

Image source: Pinterest

Who doesn’t like to sip on a little vino while they relax with their favorite crafting project? Now, with this clever storage solution, you can have your yarn and your wine all in the same place using this Pinterest-inspired idea. This wine rack becomes an instant yarn holder, no changes needed.

Simply arrange the yarn by color in the rack and you’re ready to go. Wine racks come in all different sizes, too, so you can find the right size for your yarn collection easily. Now, all you need to figure out is what goes best with knitting, a refreshing white or a mellow red?

6. Create a DIY PVC Yarn Rack

Image source: Atalie Abavellar

If you’re feeling handy, this DIY project from Atalie Abavellar is simple to make, effective, and it looks really cool. All you need is some PVC pipe and hot glue. This option has the entire rack on a wooden base with casters, giving you the option of moving your storage around the house as needed.

However, you could also hang the rack on the wall if you’d rather save your floor space for something else. Here’s a helpful tip: take a ball of yarn with you to the store when you get your PVC to ensure you get the size you need.

7. Use Pretty Glass Jars

Image source: Raising Up Rubies

If you like a more casual look for your yarn storage, storing your balls of yarn in a collection of pretty glass jars not only keeps them together but also creates a lovely display. Raising Up Rubies uses lidded jars, which help protect yarn from dust and other factors, but you could also use an assortment of glass bowls and other containers that work for you and your home’s decor.

Labels add a special touch but aren’t necessary since you can see the contents easily. The only thing to keep in mind is with this approach, you’ll need to dig a bit if you want the yarn on the bottom. 

8. Colanders Aren’t Just for Pasta

Image source: Pinterest

You don’t have to get all your craft supplies at the craft store. Try the kitchen store, too. Here’s another great idea for your in-progress project yarn. Toss the balls into a colander, like this Pinterest worthy idea, and thread the lines through the holes.

Depending on the size of your strainer you can accommodate several colors at once time, never having to worry about your lines getting tangled up and hindering your progress as you work. This is a great solution in a pinch, or if you have more country, vintage, or farmhouse decor going on in your home and want your storage ideas to reflect your style. 

9. A Beautiful Yarn Basket

Image source: Made with Loops

If you have a lot of yarn and prefer a more casual look, using an oversized, gorgeous basket like Made with Loops did is an excellent way to keep all of your skeins and balls together. This is a great solution if you have a bunch of different sized spools, too, since they can all go in one place.

Keep in mind, if you like a lot of order to your organizational system, this probably isn’t the solution for you. But if you like a more happenstance look, then a basket becomes a perfect vessel for your yarn collection. Plus, with all of the different colors mixed together, it creates a lovely statement piece in your room, becoming part of the decor. 

10. Take Your Yarn Storage To-Go

Image source: Amazon

If you love to knit, crochet, or craft on the go, then get a combination of storage and organization, like this cute tote from Amazon. It’s a must for the busy crafter.

Not only does it keep all of your supplies together and super accessible with bunches of fun pockets and pouches, but it also allows you to feed 6 different lines of yarn at the same time through convenient holes on the top of the tote. Plus, the clear cover lets you see exactly what you have and the handy straps make it easy for you to grab it and go.

11. Simple and Effective, Hanging Shelves

Image source: Amazon

This heavy-duty hanging set of shelves from Amazon is a great way to keep a ton of yarn in one place. It offers five large compartments, perfect for storing numerous skeins of yarn of all sizes and shapes. It also features a clear cover that zips shut, meaning your yarn stays put and dust-free.

You can mount the shelves to the wall or opt to simply hang them over a door; either way, you can see your whole collection in a single glance to keep you inspired and dreaming of your next project.

12. Use Diamond Shelves for Lots of Yarn

Image source: Repeat Crafter Me

If you have an extensive yarn collection and want a way to keep it all in one place, preferably off of the floor, then try this wall-mounted diamond shelving system from Repeat Crafter Me.

You can organize color families together in each diamond, plus since it’s open shelving, you’re able to hold multiple shapes and sizes of spools together in one spot. The open concept makes it easy for you to see what you have and grab what you need within seconds.

13. Go Rustic with Wooden Crates

Image source: Make & Do Crew

Some of the greatest storage solutions are the ones that are so versatile you can use them for a number of different items. This idea for yarn storage from Make & Do Crew features a series of simple wooden crates, positioned in various orientations to add some visual interest. You can place your yarn however you desire inside of the crates, here it’s by color, which is always a popular choice.

