Thank you so much for this! Every time I watch a knitting podcast, I won't mention names, and see their very large yarn stash behind them I always wonder how they keep pests away! And yes, the dust! I'm also blown away at the amount of yarn and the purchases which are shown each week; it would take a lifetime to actually knit. I think of all that it could be doing, keeping people warm as opposed to sitting on a shelf "looking pretty". And all the people who love knitting but the actual cost of it can be so challenging at times. Stacy, of Very Pink Knits, is the only knitter I know of who does NOT have a stash and purchases yarn for each item at a time! Again, Barbara, thank you so much!
Awesome video! I’ve tried many ways to store fiber/yarn, and now have everything in large clear storage bins, but they’re not air-tight. I found that also using large organza draw-string bags adds an extra layer of protection. The white ones are clear enough so you can see the contents, and they don’t trap moisture like zip lock bags. Also have the freezer at the ready! Love your videos. Thanks.
I love watching your videos!!!! Your facial expressions just talking about them is hilarious!!! Very expressive. I can feel the pain you went through when they decided to pay you a visit. Thank you for this great information on how to store yarns.
Thanks for doing this video! I had to throw all of my yarn away due to moths because I didn't store it properly. I'm definitely going to look into the plastic containers that you mentioned!
Thank you ! I had no idea seed/ flour bugs ate YARN ! I store flour ,pasta etc in airtight containers made for this purpose. I use dry bay leaves on pantry shelves and so far after having it happen 10 plus yrs ago , it’s works. Lavender and cedar is great in the stash :) Great information, Very glad I caught your video . Subscribed midway through 👌🏻♥️⭕️♥️⭕️
I've had pet birds for most of my life and gotten seed moths that way. They are so horrible. I'm glad you liked the video and thank you for subscribing.
I'm so glad you talked about yarn bugs etc. I see people with all the yarn and I just see. Dust and bugs in old yarn. There's a lot of waste when there's just piles of yarn. Lot of kids and adults can learn to knit and crochet with all the stash. Love your tutorials! Thank you 😊
Thank you so much for the information. I never knew anything about this subject; even as an avid crocheter too! I don't recall other knitting or crocheting channels speaking of this topic. This is why I love your channel, you are very informative on each and every topic you share with us. I am learning so much from you. Again, thank you! I will be more vigilant now on what I buy or receive from another individual when it comes to yarn and also how to store properly. Happy Knitting 😊 Respectfully, Donna
I purchased two skeins of mohair. I did not know what to do with them at the time of purchase; they were quite expensive and I just loved the colour. I just used them recently on a project… 19 years later 😁
I’m an acrylic and cotton user and I use containers like yours. Some have cedar blocks n others lavender I do open them periodically n move them around. I’ve heard of wool moths n putting the yarn in the freezer but never the other pest nor for how long. So glad I happed upon ur video. Great info. Thx
Thank you, Barbara. This video has inspired me to bag a few of my WIPS and freeze/ thaw /freeze and being mindful not to have my skeins wound in cakes unless I am knitting them right away.
Oh my goodness! There are yarn PESTS? I never knew this. I learned to crochet on UA-cam 2 years ago. I have these stackable plastic containers, the bigger ones don't really seal tight. Something tiny like those pests you mentioned could actually get in! I need to get better ones that seal up like the other you showed us. The small flatter ones, I have 3 of those. I need to get more! This is scary! I can't imagine my yarns eaten up because it's HARD to get the foreign brands and so EXPENSIVE where I live. I just came across your video today while searching for storage options for yarns. I actually thought about clearing floor space, and thought I'll hang them on the wall on a board or so like I saw once. NO WAY! Not after hearing your information. I'M HIDING MY YARNS FROM THOSE BOOGERS! Thank you SO MUCH for this video. Stay Blessed. PS : Your facial expressions when talking about the boogers! Hilarious 😂! 👌🏾
Well I’ll be damned, I’m 33 and have been crocheting and knitting from age 5. I never ever knew that yarn pests was a thing! I’ve watched so many knitting and crochet videos to get inspiration, and have never heard of this before, so thank you for being so honest about this problem. I have 2 pillow cases full of yarn (I went a little crazy with wholesale reduced yarn some years back, alongside general collections here and there, gifts from others, and some hand spun yarn I washed carded and spun myself) and there are what I can only describe as tiny mites in them. Initially I thought it was darker yarn that had mingled with lighter yarn so was picking bits out as I went, but on closer inspection the whole stash was full of them. Thank you, I’m so happy I won’t have to throw my precious yarn out!
I have had a moth problem for ages, they create little holes in my store bought clothes. The situation seems under control now I store food in glass with rubber on the lid but I fear them coming back now Im buying fluffy wool so thanks for the tip on the waterproof container 👍
Wow, so much good information! I haven't had any pests but I learned some good ways to prevent them. Thank you so much. I am now looking at my cheap, dollar store bins differently and I'm trying to figure out how to get them off the floor.
Holy pests Batman!!! Thank you for talking about the things that not everyone likes to talk about. I had zero ideas about moths or beetles and I live in the south. Thank you so much for enlightening me!
Hello, I am a new fan and this was by far the best explanation of storing yarn! I have a huge yarn stash that I moved from the northeast to the coastal southeast. I have always kept the yarn in plastic totes and I do pet the yarn annually LOL. Your freeze-warm-freeze method is spot on!
