How to Store and Care for Yarn

There’s nothing quite like the joy of bringing home a fresh skein (or ten) of beautiful, high-quality yarn. Whether you have a specific project in mind or are simply adding to your carefully curated stash, every knitter knows that good yarn is an investment - one that deserves proper care.

Some of us cast on the second we get home, unable to resist the lure of a new project. Others are yarn collectors, acquiring skeins like rare gems, waiting for the perfect pattern to come along (you know who you are!). Whichever camp you fall into, knowing how to store and care for your yarn is essential for keeping it in pristine condition.

A quality bag is 100% worth investing in

This guide will cover everything from storing in-progress projects to long-term stash organisation, including how to keep moths at bay, prevent dreaded yarn tangles, and ensure your fibres maintain their quality. Read on to ensure your yarn stays as luxurious as the day you bought it.

Yarn TLC - How to store and care for your Precious Skeins

Part One: Caring for Yarn When You’re Knitting with It

1. Understanding Your Fibre

Different yarn fibres require different care. The way you handle and store wool differs from how you treat silk, cotton, or alpaca. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Wool & Alpaca – Naturally elastic but prone to felting if mistreated. Keep away from moisture and excessive friction. For eg, Opus and Origin (which are a mix of merino wool and alpaca).
Silk & Bamboo – Beautiful drape but more delicate. Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and potential breakdown of fibres over time. For eg, Isager Silk Mohair.
Cotton & Linen – Less prone to stretching but can absorb moisture easily. Store in a dry place and ensure airflow to prevent mildew. For eg, Isager Palet.
Blends – Follow the care guidelines of the most delicate fibre in the mix. If unsure, err on the side of caution and treat it as you would a luxury fibre. We stock many blends, including Fluff, Magpie Fibres Plume and Townhouse Yarns Drury DK.

Before starting a project, always check the label for washing instructions and recommended storage conditions. This small step can prevent heartbreak later.

Yarns like Origin - which is used in this A Walk In The Park shawl - should be stored differently to a silk yarn, for example

2. Handling and Using Your Yarn

How you handle yarn before and during knitting can impact its longevity. Avoid unnecessary pulling and stretching, as this can distort the fibres over time.

Centre-pull balls vs. outer-pull skeins – Centre-pull balls are convenient but can collapse into a tangled mess. If you’re not using it immediately, keep it in its original form or loosely wind it into a cake without too much tension.
Keeping yarn clean – Knitting is a hands-on craft and dirt, oil, and even tea spills can be hazards. Always wash your hands before handling luxury fibres and store your yarn away from food and drinks.
Minimising fibre shedding – Some yarns, especially those with alpaca or mohair content, are prone to shedding. Keeping them in a protective bag while knitting can help reduce unwanted fluff transfer.

3. Storing Your In-Progress Projects

If you’re mid-project, proper storage is key to keeping your yarn clean, untangled, and free from damage:

Use project bags – It goes without saying that plastic carrier bags are a no-no. Your yarn deserves better (and they trap moisture terribly). Breathable cotton or linen bags will work but we'd highly encourage you to go for a leather / canvas bag, like these beautiful premium ones from Hide & Hammer.

This gorgeous Hide & Hammer Tote Bag is the perfect yarn storage solution

Protect your yarn from pets – Cats are notorious yarn thieves, and dogs aren’t much better. Keep your project bag out of reach of curious paws.
Mind your needles – Storing your WIP loosely prevents stretching. Needle stoppers can help keep stitches from slipping off, and circular needle holders can prevent kinks in your cables.
Be mindful of tension changes – If you put a project down for months, your gauge might change when you pick it up again. Keeping notes on your tension and needle size can be helpful.

Part Two: The Art of Stashing – Keeping Your Yarn Safe for the Long Haul

4. The Great Debate: To Wind or Not to Wind?

It’s tempting to wind all your hanks into neat little cakes as soon as you get them home. But unless you plan to use them straight away, resist the urge! Wound yarn is under tension, which can stretch the fibres over time, leading to a loss of elasticity. Instead, keep hanks in their original form until you’re ready to use them.

5. Storage Best Practices: Where to Keep Your Stash

For long-term storage, keep your yarn in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Here are some best practices:

Avoid plastic bins unless properly ventilated – While plastic containers keep dust out, they can also trap moisture, leading to mildew so be mindful of where you store a plastic bin if you choose to use one. A well sealed plastic vacuum bags is a great storage option for keeping both dust and moisture out.
Use breathable fabric bags or wooden storage – Cotton, linen, or mesh bags allow airflow and keep your yarn fresh.
Store by fibre type – Protein fibres (wool, alpaca, cashmere) benefit from different storage conditions than cellulose fibres (cotton, linen, bamboo). Keeping them separate ensures optimal preservation.
Don’t overcrowd – Squashing your yarn into tight spaces can lead to misshapen fibres. Give your stash some breathing room!

If you don't want to invest in a premium canvas bag, a simple linen one will do the trick too

6. The Moth Menace (and Other Unwelcome Guests)

Nothing strikes fear into a knitter’s heart quite like the discovery of moth damage. These pesky creatures love natural fibres, but you can deter them:

Use natural moth repellents – Lavender sachets, cedarwood blocks, and rosemary are all effective and yarn-safe.
Regularly rotate your stash – Handling your yarn frequently can disturb any hidden eggs or larvae.
Freeze infected yarn – If you suspect moths, place your yarn in a sealed bag and freeze for 48 hours to kill eggs and larvae.
Vacuum and clean storage areas regularly – Moths love dark, undisturbed corners. Keeping your storage space tidy reduces the risk of infestation.

Part Three: The Emotional Side of Yarn Storage

7. Stash Organisation – Practical & Beautiful

The way you organise your yarn can bring joy to your knitting experience. Whether you arrange it by fibre, colour, or project type, keeping it visually accessible ensures you don’t forget what’s in your stash.

Display yarn like a work of art – Open shelving with careful spacing can make your collection feel like an inspiration wall.
Label everything – Knowing what you have at a glance makes choosing your next project easier.
Keep notes on purchase details – Attach tags with brand, weight, yardage, and dye lot to avoid mismatching skeins later.

We take great pride in our yarn displays at A Yarn Story!

8. When to Declutter (Yes, Really)

If you’ve been knitting for a while, chances are your stash has some neglected skeins. Ask yourself:

Do I still love this yarn?
Will I realistically use it?
Could someone else make better use of it?

If the answer to the last question is “yes,” consider de-stashing through swaps, donations, or resale.

Conclusion: A Love Letter to Your Yarn

A well-cared-for yarn stash is a joy to knit from. Whether you’re keeping your current project safe or ensuring your stash remains pristine for years, taking the time to store your yarn properly means it will always be ready when inspiration strikes.

Do you have a clever yarn storage solution? We’d love to hear from you! Share your best tips (or stash photos) with us on Instagram or in the comments below.

And if you need project bags, cedarwood blocks, or anything else to keep your yarn in perfect condition, check out our collection of storage solutions at A Yarn Story.

← →