Cozy Yarn Storage Hacks for Small Spaces: Getting Ready for the Holiday Crafting Season
As the holidays approach, I find myself getting more excited about the cozy projects I can make for friends, family, and, of course, myself. Whether it's a handmade scarf, a warm blanket, or a special Christmas gift, nothing feels quite as magical as crafting something with my own hands. But here's the thing—my space is tiny. As a knitter (and lover of all things yarn), finding ways to store my ever-growing collection of yarn, needles, and other tools can be a real challenge. I know I'm not alone in this struggle, especially when the holiday crafting season kicks into high gear.
Over the years, I've come up with a few clever and cozy storage solutions that help me organize my supplies, save space, and keep everything easily accessible for whatever project I’m working on. So, if you're like me—knitting up a storm in a small space—here are some of my favorite holiday-themed storage hacks that make my crafting area feel both functional and festive.
1. How I Stay Organized: Holiday Storage Hacks for Small Spaces
During the holidays, my crafting space becomes my little sanctuary. I love having everything I need at my fingertips, but when you're working with limited space, that can feel impossible. The key is finding ways to maximize space while keeping things visible and organized, so I can dive right into my next project without wasting time searching for the perfect skein of yarn. Whether you're in a small apartment, a cozy craft room, or a corner of your living room, these storage hacks will make your space feel just right for a holiday full of crafting joy.
2. Small Shelving Units and Cubes for Yarn Storage
I can’t tell you how much I love modular cube storage! It’s a lifesaver when I’m trying to keep my yarn organized by color, weight, or project. The best part is that you can stack these cubes vertically to save precious floor space, which is crucial in my tiny space. To add a touch of holiday cheer, I like to use baskets in colors like deep red, forest green, and gold, which gives my storage a festive feel without being too over-the-top. I store everything in these cubes, from my yarn stash to smaller tools like knitting needles and crochet hooks.
3. DIY Pegboards for Craft Supplies
One of my favorite DIY projects was putting up a pegboard in my craft area. It’s incredibly versatile and adds a personal touch to my space. I hang my knitting needles, crochet hooks, and even my scissors in little baskets or on hooks. It’s so nice to be able to see everything at a glance, especially when I’m in the middle of a project and need to grab something quickly. For the holidays, I added little decorative touches like mini stockings and sprigs of holly, which makes the whole setup feel extra festive.
4. Mason Jars and Clear Containers
Mason jars are a must-have in my craft space. Not only do they look cute, but they’re perfect for storing small items like stitch markers, buttons, or even my favorite yarn scraps that I’m saving for a future project. I also use clear containers for my yarn to keep things organized and visible. I’ve found that labeling each jar or container helps me quickly grab exactly what I need without having to dig through everything. And for a holiday touch, I’ve tied some festive twine around the jars and added little tags with the yarn types or colors written on them.
5. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
This might sound a little unconventional, but hear me out! I’ve started using an over-the-door shoe organizer to store my yarn and tools, and it’s been such a game-changer. The pockets are perfect for holding yarn skeins, knitting needles, and even smaller items like stitch markers or crochet hooks. It saves a lot of space, and I love how accessible everything is when I need it. Plus, it’s easy to decorate with a little holiday flair—think garlands, ribbons, or even a few mini ornaments to make it feel extra cozy during the season.
6. Hanging Baskets and Wall-Mounted Storage
Hanging baskets have quickly become one of my favorite storage solutions. I use multi-tiered baskets to keep my yarn sorted by project or color. They’re perfect for creating a visually organized display, and I can grab what I need without having to move things around too much. Wall-mounted storage is also great for clearing up desk or counter space, which is important when you’re working in a small area. For a little extra holiday spirit, I’ve hung a string of fairy lights around my baskets—because who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle when they’re knitting by the fireplace?
7. Under-Bed Storage Solutions
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your yarn out of sight (and out of the way when you're not using it), under-bed storage is a great option. I use low-profile bins to stash yarn that I’m not currently using, and I love that I can easily slide them under my bed without taking up any extra space. I keep my yarn organized by color or type, and sometimes, I even use different bins for ongoing holiday projects. It’s the perfect solution for keeping things neat and organized while still making sure everything is within reach when I need it.
8. DIY Yarn Storage Rack
Another one of my favorite DIY projects was making a yarn rack from an old spice rack I had lying around. I attached wooden dowels to the rack and slide my yarn skeins onto them. It’s a simple, space-saving solution that not only keeps my yarn organized but also looks pretty displayed on the wall. Plus, it makes my crafting area feel more festive when I can see my colorful yarns on display. For the holidays, I’ve even wrapped a few skeins in red and green ribbon to add to the festive vibe.
9. Drawer Dividers for Smaller Tools and Accessories
When I’m working on a project, it’s easy for my smaller tools—like knitting needles, crochet hooks, stitch markers, and scissors—to get lost in the shuffle. I’ve found that using drawer dividers to organize them is a game-changer. I reuse utensil trays or invest in custom dividers to keep everything neat and easy to grab. For the holiday season, I’ve added a few festive touches like small gift tags or holiday stickers to the dividers to make my workspace feel extra cozy.
10. Rolling Carts for Mobile Storage
If you're like me and like to move around your craft supplies while you're working, a rolling cart is a fantastic solution. I use mine to organize my yarn by project, so I can easily roll it from my desk to the couch, where I usually do a lot of my knitting. The cart has multiple tiers, so I can separate my yarn, knitting tools, and works-in-progress. To make it feel more festive, I add a few mini wreaths and a string of lights to the cart, which makes it feel cozy and ready for the holidays.
11. Stackable Bins for Yarn and Project Storage
Stackable bins are perfect for organizing my yarn by color or project. I love that I can label them easily, so I don’t waste time looking for the right yarn for my current holiday project. The stackable design means I can use vertical space without taking up too much room, which is essential in my small crafting area. Plus, the bins make it easy to grab a project and go, whether I'm working on a Christmas gift or a New Year's Eve decoration.
12. Repurposed Wine Racks or Shoe Cubbies
Repurposing old wine racks or shoe cubbies has been a fun way to keep my yarn organized and easy to access. The slots in a wine rack are the perfect size for storing skeins of yarn, and I love how it makes everything visible. For a holiday touch, I’ve painted my wine rack in festive colors like red and gold and decorated the slots with holiday ribbons. It’s a cute and practical way to organize my yarn while adding a little festive flair to my space.
13. Hanging Closet Organizers
I love using hanging closet organizers to store my yarn and tools. They help keep everything off the floor and make it easy to grab what I need for a project. I’ve placed one on the back of my closet door and filled it with holiday yarns, knitting needles, and crochet hooks. For added organization, I use clear pouches for my smaller tools and yarn scraps. It’s a great way to make the most of closet space while keeping things accessible and organized.
14. Transparent Bags and Zip Lock Pouches
For the holiday season, I’ve started using transparent bags and zip lock pouches to store my different yarns and works-in-progress. It’s easy to see what’s inside, and I love that I can keep everything protected and organized. For seasonal yarns, I even vacuum-seal them to save space and keep them fresh until I’m ready to use them for my next holiday project.
15. Labeling and Color-Coding
Finally, labeling and color-coding my yarn has made a huge difference in keeping things organized. Whether it’s by type, weight, or color, I can quickly grab the right yarn for my next holiday project without having to dig through everything. I use colorful tags or stickers to label my bins, jars, and containers, which helps me stay on track and saves me time. Plus, it adds a pop of color to my space—perfect for the festive season!