We just discovered bed bugs in the house and I’m devastated. I’m going to do your 24 hour x3 freezing method, and steam my wips and finished garments a few times. It hurts to store my stash in containers where they’re not on display for me to enjoy, but it’s time to invest in proper bug-proof storage.
When I heard the freezer part that just made my day because I've been freaking out over not being able to wash wool in hot water if anything ever happened.
I do same thing little bit bigger so I can keep my project with the yarn like crochet or my kb afagain knitting loom in one keep away dust and bugs won't get into it.
I am redoing it soon when I get a few if your other projects of f the needles that will be Christmas gifts this year for family members. The good scarf Im making two one forthe other I’m holing double stranded for my daughter fir the color combinations. All your patterns have been fun unique and adventurous and I must say very clever!,!! That’s my favorite thing about your designs is they are cute clever and ot clever and warm when rrr
Thank you for this video. I’m very new to crochet/knitting and knew nothing about pests. I will now get some good sealable storage containers for my yarn.
This video was worth my time just for the info about the carpet beetle and seed or mill moths. I had some pests a few years ago and they destroyed a few skeins of 100% wool. Thank you.
I love this video. Thank you so much! You are so cute and funny. I love your expression when you’re talking about the bugs. That’s exactly how I feel. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that has yarn stash. I’m embarrassed about it. When we moved we downsized; that’s one thing I refuse to get rid of; I had 26 crates Of yarn, I’m talking large crates. We moved all my yarn from California To Oklahoma. Keep up the good work you’re so interesting & informational.
I am thoroughly freaked out and am going to go check all my yarn lol i had no idea about bugs. And i just moved cross country so i need to see what i can get here
Bay leaves are also good for repelling pests....i use them for storing dry goods in 5 gal buckets, but no reason you couldn't toss a couple in your yarn totes as well!
I too have problems with seed moths because of my birds food even though I freeze all food as soon as it comes in my house. I haven't noticed the moths or larva attacking my yarn in my working projects, which are the only skeins in the open, but I regularly bag and plastic bin my stash by weight of yarn. Recently to save space I have started using "space bags" to condense my stash to manageable proportions. I live in the high desert region of the US so we don't have a lot of the bugs the South and Midwest have. Thanks for the freezer ideas for new yarn.
Hi Barbara. I just saw ur video which I liked a lot and enjoyed watching it. You are so very cute. Thank you so much for the info, which was very informative. I am writing to you from Puerto Rico. I will be watching more videos from you! Thank you so much sweetie. God bless you and your family.
I don't knit, I crochet ( I started about 6 months into covid to help as a stress reliver) and I wish I watched this when I first started. I don't live in the south anymore, but I am still freaked out about these bugs!!! Going to the dollar tree and Walmart today!
Thanks for the video. I put flower and other food in the freezer for the bugs. Never thought about yarn. I am going to do this when I get yarn from other places. 😊🧶 I have always stored my yarn in totes because it’s so dusty where I live.
We lost everything in a flood last spring, and I just got my knitting needles replaced! Since we are in a new-to-us home that we will eventually remodel, and since I was given some yarn, I want to protect everything, just in case. We had to replace our deep freezer as well, and have photos waiting to be salvaged and deer meet along with other food...... How do you package or wrap your yarn when putting it in with food items in freezer? Thanks so much for your informative video, I appreciated it, and the humor!
Most of the time I just plunk the whole tub into the freezer. If I have a smaller amount I have paper grocery bags that I put the yarn in before going into the freezer. I figure it's all frozen and packaged anyway.
Thanks for the great info Barbara. I live in southern Texas and have to worry about those crittters among others I’m sure. I’m in the process of de-stashing and refreshing my stash to keep and I just love those totes! My usual method is ziplock bags inside a normal click lock plastic tote. Will check those out! Love your channel!
Haha I have so much & yes I like to sit on it & think on what awesome pattern would be worthy of the yarn. Glad you said about the winder as I just bought a winder so that’s great to know & I store my yarn in plastic crates with lids as I worry about pests getting to them snaplock bags & crates like you have glad I’m not the only one 😂😂😂💖💖💖
I store my yarn with a unused bars of soap as pests and bugs in each sealed box Here in UK we have damp. I have a quarantine when yarn comes in. Can you do a crochet video
Question: I live in norway, only eat gluten free flour, mostly use acrylic with some mohair and cotton exceptions.. Do i need to worry? I have some stored in tote bags in a box in the closet, and some on open shelves in the living room. I heard plastic bags aren’t good, but is it only ziploc then?
Oh dear ! My yarn is in baskets on the floor. Tomorrow I'm going to the Container store. I'm so careful with my rugs and collection of textiles I didn't think about my yarn! Thanks for this video!
I look for any excuse to go to The Container Store LOL. I am sure everything is fine, but you might want to look it over as you are transferring it to new storage.
Thanks so much for this information! I'm a new sock knitter and have been accumulating a small stash and want to protect them. So into my freezer they will go! 😃😃😃😃😃
Thank you for the video! Where I live clothes moths are enemy #1. I have found that baking my yarn at 200 degrees or so dries those suckers. Not really suitable for acrylic but they aren’t interested I that kind of fibre in any case lol!
