How to Store Yarn: Keep Moths and Tangles at Bay

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 skein of yarn tucked into a quality leather project bag

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.

The short version: To store yarn safely, keep it somewhere cool, dry and dark, away from direct sunlight and damp. Use breathable cotton, linen or canvas bags rather than plastic, which traps moisture. Guard against moths with cedar or lavender, keep hanks unwound until you need them, and store protein fibres like wool and alpaca separately from cotton and linen.

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 example, 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 example, 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 example, 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.

Walcot Yarns Origin knitted into an A Walk In The Park shawl

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.

Hide & Hammer leather and canvas tote bag used for yarn storage

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.

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: Keeping Your Wool and Yarn Stash Safe

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 bag 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!

Yarn stored in a simple breathable linen tie-top bag

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 - How to Spot Them and Keep Them Out

Nothing strikes fear into a knitter's heart quite like the discovery of moth damage. It isn't the moths themselves that do it, but their larvae, which feed on the keratin in natural fibres. Wool, alpaca, cashmere and silk are all on the menu, which is exactly why a well-kept stash is worth the small effort. The good news is that moths are far easier to prevent than to evict.

How to spot a moth problem early

Catching them early saves the rest of your stash. Look for:

Small holes or thin, weakened patches in yarn or finished knits, often where a piece has sat undisturbed.
Fine webbing or silky tunnels threaded through the fibres.
Gritty specks like sand - frass, which is the polite word for larvae droppings - at the bottom of a bag or box.
The larvae themselves, tiny and creamy-white, or small buff-coloured moths fluttering near your storage.

Keeping moths at bay

Use natural repellents - Cedarwood blocks, lavender sachets and rosemary are all effective and yarn-safe. Cedar fades over time, so sand the blocks lightly or refresh them every few months to keep them working.
Handle and rotate your stash - Moths want dark, still corners. Simply taking your yarn out, admiring it and moving it around disturbs any eggs before they settle.
Keep storage areas clean - Vacuum shelves, drawers and nearby skirting; eggs and larvae hide in dust and undisturbed corners.
Seal what's vulnerable - For wool and other protein fibres you're not reaching for often, a well-sealed vacuum bag keeps moths out entirely.

If you think moths are already in

Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Isolate anything affected straight away so it can't spread. Seal the yarn in a bag and freeze it for at least 48 hours to kill eggs and larvae. For stubborn cases, let it return to room temperature and then freeze it a second time to catch anything that survived. Give nearby yarn the same treatment as a precaution, and deep-clean the spot they were living in before anything goes back.

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.

Yarn arranged by colour on open shelving at A Yarn Story

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.

Yarn Storage: Your Questions Answered

What's the best way to keep moths out of my yarn?

Store yarn somewhere cool, dry and well-aired, and use natural repellents like cedarwood blocks, lavender sachets or rosemary. Handle and rotate your stash regularly so eggs can't settle in undisturbed corners, and keep the area clean and vacuumed. For wool and other protein fibres you're not using often, a well-sealed vacuum bag keeps moths out completely.

How do I know if my yarn has moths?

Look for small holes or thin, weakened patches in the strand, fine webbing or silky tunnels through the fibres, and gritty specks like sand at the bottom of a bag or box. You might also spot the creamy-white larvae themselves or small buff-coloured moths near your storage. Moths favour dark, undisturbed corners and natural fibres like wool, alpaca and cashmere, so check those first.

Can I store yarn in plastic boxes or bags?

Only with care. Plastic keeps dust out but traps moisture, which can lead to mildew, so avoid ordinary plastic bins in damp or unventilated spots. If you do want to use plastic, a well-sealed vacuum bag keeps out both damp and moths. For everyday storage, breathable cotton, linen or canvas is kinder to your fibres.

Should I wind yarn into cakes before storing it?

No - keep hanks in their original twist until you're ready to knit with them. Wound yarn sits under tension, which stretches the fibres over time and costs them their elasticity. Only wind what you're about to use.

How do I stop stored yarn from tangling?

Keep hanks unwound and tied until needed, and only keep centre-pull cakes for yarn in active use, as they can collapse into a tangle if left. Give your stash a little breathing room rather than cramming it in, and keep your working yarn in a breathable project bag, separate from the rest.

How should I store different types of yarn?

Store by fibre type. Protein fibres (wool, alpaca, cashmere) and cellulose fibres (cotton, linen, bamboo) keep best in slightly different conditions, so separating them helps. Keep silk and other delicate fibres out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, and always follow the care guidance on the ball band.

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, take a look at our collection of storage solutions at A Yarn Story.

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Comment 1

Gisela Schmidt on March 17, 2025

So much new and important information.
It answered so many questions for me.
Very helpful, worth keeping on file.
Thank you.

How to Store and Care for Yarn