Stash Storage for Fibre Artists

*This is a collaborative post.

Keeping track of craft supplies can be almost as challenging as learning the craft in the first place. It starts out manageable, but quickly expands to fill every nook and cranny in the house. Especially if you enjoy multiple crafts, which many of us do. One of these ideas might help you solve a particular problem, whether it’s using storage unit rental or simply installing an extra set of shelves somewhere.

Clear Storage Bins

Using clear plastic bins to store yarn, fabric, or other supplies gives you a stackable system that lets you see what you have at a glance. You can easily find what you’re looking for, and with a tight-fitting lid you’ll protect natural fibres from moth damage. Label the tubs, because then you’ll have a written reference for the contents as well as the visual one.

Shelving Units

Install open shelving to display your yarn or fabric collection. Shelving can add a decorative element to your craft space as well as offering practical storage space. Choose adjustable shelves so you can tailor them to fit your supplies rather than the other way around. You could go for wall mounted shelving or choose freestanding alternatives.

Repurposed Furniture

If you weren’t a crafty, creative soul you wouldn’t be searching for tips on keeping control of your stash, so why not put that creativity to good use with a bit of fashionable and sustainable upcycling? Update an old dresser with chalk paint and a protective wax coating for fabric and sewing supplies, or repurpose a glass fronted display cabinet for your rainbow of yarns.

Hanging Organisers

We often overlook the potential of hanging organisers. These could include peg boards or wire panels for small tools, bobbins or hooks and needles. Overdoor hangers are also useful for a multitude of items including rough and ready circular needle storage. But you can also use overdoor shoe organisers for threads, buttons, or embroidery silks.

Baskets and Containers

Decorative baskets and containers, especially those you make yourself, not only corral all the little things, but they reflect your style and personality. Plus, they’re portable so you can move your supplies to wherever you’re working. Jars, too, are useful items and there are some lovely decorative ones to buy, or you could simply save jars from the supermarket to repurpose. Use them for gathering up odds and ends of wool and thread, which you could use for toy stuffing or similar projects. 

Rolling Carts

These can be very handy if you like to keep your most-used supplies next to you and you work if different places around the home. They’re also useful for kids’ art supplies. Look for multi-tiered versions so you’ve got lots of choice for storage and can separate categories of supplies. 

Drawer Organisers

These come in various configuration and materials, depending on their intended purpose. They can all be used to help maintain order in a craft drawer though, whether you’re using a cutlery organiser for your pens and pencils or a fabric drawer organiser you’d see for socks or other small personal items. 

Fabric Storage Solutions

Folded lengths of fabric can be neatly stacked on shelving, but an alternative would be to hang them from skirt or trouser hangers. You could choose to drape the fabric over the hangar, or use the type with clips. Hanging in a small wardrobe would keep the fabric free of dust and creases. Alternatively, store fabric in clear tubs or on fabric organisers that can hold rolls of fabric. There are lots more fabric storage ideas here.

Yarn Bowls and Holders

Bowls and holders for yarn are handy to prevent balls of yarn rolling around while you’re hand knitting. But you could use any bowl, shallow basket or even a teapot to do the same job. Purpose made yarn bowls are lovely items to have on display though, so you might like one just for the aesthetics. 

When the House is Full

It’s a real possibility that your stash will eventually outgrow your home space, and this is the time to investigate the cost of self storage. You can install all the freestanding storage solutions discussed above to hold your excess materials until you need them. A storage unit is also useful for large crafting equipment when it’s not in use. Think spinning wheels, sewing and knitting machines, giant cutting mats, weaving looms… these items are large and difficult to store effectively at home.

Materials acquisition can sometimes feel like a hobby in its own right, but with a little organisation there’s no reason you shouldn’t indulge to your hearts content then keep everything beautifully arranged until its time comes. Happy crafting!