
10 Essential Crochet Tips to Stay Organised and Enjoy Every Stitch
Kate PickardShare
Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just picking up your first hook, keeping your crochet projects and supplies tidy can make a world of difference. At Sew Sew Crochet, we know how rewarding it is to see a project come together smoothly — and how frustrating it can be when tangled yarn or forgotten patterns slow you down. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top crochet organisation tips to help you stay on track, boost productivity, and keep the joy in your crafting.
1. Use a Yarn Winder to Tame Your Yarn Stash
One of the best investments for any crocheter is a yarn winder. It transforms loose skeins and hanks into neat, stackable yarn cakes. These cakes not only stay tidier but also help prevent knots and tangles while you work.
Pro Tip: When winding your yarn, tuck the original yarn label into the center of the cake. This way, you always know the brand, colourway, fibre content, and dye lot — essential info when you want to re-order or match yarns later.
2. Keep a Yarn & Colour Log
Have you ever finished a beautiful project, only to realise later you forgot which yarn or colour you used? Avoid the mystery by keeping a dedicated yarn and project log.
Record:
- Yarn brand & name
- Colour name & dye lot
- Fibre content & weight
- Hook size used
- Where you purchased it
- Notes about how the yarn handled or washed
Not only is this useful for re-creating projects, but it’s also a great resource when customers request custom orders of your finished makes.
3. Catalogue Your Crochet Patterns
If you’re like most crocheters, your collection of crochet patterns — both free and paid — grows faster than your yarn stash! Keep a digital or printed pattern catalogue to quickly find what you need.
Organise patterns by:
- Type (hats, scarves, toys, etc.)
- Designer/source
- Skill level
- Paid/free status
- Date completed
This makes it easier to track your creations and avoid buying the same pattern twice.
4. Master WIP Management
We all love the thrill of starting a new project, but too many WIPs (works in progress) can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Try to limit yourself to 2–3 active projects at a time — for example, one easy project for travel, one challenging one, and one long-term or seasonal project.
Keep a WIP tracker to remind yourself where you left off and what hook or yarn you were using.
5. Smart Storage Solutions for Crochet Supplies
An organised workspace sparks creativity! Here are some of our favourite crochet storage ideas:
Use clear zippered pouches or project bags to keep each project together
- Store hooks in a dedicated case or stylish mug for easy access
- Stack yarn cakes in clear plastic bins or cubbies by colour or fibre
- Label shelves or drawers for notions, patterns, and finished items
- Keep stitch markers, darning needles, and scissors in small tins or boxes
6. Back Up Your Digital Patterns and Notes
If you download a lot of PDF patterns, make sure to back them up. Save them on cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) or an external hard drive so you don’t lose access if your computer crashes.
7. Label Finished Projects
If you sell or gift crochet makes (like our handmade hats, cozies, and gnomes here at Sew Sew Crochet), consider adding branded labels or tags to your items. It gives your work a professional touch and helps customers remember where they can find more of your creations!
8. Photograph Your Work
Maintain a photo gallery of your completed projects. This is not only useful for your portfolio but also for marketing on social media or your website. High-quality images of your work can boost traffic to your shop and help potential buyers visualise custom options.
9. Track Project Deadlines and Seasonal Trends
If you sell crochet items, plan ahead by tracking deadlines and seasonal trends. Note when key events or holidays are coming up — like autumn markets or Christmas fairs — so you can create stock in advance and avoid last-minute rushes.
10. Refresh and Declutter Regularly
Set a reminder every 6 months to declutter your yarn stash, review your WIPs, and clean your crafting space. You’ll be surprised how refreshing it feels to start with a clean slate and rediscover forgotten treasures!
Final Thoughts
Staying organised as a crocheter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple tools and habits — like a yarn winder, pattern log, and tidy storage — you can spend less time searching and more time stitching.
If you found these crochet organisation tips helpful, be sure to explore our crochet pattern collection and check out our handmade crochet gifts at Sew Sew Crochet. Happy hooking!
Items I use:
Yarn Winder - https://amzn.eu/d/0anrjnl
Storage Unit - https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/kallax-series-27534/
Crochet Hook Case - https://www.olganna.com/search?q=crochet+hook+roll&options%5Bprefix%5D=last