How to Organize a Yarn Stash

A common problem amoung those who use yarn in knitting or crochet, is that the yarn becomes unorganized. Some important characteristics of yarn are its weight, fiber content, color, and brand. Yarns are classified into several weights, such as fingering, sport, double knit, worsted, heavy worsted, or bulky. The weight of the yarn determines the hook or needles size that will be used when knitting or crocheting. For this reason it is important to know the weight of the yarn to be used. However, all too often the label that comes with the yarn is discarded, leaving the weight and other important information about the yarn unknown.

To organize yarn as it is purchased, consider assembling a yarn notebook. Whenever a new yarn is purchased, snip a sample of the yarn and attach it to the label that comes with the ball or skein. Attach the label and yarn sample to the receipt received when purchasing the yarn. If the label and receipt are small they can all be stapled or taped to one large sheet of paper to keep them in order. Record next to the yarn any additional information that isn't already documented. The yarn notebook method of organizing yarn for knitting and crochet, alleviates some common problems:

Purchasing Yarn is Easier with Organization

Having a sample of the yarn attached to the receipt, makes it easy to purchase more of the yarn if it is used up before the project is finished. It will be easy to spot the seller to buy more. Also the color and style of yarn will be listed to make repurchasing much easier.

Hook and Needle Size

As mentioned earlier, it is necessary to know the weight of the yarn to get the correct hook or needle to work with the yarn. The label, that comes with the yarn states the weight, making the information easy to find in the notebook with a little organization.

Getting the Right Weight for the Pattern

Many patterns specify the weight of yarn that is to be used. If the weight isn't recorded, guessing is required. Organizing the yarn in a notebook ensures that the yarn weight will be documented an known before starting a project.

Finding Ideas for Using the Yarn

A yarn stash that doesn't have any organized information will leave a knitter, or crocheter, wondering what to do with it. Often the yarn comes with ideas explaining the type of project in which it would be best used. For example, some yarns, due to their fiber and weight, work well for socks. While other yarns may be best suited for a blanket or sweater.