Getting Organized in 2025: Tips for Knitters

Knitters know that yarn stash, needles, and notions can quickly multiply like stitches on a blanket. Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in skeins, hunting for a size 5 circular or that elusive stitch marker. With the new year approaching, it’s the perfect time to organize your knitting supplies and start 2025 with a fresh, productive mindset. If you’re looking for a little order in your creative chaos, these strategies will help you bring clarity to your craft.

Assess Your Yarn Stash

Let’s be honest—our yarn stashes often hold more than we can knit in a lifetime. It’s okay! Yarn is beautiful, and each skein likely holds a dream project. However, organizing your stash can turn it from overwhelming to inspiring.

• Take Inventory: Pull out every ball, skein, and hank of yarn you own. Sort by weight, color, fiber content, or whatever makes sense to you.
• Declutter: Be realistic about what you’ll use. Consider donating yarn you’ve fallen out of love with to local knitting groups, schools, or charities.
• Store Smartly: Use clear bins, labeled bags, or even furniture with cubbies to organize your stash. Some knitters love hanging shoe organizers or wire baskets for visual appeal.
• Digital Organization: The stash feature in your Ravelry notebook allows you to upload photos of your yarn, add details like fiber and yardage, and even link projects you plan to make.

Pro Tip: Make it fun! Turn stash organization into an event—brew some tea, put on a podcast, and make time for yarn “shopping” within your collection.

Tidy Up Your Needles and Notions

Knitting needles, stitch markers, tape measures—these little tools are easy to misplace. A simple system can ensure you always find what you need.

• Sort Your Needles: Group your needles by type (straight, circular, double-pointed) and size. Use labeled pouches, binders with clear sleeves, or needle rolls for organization.
• Keep a Checklist: Maintain a running list of the needles you own. This helps prevent duplicates and ensures you’re prepared for any project. You can do this in a knitting notebook, journal, or in your Ravelry notebook. 
• Organize Notions: Small items like stitch markers, tapestry needles, and cable needles can live in labeled jars, magnetic tins, or clear craft organizers.

A Bonus Tip: Hang circular needles on hooks or use a hanging jewelry organizer with pockets to keep them untangled and easy to see.

Start a Knitting Journal

A knitting journal can become your creative companion, helping you track projects, ideas, and swatches all in one place. It’s also a great way to see your progress over the years.

What to Include in Your Knitting Journal:

• Project Pages: Document project details—yarn used, needle size, gauge, and any pattern modifications. Include photos or attach swatches for a tactile record.
• Yarn and Needle Inventory: Keep an updated list of what you own, so you don’t buy duplicates.
• Wish Lists: Jot down yarns, tools, or patterns you’d like to explore.
• Swatch Library: Your swatches are valuable tools for future projects! Label them with yarn, needle size, and gauge information.

A knitting journal can be as simple as a notebook but did you know there are actual hard-copy knitting journals? Vogue Knitting Project Journal is a fantastic resource for knitters who love to stay organized while adding a touch of style to their craft. It’s designed specifically for knitters to log projects, take notes, and catalog their work.

Members of The Knitting Guild Association, receive 10% off all Vogue Knitting books, including the Project Journal. The discount can be combined with already discounted sale prices, and it’s valid until February 28, 2025. Log in to the TKGA Member Resources > Member Benefits to access the discount code.

Keep (and Organize) Your Swatches

After you swatch for gauge (you swatched, right?), what do you do with that square? Swatches often get discarded, but they hold valuable insights and can serve as future references for your projects. Swatches document your tension, the behavior of a yarn after blocking, and your personal gauge on specific needles. They can also inspire future designs or serve as handy references for yarn substitutions. You could attach them to project pages in your knitting journal, in a dedicated box or drawer, or in clear sleeves in a biner. Swatches can also be turned into ornaments, coasters on your desk, or even framed as art! 

Set Up Your Knitting Space

A well-organized knitting space can enhance your productivity and creativity. Whether you have a dedicated craft room or a cozy corner, focus on creating a functional, inviting setup.

• Choose a System That Works for You: Wall shelves, cubbies, and decorative baskets keep your supplies accessible while looking tidy.
• Create a “Knitting Station”: Keep a small basket with current projects, yarn, tools, and patterns beside your favorite knitting spot.
• Make Use of Vertical Space: Pegboards and hanging organizers are great for tools and supplies.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a dedicated yarn room, take inspiration from makeover projects like this one by Mama in a Stitch, where everything is within reach yet beautifully arranged.

Start Fresh and Stay Inspired

Organization is about more than decluttering—it’s about creating space for creativity, efficiency, and enjoyment in your knitting life. By taking the time to sort your stash, organize your tools, and document your work, you’ll head into 2025 feeling inspired and ready to tackle new projects.

At TKGA, we’re here to help you elevate your craft, every stitch of the way.
Happy organizing, and here’s to a fulfilling year of knitting in 2025!