How to Store Yarn Properly – Keep Your Yarn Stash Beautiful for Years

26/05/2025

As fiber crafters, we tend to collect more yarn than we can use right away – and that's okay! But improper storage can lead to damage, fading, musty smells, or even dreaded moths.

This guide shows you how to protect, organize, and preserve your yarn stash so it stays beautiful and ready to use at any time.

🐛 1. Moths? Not in My Stash!

Moths love natural fibers like wool, alpaca, and mohair – especially if they've been worn or handled.

How to prevent them:

Use lavender sachets, cedar wood, or neem oil as natural deterrents
Store yarn in sealed containers or zip bags
Clean yarn before storing – dirt and skin oils attract pests
Move and air out your stash occasionally

✅ Tip: Deep freeze suspicious skeins for 72 hours to kill any larvae

🌧️ 2. Keep Yarn Dry at All Costs

Moisture is yarn's worst enemy – it causes mold, odors, and fiber damage.

Best practices:

Avoid storing yarn in basements or damp spaces
Use desiccant packs or silica gel in containers
Plastic bins are great – but allow air circulation occasionally

✅ Better too dry than too cozy!

🧵 3. Stay Organized = Stay Inspired

Lost that skein of sock yarn you know you had? Time to declutter your stash.

Storage tips:

Sort by weight, material, or color
Use clear bins or labeled cotton bags
Keep a stash inventory (Excel or Ravelry work great!)

✅ Tip: Include a photo of each bin to make it easier to find what you need

☀️ 4. Protect from Sunlight

Direct light causes fading – especially with plant fibers and hand-dyed yarns.

What helps:

Don't store yarn near windows
Use opaque containers, bags, or covers
Add curtains to open shelving units

🧶 5. Use Your Scraps – Don't Lose Them

Small leftover bits can get messy – or become your next creative treasure.

Ideas to organize:

Separate jars or boxes by color
Wind scraps onto cards and label them
Keep a list of mini project ideas like coasters or grannies

✅ Bonus: Always ready for spontaneous creative fun!

💡 Conclusion: Yarn Storage Is Self-Care (for Your Stash)

With just a little planning, you can keep your yarn beautiful, fresh, and inspiring. Whether you're a minimalist or a proud yarn hoarder – good storage helps you enjoy your projects even more.

How do you store your stash?

Share your best tips or show your yarn shelf with #strickenimtrend!

#strickenimtrend #yarnstorage #yarnstashorganization #woolcare #fiberlovers

Stay organized!

Yours,
Kathrin ☀️🧶