Thanks for this! I did not realize that flour/pantry moths went for wool too; they are a different species than clothes moths (half again as big, and darker). I use the waterproof tubs from the Container Store
Great information!! Loved your video & recommendation on storing our future projects, which most of us knitters & crocheters have (I still have “Coats" crochet cotton “balls” from way, way back &, a couple of Southmaid cotton “balls” as well 🙃!!!)
I literally saw two moths flying around in my room today and I had my wool-acrylic blend project not properly stored anywhere! I managed to kill them but I was definitely a bit panicked. I usually buy acrylic yarn so pests aren't an issue with that, but I've been branching out into cotton and wool-acrylic blends, which I assumed wold be safe because they're not 100% wool. Turns out I was wrong! Luckily I haven't had issues yet, as I went through my entire small stash (before I knew this was an issue) last week and all the yarn looked a-okay. But I know I have to be careful with killing moths when I see them and storing my yarn more carefully as soon as I can. Gonna have to invest invest airtight plastic containers as moths are common where I live. I'm just glad I figured this out before I bought more wool and cotton, because I leave my yarn in my small dark closet most of the time and that seems like an environment that bugs like to grow in lol. I also live in a tropical environment. I'm kind of surprised this isn't talked about more commonly, seeing how popular natural fibres are in the fibre arts community!
I have put it in the freezer in ziplocks, paper bags, the giant plastic tubs you saw in this video ... just however I had it LOL. One thing about ziplocks tho, when you are allowing the yarn to come back to room temp you need to un-zip them or you can get condensation inside the bag and that could lead to mold in natural fibers.
Uh-oh. I wonder if this is why I hit one or two points in my wool yarn where the yarn just stopped and I had to reconnect it. At this point I guess I'll just put the whole scarf in the freezer once it's done, just to be safe.
Oooh, that sounds like pest damage. I am so sorry. You'll want to make sure it is segregated from any other yarns you may have and if it was stashed with other yarns check those too.
Hello from Las Cruces NM! After hearing you mentioning how after winding yarn can stretch it and/or add tension, my question is; would keeping any yarn stored in a hefty vac and seal storage bag be alright? Would that cause tension because of the air have been sucked out? It is how I store my yarn to safe what little space I have!
Oh no when I think only of carpet beetles I get almost a fear reaction because I have had so much to do with them during through the years. I live in Finland in a small apartment that is only about 30 square meters and I don't have much Space to store my things. I live in an apartment building and fur beetles live between the walls. I always try to protect yarns and clothes from them. on the shelves where my clothes are I brush red cedar with oil and I put the yarns in the plastic boxes. if i see even one carpet beetle I put the yarns and clothes in the freezer...though my freezer just died three days ago and I don't know what my landlord is going to do!! 😢 Yuck... I Hate carpet beetles more than anything 😬. But thank you for your tips... I just happened to find your account as I was trying to find knitters who use continental style. I have learned knitting from UA-cam slowly during about 10 years but the problem has been that in school here in Finland at the age of about 8 years old till 10 years old we were we were taught knitting in continental style and the english style just doesn't make sence to me and is hard to watch... Plus I cannot read knitting instructions so I make mostly my own styles. Anyway... I subscribed to your channel so I will be following you 😊. Have a nice day and spring.
I really learned something today and am so thankful for this conversation about storing yarn. So I will continue to put my yarn into big plastic bags like the jumbo ones. And Evan the small bags will work so the yarn won’t intermix with the other yarn. Such as black white navy pink you can toss them into a bigger bag and stack them in a bin or some thing and now I won’t worry about moths. I don’t get them in the house. But every so often I will see one haunt it down and get rid of it bam. So the trick of the freezer is awesome. Thank you so much for that tip.
I have put it in in baggies, these tubs, paper bags, fabric bags ... just about anything. If you do have the yarn in a sealed plastic bag, when you remove it you will want to open the baggies up to avoid any condensation or dampness.
One question that idk if you mentioned: when you put the yarn in the freezer, do you put them in ziplocks or anything? I don't want to put it in the freezer I use for food (just in case there are bugs) but the freezer in my garage idk about putting the yarn in the freezer without any protection from the ice stuff that accumulates around the freezer.
I have put these tubs directly into my chest freezer LOL. I think the yarn is always in something, could be a ziplock, could be a paper bag .... if you do put it in a ziplock when you take it out to "thaw" you need to open the ziplock or else you might get condensation in the bag and you'll end up with moldy yarn.
Unless you have a ridiculous amount of yarn to freeze (innocent whistle) the freezer on your kitchen refrigerator works just fine! You can also heat it in your oven - temperature extremes is what does it.
Thank you for this advice!!!!! So helpful and thoughtful. Can I ask, since I did not have a ball winder before, I had a lot of skeins winded to cakes from a friend. But I just stashed them more than a year ago. Any suggestions on how to recapture the elasticity? Should I make them back into skeins with an umbrella thingy...
My mother told me to ball my yarn by hand winding the wool over 4 fingers for a count of 20 wraps, then take your fingers out and turn and put your 4 fingers over the ball and wind 20 more wraps and continue. This is supposed to not put tension on the wool as it sits there waiting to become a sock or sweater.
Really good information! What about the wool blends sold by big box stores? Lion Brand especially has several nice blends.. I live in the Cincinnati area..
