If you’re anything like me, yarn isn’t just yarn—it’s color, texture, and a little piece of happiness wrapped up in skeins and balls.
But here’s the thing: with all that beauty comes a bit of chaos if you don’t have the right storage. You can spend more time untangling than creating, and honestly, it kills the vibe.
Over the years, I’ve tried a bunch of ways to keep my yarn neat, accessible, and even a little bit inspiring. Here are 21 yarn storage ideas that actually work and make your crafting space feel cozy and functional.
1. Clear Plastic Bins
This is the classic, and for a reason. Clear bins let you see all your colors at a glance, which is a lifesaver when you’re hunting for that exact shade. Stackable bins save space, too, and if you want a little pizzazz, add some decorative labels.
2. Hanging Shoe Organizer
I never thought I’d use one for yarn, but it’s perfect for small skeins. Hang it on a door or closet and suddenly all your mini-skeins are visible and easy to grab. It’s simple, cheap, and surprisingly stylish if you coordinate your yarn colors.
3. Mason Jars
Mason jars give your yarn display a rustic, cozy feel. You can line them on a shelf or even hang them from a wall-mounted rack. Plus, the jar keeps dust off and adds a touch of charm to your craft space.
4. Open Cubby Shelves
Cubbies are fantastic because each compartment can hold a different yarn type or color. It makes sorting easy and creates a mini rainbow that’s as inspiring as it is functional.
5. Rolling Cart
A rolling cart is like your mobile craft studio. I love having mine in the living room when I’m working on a project and rolling it out of the way when guests come over. Plus, each shelf can hold different yarn weights or project kits.
6. Pegboard Wall
A pegboard isn’t just for tools—it’s brilliant for yarn. You can hang baskets, hooks, or even individual skeins. It keeps things off surfaces and turns your yarn collection into a functional wall art.
7. Yarn Bowl Display
Yarn bowls are great for both storage and usability. When you’re in the middle of a project, the yarn feeds smoothly and doesn’t tangle. Arrange a few in a basket or on a shelf, and it’s instantly organized and cute.
8. Fabric Baskets
Soft-sided fabric baskets feel cozy and keep your yarn contained without taking up too much space. I like to tuck them under tables or on shelves, making it easy to pull one out when inspiration strikes.
9. Magazine Holders
Yes, the ones for magazines! They’re perfect for skeins and make vertical storage easy. I even label them by color family or fiber type. It’s a tiny trick that keeps my shelves looking neat.
10. Wire Baskets
Wire baskets give a more industrial look and are great for seeing everything inside at once. Stack a few, and you can separate yarn by type, project, or even current favorites.
11. Hanging Baskets
I like hanging baskets over my workspace. They free up counter space and keep yarn within reach. Plus, the tiers create a layered look that makes your craft room feel dynamic.
12. Over-the-Door Racks
These are lifesavers for small apartments or craft rooms. Slide your yarn onto the hooks, and suddenly your door is a colorful, organized storage solution. It’s efficient and adds a playful touch.
13. Wooden Crates
Wooden crates have that charming, rustic feel. Stack them, mount them, or leave them on the floor for easy access. They work beautifully for large skeins or bulky yarns.
14. Clear Drawers
Drawer units with clear fronts let you see your yarn without pulling everything out. They’re perfect for smaller pieces, leftovers, or specialized yarns. I keep mine under my desk for easy access.
15. Bookshelf Display
Turn a bookshelf into a yarn showcase. Roll each skein and stack by color or fiber type. It’s both functional and beautiful, turning storage into décor.
16. Hanging Glass Globes
If you want a whimsical touch, hanging glass globes are perfect. I’ve seen people store mini skeins or tiny project kits in them. They’re decorative, fun, and practical if your yarn collection isn’t massive.
17. PVC Pipe Cubes
PVC pipe cut into sections makes instant yarn cubbies. Stack or glue them together, and you’ve got a modular system that’s perfect for small skeins or specialty fibers. It’s cheap, creative, and sturdy.
18. Basket Wall Grid
Attach a grid to your wall and hang small baskets on it. Each basket can hold yarn by color, weight, or project. I love this one because it’s flexible and grows with your collection.
19. Stackable Acrylic Boxes
These are great if you want a sleek, modern look. Stackable acrylic boxes show off your yarn and keep everything dust-free. They’re perfect for craft rooms that double as living space.
20. Repurposed Wine Rack
A wine rack makes a surprisingly effective yarn holder. Each bottle slot can cradle a skein, and it adds a bit of creativity to your storage solutions. Plus, it’s compact and stylish.
21. Lazy Susan Yarn Holder
A spinning yarn holder is perfect for crafters who move around a lot. Keep the skeins in a rotating setup and grab what you need without moving your whole cart. It’s especially handy for multiple ongoing projects.
Conclusion
Organizing yarn isn’t just about neatness—it’s about making your crafting life smoother and more joyful. When everything has a place, you can focus on creating rather than untangling.
From mason jars to rolling carts and pegboards, there’s a solution for every space, style, and collection size.
Pick what fits your room, your workflow, and your aesthetic, and suddenly your yarn stash becomes more than storage—it becomes part of the inspiration itself.
About James
James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.