Hey fiber friends!
Fall is here, and you know what that means: fiber festivals, yarn crawls, and all the excuses to treat yourself to those special skeins! With new treasures coming in, it’s the perfect time to chat about keeping your stash safe from unwanted guests (ahem, bugs and critters who clearly appreciate fine indie-dyed yarn... 🤢).
I’ve been collecting yarn for over 12 years, and ever since I started following these simple steps, I haven’t had a single critter invasion (knocking on wood here).
With 6 (!) storage bins packed mostly with natural fibers and indie-dyed yarns, that’s saying something! Most of my stash leans woolly and natural (merino, cashmere, silk, you know the gist), so protection is key. Better safe than sorry!
Here are my tried-and-true rules for keeping your yarn stash safe, organized, and ready for your next project:
Rule #1: Clear bins are your best friend
Bugs thrive in the dark—so don’t give them the luxury of a shady hideout! High-quality, transparent bins let the light in (critters hate that) and give you a clear view of what’s inside.
Bonus: no more tearing through five bins to find that one perfect skein you know is in there somewhere.
Rule #2: Add a little scent defense
Add these to your bins. Many. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets are your stash’s bodyguards. Bugs can’t stand them. Rub your cedar blocks now and then to refresh their scent, and swap out lavender sachets when they fade.
Bonus: your yarn will smell like a dream every time you crack open a bin.
Rule #3: Organize by sets (or by vibe!)
Keep sweater quantities together, sock sets together, and colorwork yarns in their own happy resealable bags, inside their own themed bins.
I once stored by weight (fingering with fingering, worsted with worsted), but as my stash grew… let’s just say that method unraveled fast. 😂 Do what works for you—but keeping like with like makes projects so much easier to plan.
Bonus: when you name bins in your head (I have a “colorwork bin”), you’ll always know exactly where to go to find the yarn you're looking for.
Rule #4: Invest in the good bags
Life is too short for flimsy storage bags. I grew up with the cheap ones (and too many freezer fails), so now that I'm a grownup I only buy the real deal: Ziplock Freezer Bags #notsponsored.
They’re thicker, sturdier, and keep my yarn safe and snug. Before sealing, I gently squeeze out extra air without squishing the yarn.
Bonus: flatter bags = more room in your bins. More room = more yarn. You’re welcome. 😉
That’s it!
Simple steps, big peace of mind. With just a little extra care, you’ll keep your stash clean, critter-free 👾🐛, and perfectly prepped for whenever inspiration strikes. Happy stashing, and may your bins always be full of glorious yarns!