If there is any natural fiber content in it bugs want it for lunch. But something bought from a reputable store shouldn't be a problem. I only quarantine the yarns that I don't know how they were stored.
WatchBarbaraKnit Thanks.. I do store everything up off the floor, and in plastic containers.. BUT.. I need to get kids.. Where do kids go, anyway? Maybe they meet up with the "other" socks.. Love your videos.. Always fun, and informative.. Thanks for taking the time to do them.. 💜💜😎❤
I just watched your “storing your yarn stash” video today. I hope you are still checking your comments because I have a few questions. I didn’t know I should leave my yarn hanks unwound until I was ready to use them. I spent an evening winding all my hanks into balls. I am sure I am not going to be using them right away. Is there anything I can do to protect them? You mentioned storing your yarn to keep them safe from bugs. How can you protect them once you crochet or knit them into garments or other items?
If you store wound yarn for extended periods of time it can lead to the yarn stretching depending on how tightly it was initially wound. The only way to avoid this would be to rewind them into a looser ball or put them back into skein form. As far as knit/crochet garments ... you treat them just like you would any clothing you own made of natural fibers. For storage some people have cedar chests or closets if they live in an area where it's an issue.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Thank you for the information. I only started using wool yarn this year. Being I live in Florida there’s not too much need. I also knit and crochet for donations at my church. We’re not encouraged to use wool being some people are allergic and many of the people we give it to would not care for it properly. Again thank you for this video.
I tried storing mine in plastic containers. My life got busy, and when I went back to use my yarn, about a year later, it stunk to high heaven!! I had to throw it all away. I can't explain the smell, but I gagged, then it all went to the dump. My heart was broken. I saw no other way to deal with that.
Omg! Thanks for this video! :( As a new knitter, I usually go for acrylics (for easy beg.-type projects and for practicing til I get more confident) but have between a dozen to dozen & a half skeins of cotton yarn as well. I've just kept them in a basket in my bedroom. :/ (btw, I am living in So Cal -- LA area) should I be trying the freezing and warming you suggest before storing my yarn? Thanks!!
Thanks for the wonderful tips! I have those same shoe boxes from the Container Store and found that moths can get into them. I’m looking for airtight boxes that are similar in size. Let me know if you come across anything. Right now all my yarn is in ziploc bags😬
Ooh, that is good to know about the shoe boxes. I use them for short term storage so I haven't had a problem with them yet. I haven't seen any with the waterproof style I use in smaller sizes - I will keep my eye out. Maybe looking at things designed for food storage but the biggest stuff they have?
You can do either. I've used plastic bags, fabric bags, paper bags ... if you are using a sealed ziplock you have to make sure to open it when you are allowing it to come back to room temperature or you risk condensation on the inside of the bag and that can lead to mildew and mold.
![How to store yarn and organize your stash [+mistakes to avoid]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NWMpSHuKitQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you so much for this! Every time I watch a knitting podcast, I won't mention names, and see their very large yarn stash behind them I always wonder how they keep pests away! And yes, the dust! I'm also blown away at the amount of yarn and the purchases which are shown each week; it would take a lifetime to actually knit. I think of all that it could be doing, keeping people warm as opposed to sitting on a shelf "looking pretty". And all the people who love knitting but the actual cost of it can be so challenging at times. Stacy, of Very Pink Knits, is the only knitter I know of who does NOT have a stash and purchases yarn for each item at a time! Again, Barbara, thank you so much!
Awesome video! I’ve tried many ways to store fiber/yarn, and now have everything in large clear storage bins, but they’re not air-tight. I found that also using large organza draw-string bags adds an extra layer of protection. The white ones are clear enough so you can see the contents, and they don’t trap moisture like zip lock bags. Also have the freezer at the ready! Love your videos. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I love watching your videos!!!! Your facial expressions just talking about them is hilarious!!! Very expressive. I can feel the pain you went through when they decided to pay you a visit. Thank you for this great information on how to store yarns.
Thanks for doing this video! I had to throw all of my yarn away due to moths because I didn't store it properly. I'm definitely going to look into the plastic containers that you mentioned!
Oh no! That is the worst. Best of luck going forward.
Thank you ! I had no idea seed/ flour bugs ate YARN ! I store flour ,pasta etc in airtight containers made for this purpose. I use dry bay leaves on pantry shelves and so far after having it happen 10 plus yrs ago , it’s works. Lavender and cedar is great in the stash :) Great information, Very glad I caught your video . Subscribed midway through 👌🏻♥️⭕️♥️⭕️
I've had pet birds for most of my life and gotten seed moths that way. They are so horrible. I'm glad you liked the video and thank you for subscribing.
I'm so glad you talked about yarn bugs etc. I see people with all the yarn and I just see. Dust and bugs in old yarn. There's a lot of waste when there's just piles of yarn. Lot of kids and adults can learn to knit and crochet with all the stash. Love your tutorials! Thank you 😊
Seeing those photos sorta makes me twitchy too LOL!
Really appreciate talking about yarn needing to age like fine wine.
I'm a fiber connoisseur. LOL
Thank you so much for the information. I never knew anything about this subject; even as an avid crocheter too! I don't recall other knitting or crocheting channels speaking of this topic. This is why I love your channel, you are very informative on each and every topic you share with us. I am learning so much from you. Again, thank you! I will be more vigilant now on what I buy or receive from another individual when it comes to yarn and also how to store properly. Happy Knitting 😊
Respectfully, Donna
If I have done something small that might save you from a critter catastrophe then I am super happy you found this video!