The crates are stained in a rich hue, giving the whole display a rustic look. This solution also gives you options as you can place the crates on the floor (attach them together using nails or screws to avoid tipping) or you can mount them on the wall.

14. Have Yarn, Will Travel

Image source: Craft & Creativity

Go vintage with your yarn storage and keep your spools in a retro suitcase like Craft & Creativity. You can even paint and embellish the case to give it your own personal flair. The added bonus of this storage solution is it’s portable; just close the case and go.

Plus, it’s shallow enough where you can slide your storage under a bed if you want it out of sight, or you can show it off. You can use multiple suitcases to house all your yarn, and how you store it is up to you. You can put several color families in each case, stack them, and use luggage tags to label the contents. 

15. Take Your Yarn from Room to Room

Image source: Repeat Crafter Me

Create a rolling project station like Repeat Crafter Me using a cute cart with multiple shelves. You can fill it up with yarn and supplies, then easily move your system wherever you need it to go.

This is a great idea for small spaces, enabling you to move it out of the way in a pinch when you have guests over. You can also roll it into a closet if you’d rather keep your storage hidden, or it’s just as sweet as a colorful display tucked into a corner. 

4 Useful Tips For Getting The Most From Your Yarn Storage

When it comes to yarn storage, a solution is only as good as it is easy. After all, no matter for a business or a hobby, crafting of any kind should be enjoyable.  In other words, you should be able to put your hands on exactly what you need in a matter of seconds, and you should have a clear understanding of precisely what you have in your stock. 

Separate Your Storage Solutions

It’s also a good idea to have one larger storage area where you keep all of your yarn and then a smaller, more portable storage solution to keep the yarn you’re using in your current project. If you tend to work on multiple projects at once, then go ahead and have a smaller storage solution for each project. 

For example, if you’re working on a sweater and at the same time you have a scarf in the works and a cozy blanket, then set up three small, separate solutions. This way, when it’s time to work on one of your inspirations, you can grab exactly what you need and get to work at a moment’s notice.

Then, the thing you enjoy doing stays pleasant and relaxing, instead of becoming stressful. Plus, the storage item you use for working projects should also provide a way for you to feed the yarn through as you work, so you don’t end up with a tangled mess. 

Categorize By Type And Color

If you use different types of yarn, it’s best to keep like kinds together and then organize them by color within each category. If you have spools of yarn, keep them organized in a way that fits them best, like larger shelving, cylinders, or dowels.

In contrast, balls of yarn will work better in their own storage solution, like baskets, decorative jars, and smaller cubbies. It’s essential to ensure you create an organizational system that you can maintain and that works efficiently.

Yarn First, Storage Second

The first step in organizing anything is to assess what you have and choose the suitable types of storage for your particular items. Selecting fun storage solutions first and forcing your supplies to work with them is a recipe for organizational disaster. It’s kind of like trying to fit a square peg through a round hole; it just doesn’t work.

Don’t Spin Your Yarn Out Of Control

Just like spinning a tall tale can get bigger and bigger until you lose control, so can your yarn collection. Of course, as with any organization project, paring down what you have is always a significant first step. This can be a tricky thing to do with crafting supplies since you can theoretically always use them. However, if you don’t have enough space, you end up doing more harm than good to your creative process. 

Therefore really assess everything you have with an objective eye and pass along anything you’re likely not to use in the near future to someone who could benefit from it. Once you pare down, you can become more intentional about only getting new yarn when you need it for a particular project. While picking up bunches of beautiful yarn every time you head out to the craft store is tempting, try to resist. 

One idea to help you with this step is to have a spare basket or container for your “fun” pieces. This means when you’re out and about and you see a random skein of yarn that you absolutely love, you can go ahead and get it. Place it in your special container to use one day in a dream project. However, here’s the catch. 

Your extra fun finds can’t exceed this particular container. Therefore, if it’s full, and you find the perfect ball of yarn for some future yet-to-be-realized project, you either need to get rid of one that’s already in the container or resist the urge to buy the new one. 

As with anything, creating a storage system takes practice and commitment. But when you see how much more efficient your craft room works and how much more enjoyable your projects become, you’ll be extra-motivated.