I purchased two skeins of mohair. I did not know what to do with them at the time of purchase; they were quite expensive and I just loved the colour. I just used them recently on a project… 19 years later 😁
LOL, you aged them like fine wine.
Barbara, I had no idea!!!!! This was so informative and will use your suggestions. Thanks so much keep up these videos.
Yay! I'm glad it was helpful.
I’m an acrylic and cotton user and I use containers like yours. Some have cedar blocks n others lavender I do open them periodically n move them around. I’ve heard of wool moths n putting the yarn in the freezer but never the other pest nor for how long. So glad I happed upon ur video. Great info. Thx
Your acrylic is safe but things like to munch on cotton LOL. Unfortunately I am allergic ot both cedar and lavender!
Wow! The double freezing is so helpful! I live in the South as well. Will be picking up my project bags!
Good luck!
Thank you, Barbara.
This video has inspired me to bag a few of my WIPS and freeze/ thaw /freeze and being mindful not to have my skeins wound in cakes unless I am knitting them right away.
If it keeps your yarn safe that's a win!
I'm a crochet person and really appreciate this. Thank you.
I love crochet people LOL!
Oh my goodness! There are yarn PESTS? I never knew this. I learned to crochet on UA-cam 2 years ago. I have these stackable plastic containers, the bigger ones don't really seal tight. Something tiny like those pests you mentioned could actually get in! I need to get better ones that seal up like the other you showed us. The small flatter ones, I have 3 of those. I need to get more! This is scary! I can't imagine my yarns eaten up because it's HARD to get the foreign brands and so EXPENSIVE where I live. I just came across your video today while searching for storage options for yarns. I actually thought about clearing floor space, and thought I'll hang them on the wall on a board or so like I saw once. NO WAY! Not after hearing your information. I'M HIDING MY YARNS FROM THOSE BOOGERS! Thank you SO MUCH for this video. Stay Blessed.
PS : Your facial expressions when talking about the boogers! Hilarious 😂! 👌🏾
I am sorry to have broken the bad news to you - but forewarned is forearmed.
I’m from California and I had no idea! This was very informative as a general care for rehomed yarn.
I hope it saves you heartache.
Well I’ll be damned, I’m 33 and have been crocheting and knitting from age 5. I never ever knew that yarn pests was a thing! I’ve watched so many knitting and crochet videos to get inspiration, and have never heard of this before, so thank you for being so honest about this problem. I have 2 pillow cases full of yarn (I went a little crazy with wholesale reduced yarn some years back, alongside general collections here and there, gifts from others, and some hand spun yarn I washed carded and spun myself) and there are what I can only describe as tiny mites in them. Initially I thought it was darker yarn that had mingled with lighter yarn so was picking bits out as I went, but on closer inspection the whole stash was full of them. Thank you, I’m so happy I won’t have to throw my precious yarn out!
I'm so sorry to hear that you have an infestation. Hopefully you can get it under control.
I have had a moth problem for ages, they create little holes in my store bought clothes. The situation seems under control now I store food in glass with rubber on the lid but I fear them coming back now Im buying fluffy wool so thanks for the tip on the waterproof container 👍
Best of luck, I know how frustrating it is!
Thank you, I love the clear plastic containers also.
They are great aren't they!
Wow, so much good information! I haven't had any pests but I learned some good ways to prevent them. Thank you so much. I am now looking at my cheap, dollar store bins differently and I'm trying to figure out how to get them off the floor.
Better safe than sorry.
Holy pests Batman!!! Thank you for talking about the things that not everyone likes to talk about. I had zero ideas about moths or beetles and I live in the south. Thank you so much for enlightening me!
Glad I could help!
Hello, I am a new fan and this was by far the best explanation of storing yarn! I have a huge yarn stash that I moved from the northeast to the coastal southeast. I have always kept the yarn in plastic totes and I do pet the yarn annually LOL. Your freeze-warm-freeze method is spot on!
Thank you!
We just discovered bed bugs in the house and I’m devastated. I’m going to do your 24 hour x3 freezing method, and steam my wips and finished garments a few times. It hurts to store my stash in containers where they’re not on display for me to enjoy, but it’s time to invest in proper bug-proof storage.
I am so sorry. Best of luck!
When I heard the freezer part that just made my day because I've been freaking out over not being able to wash wool in hot water if anything ever happened.
Yep, extreme temps go both ways. And this might sound crazy, but it is possible to "cook" your yarn in the oven.
Great tip on the freezer...amazing! Thank you.
My pleasure!
Amazing videos - I will now buying plastic containers for my yarns/ future projects. Thank you Barbara!
I'm glad you liked the video!
I do same thing little bit bigger so I can keep my project with the yarn like crochet or my kb afagain knitting loom in one keep away dust and bugs won't get into it.
I never knew about the fiber critters! This was super helpful, thanks for the video!!
They are the bane of my existence. I hope you never see any!
I am redoing it soon when I get a few if your other projects of f the needles that will be Christmas gifts this year for family members. The good scarf Im making two one forthe other I’m holing double stranded for my daughter fir the color combinations.
All your patterns have been fun unique and adventurous and I must say very clever!,!! That’s my favorite thing about your designs is they are cute clever and ot clever and warm when rrr
Thank you for such kind words! I am glad you have enjoyed knitting my patterns.
Thank for this, I didn't even realize some of the stuff that you talked about. This video was extremely helpful!!🤗😊
I'm so glad! More safe yarn is good!
Thank you for this video. I’m very new to crochet/knitting and knew nothing about pests. I will now get some good sealable storage containers for my yarn.
I am so glad that your yarn will be safe!
This video was worth my time just for the info about the carpet beetle and seed or mill moths. I had some pests a few years ago and they destroyed a few skeins of 100% wool. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Good advice and I love your sense of humor. I pet my yarn, yes I do.
Awww, thank you.
I love this video. Thank you so much! You are so cute and funny. I love your expression when you’re talking about the bugs. That’s exactly how I feel. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that has yarn stash. I’m embarrassed about it. When we moved we downsized; that’s one thing I refuse to get rid of; I had 26 crates Of yarn, I’m talking large crates. We moved all my yarn from California To Oklahoma. Keep up the good work you’re so interesting & informational.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I feel you, we recently moved a couple of states and there was much downsizing.
I am thoroughly freaked out and am going to go check all my yarn lol i had no idea about bugs. And i just moved cross country so i need to see what i can get here
I didn't mean to freak you out, just make people aware! I bet you are fine.
WatchBarbaraKnit they are okay! But I’m going to invest in that airtight container you have just to be on the safe side 😊
Bay leaves are also good for repelling pests....i use them for storing dry goods in 5 gal buckets, but no reason you couldn't toss a couple in your yarn totes as well!
Cool idea! And they smell good.
Ohhhh I didn’t know much of this, THANK YOU Barbara 👍🏻
Glad it was helpful!
I too have problems with seed moths because of my birds food even though I freeze all food as soon as it comes in my house. I haven't noticed the moths or larva attacking my yarn in my working projects, which are the only skeins in the open, but I regularly bag and plastic bin my stash by weight of yarn. Recently to save space I have started using "space bags" to condense my stash to manageable proportions. I live in the high desert region of the US so we don't have a lot of the bugs the South and Midwest have. Thanks for the freezer ideas for new yarn.
So glad to be of assistance. I have birds too!
Hi Barbara. I just saw ur video which I liked a lot and enjoyed watching it. You are so very cute. Thank you so much for the info, which was very informative. I am writing to you from Puerto Rico. I will be watching more videos from you! Thank you so much sweetie. God bless you and your family.
Thank you so much and I am so excited to hear from Puerto Rico! Thank you for commenting.
I don't knit, I crochet ( I started about 6 months into covid to help as a stress reliver) and I wish I watched this when I first started. I don't live in the south anymore, but I am still freaked out about these bugs!!! Going to the dollar tree and Walmart today!
Thanks for the video. I put flower and other food in the freezer for the bugs. Never thought about yarn. I am going to do this when I get yarn from other places. 😊🧶 I have always stored my yarn in totes because it’s so dusty where I live.
Sounds like an excellent plan!
Thank you so much for this information!!! I had absolutely no idea!!!
Well, now you know! And knowing is half the battle. ;)
We lost everything in a flood last spring, and I just got my knitting needles replaced! Since we are in a new-to-us home that we will eventually remodel, and since I was given some yarn, I want to protect everything, just in case. We had to replace our deep freezer as well, and have photos waiting to be salvaged and deer meet along with other food......
How do you package or wrap your yarn when putting it in with food items in freezer? Thanks so much for your informative video, I appreciated it, and the humor!
Most of the time I just plunk the whole tub into the freezer. If I have a smaller amount I have paper grocery bags that I put the yarn in before going into the freezer. I figure it's all frozen and packaged anyway.
Thanks for the great info Barbara. I live in southern Texas and have to worry about those crittters among others I’m sure. I’m in the process of de-stashing and refreshing my stash to keep and I just love those totes! My usual method is ziplock bags inside a normal click lock plastic tote. Will check those out! Love your channel!
Yep, even though Texas isn't the "south" y'all have a lot of the same problems. I'm glad you like my videos!
Yes, the moths are a problem here. Now I have to look up carpet beetle so I know what they are, too. Very informative! Thanks!
They are pure evil. I'm glad the video was helpful for you.
Haha I have so much & yes I like to sit on it & think on what awesome pattern would be worthy of the yarn. Glad you said about the winder as I just bought a winder so that’s great to know & I store my yarn in plastic crates with lids as I worry about pests getting to them snaplock bags & crates like you have glad I’m not the only one 😂😂😂💖💖💖
You are not alone!
I store my yarn with a unused bars of soap as pests and bugs in each sealed box Here in UK we have damp. I have a quarantine when yarn comes in. Can you do a crochet video
Just got some yarn for free and put it in the freezer, do I need to wash it after the freezing method or can I crochet once fully dry?
Question:
I live in norway, only eat gluten free flour, mostly use acrylic with some mohair and cotton exceptions.. Do i need to worry?
I have some stored in tote bags in a box in the closet, and some on open shelves in the living room.
I heard plastic bags aren’t good, but is it only ziploc then?
Any idea for storing wools and needle felting tools in small apartment
I store most of my fiber art tools in a chest of drawers.
i love to buy yarn that katches my eye. Then wait to find the prefect pattern. some yarns have waited ten years or more.
They are like fine wine, you have to wait for the perfect meal.
Oh dear ! My yarn is in baskets on the floor. Tomorrow I'm going to the Container store. I'm so careful with my rugs and collection of textiles I didn't think about my yarn! Thanks for this video!
I look for any excuse to go to The Container Store LOL. I am sure everything is fine, but you might want to look it over as you are transferring it to new storage.
Thanks so much for this information! I'm a new sock knitter and have been accumulating a small stash and want to protect them. So into my freezer they will go! 😃😃😃😃😃
I am super cautious but hey, better safe than sorry. Have fun with your socks!
You are so much fun! This was very informative and helpful.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
wonderful concept.I knew I had a purpose for all my stash.
LOL! Indeed!
Thank you for the video! Where I live clothes moths are enemy #1. I have found that baking my yarn at 200 degrees or so dries those suckers. Not really suitable for acrylic but they aren’t interested I that kind of fibre in any case lol!
I have heard the baking thing is good too. It is great to have options.
this was so helpful, Barbara. I am distraught and yarn has just entered the freezer.
Thanks for this! I did not realize that flour/pantry moths went for wool too; they are a different species than clothes moths (half again as big, and darker). I use the waterproof tubs from the Container Store
They're hungry little buggers LOL!
Great information!! Loved your video & recommendation on storing our future projects, which most of us knitters & crocheters have (I still have “Coats" crochet cotton “balls” from way, way back &, a couple of Southmaid cotton “balls” as well 🙃!!!)
Glad it was helpful!
I literally saw two moths flying around in my room today and I had my wool-acrylic blend project not properly stored anywhere! I managed to kill them but I was definitely a bit panicked. I usually buy acrylic yarn so pests aren't an issue with that, but I've been branching out into cotton and wool-acrylic blends, which I assumed wold be safe because they're not 100% wool. Turns out I was wrong! Luckily I haven't had issues yet, as I went through my entire small stash (before I knew this was an issue) last week and all the yarn looked a-okay. But I know I have to be careful with killing moths when I see them and storing my yarn more carefully as soon as I can. Gonna have to invest invest airtight plastic containers as moths are common where I live. I'm just glad I figured this out before I bought more wool and cotton, because I leave my yarn in my small dark closet most of the time and that seems like an environment that bugs like to grow in lol. I also live in a tropical environment. I'm kind of surprised this isn't talked about more commonly, seeing how popular natural fibres are in the fibre arts community!
It's a dirty secret I guess LOL!
Thanks. I live in the way north, but I will definitely be rethinking my storage
Maybe you could just put stuff outside in the cold LOL! But I would check for pests in your area. You might be in the clear.
silly question, but do you put the yarn in a ziplock then the freezer or straight into the freezer?
I have put it in the freezer in ziplocks, paper bags, the giant plastic tubs you saw in this video ... just however I had it LOL. One thing about ziplocks tho, when you are allowing the yarn to come back to room temp you need to un-zip them or you can get condensation inside the bag and that could lead to mold in natural fibers.
What about the LYS ? All their yarn is on shelves.These pests could be picked up from there? How do they deal with pests?
Honestly, you'd have to ask someone who owns an LYS. I have never run into a problem with pests from an LYS, but I guess it wouldn't be unheard of?
@@WatchBarbaraKnit yes that would make sense! Thanks for your info. It’s very helpful.
I only have a small dorm fridge and freezer, so I could only freeze one small skein at a time. Would black bag in car/trunk work?
I honestly don't know if that would work.
How do you feel about those bags where you can suck the air out with your vacuum cleaner? Are those a good way to store yarn?
I honestly have never tried them long term so I don't have any guidance I'm afraid.
Just a quick question I have over 600 skeins of yarn is it safe to vacuum pack it for easier storage
I honestly do not know but I am guessing it should be.
Putting in time stamps would be useful so we can get to the part we want to hear - how to store yarn to keep pests out.
Uh-oh. I wonder if this is why I hit one or two points in my wool yarn where the yarn just stopped and I had to reconnect it.
At this point I guess I'll just put the whole scarf in the freezer once it's done, just to be safe.
Oooh, that sounds like pest damage. I am so sorry. You'll want to make sure it is segregated from any other yarns you may have and if it was stashed with other yarns check those too.
How do you store finished yarn projects?😊
I store mine in the same type of tubs as the yarn.
Hello from Las Cruces NM! After hearing you mentioning how after winding yarn can stretch it and/or add tension, my question is; would keeping any yarn stored in a hefty vac and seal storage bag be alright? Would that cause tension because of the air have been sucked out? It is how I store my yarn to safe what little space I have!
I honestly have no idea the answer to this. Sorry.
Oh no when I think only of carpet beetles I get almost a fear reaction because I have had so much to do with them during through the years.
I live in Finland in a small apartment that is only about 30 square meters and I don't have much Space to store my things. I live in an apartment building and fur beetles live between the walls. I always try to protect yarns and clothes from them. on the shelves where my clothes are I brush red cedar with oil and I put the yarns in the plastic boxes. if i see even one carpet beetle I put the yarns and clothes in the freezer...though my freezer just died three days ago and I don't know what my landlord is going to do!! 😢 Yuck... I Hate carpet beetles more than anything 😬.
But thank you for your tips... I just happened to find your account as I was trying to find knitters who use continental style. I have learned knitting from UA-cam slowly during about 10 years but the problem has been that in school here in Finland at the age of about 8 years old till 10 years old we were we were taught knitting in continental style and the english style just doesn't make sence to me and is hard to watch... Plus I cannot read knitting instructions so I make mostly my own styles. Anyway... I subscribed to your channel so I will be following you 😊. Have a nice day and spring.
I'm so glad that my videos are helpful for you!
I really learned something today and am so thankful for this conversation about storing yarn. So I will continue to put my yarn into big plastic bags like the jumbo ones. And Evan the small bags will work so the yarn won’t intermix with the other yarn. Such as black white navy pink you can toss them into a bigger bag and stack them in a bin or some thing and now I won’t worry about moths. I don’t get them in the house. But every so often I will see one haunt it down and get rid of it bam. So the trick of the freezer is awesome. Thank you so much for that tip.
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Thank you VERYMUCH. Important information. QUESTION PLEASE. When you put it in the freezer is it in plastic baggies? Thanks.
I have put it in in baggies, these tubs, paper bags, fabric bags ... just about anything. If you do have the yarn in a sealed plastic bag, when you remove it you will want to open the baggies up to avoid any condensation or dampness.
One question that idk if you mentioned: when you put the yarn in the freezer, do you put them in ziplocks or anything? I don't want to put it in the freezer I use for food (just in case there are bugs) but the freezer in my garage idk about putting the yarn in the freezer without any protection from the ice stuff that accumulates around the freezer.
I have put these tubs directly into my chest freezer LOL. I think the yarn is always in something, could be a ziplock, could be a paper bag .... if you do put it in a ziplock when you take it out to "thaw" you need to open the ziplock or else you might get condensation in the bag and you'll end up with moldy yarn.
You're awesome! I love your channel- thanks for the info- new subbie!
Welcome and thank you so much for subbing! I hope to continue to earn your views!
So interesting. Thanks. Will have to rethink my setup.
I didn't mean to cause trouble.
I wish you were a cocheter! I love your personality!
I wish I was a crocheter too LOL.
I just got rid of my freezer cause we were running an empty appliance! 😩 Thanks for the advice.
Unless you have a ridiculous amount of yarn to freeze (innocent whistle) the freezer on your kitchen refrigerator works just fine! You can also heat it in your oven - temperature extremes is what does it.
WatchBarbaraKnit we only have a very small freezer above the fridge but, the oven sounds like an idea. I'll look into that thanks?🐨👍🏼
Should yarn be washed after freezing and thawing?
I don't think that is necessary.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit thank You 💕
Thanks for the tutorial didn’t know yarn can be affected by bugs
Only natural fibers, but there are certain creepy crawlies that like to eat it them!
Okay thanks
Thank you for this advice!!!!! So helpful and thoughtful. Can I ask, since I did not have a ball winder before, I had a lot of skeins winded to cakes from a friend. But I just stashed them more than a year ago. Any suggestions on how to recapture the elasticity? Should I make them back into skeins with an umbrella thingy...
I'm afraid I don't know a definitive answer for that one. You could try to wind it back into a skein and see if that helps.
WatchBarbaraKnit thanks. Will do that.
I was afraid to store my yarn in the heated/air conditioning basement. But with your big big container with locks, can I store in the basement??
I can't see why not!
This video is very informative, and so helpful ,
Thank you so much. For sharing
I'm so glad you liked it!
How do you store acrylic? I store them in plastic tubs.
Acrylic you can store pretty much any ole way - nothing eats it LOL. I just wouldn't store it damp.
My mother told me to ball my yarn by hand winding the wool over 4 fingers for a count of 20 wraps, then take your fingers out and turn and put your 4 fingers over the ball and wind 20 more wraps and continue. This is supposed to not put tension on the wool as it sits there waiting to become a sock or sweater.
There are so many ways to do things, thanks for sharing.
I keep all of my yarn in my clear starge boxes since I am allgic to dust free
Good reason!
Really good information! What about the wool blends sold by big box stores? Lion Brand especially has several nice blends.. I live in the Cincinnati area..
If there is any natural fiber content in it bugs want it for lunch. But something bought from a reputable store shouldn't be a problem. I only quarantine the yarns that I don't know how they were stored.
WatchBarbaraKnit Thanks.. I do store everything up off the floor, and in plastic containers.. BUT.. I need to get kids.. Where do kids go, anyway? Maybe they meet up with the "other" socks.. Love your videos.. Always fun, and informative.. Thanks for taking the time to do them.. 💜💜😎❤
Can you freeze garments as well, before storage?
I cannot see why not. Just make sure they come back to temp and are completely dry before storing.
So if I mainly use acrylic yarns I don’t need to worry about pests right?
I haven't heard of any pests that like acrylic, but if there is any natural fiber content they might go after it.
I just watched your “storing your yarn stash” video today. I hope you are still checking your comments because I have a few questions.
I didn’t know I should leave my yarn hanks unwound until I was ready to use them. I spent an evening winding all my hanks into balls. I am sure I am not going to be using them right away. Is there anything I can do to protect them?
You mentioned storing your yarn to keep them safe from bugs. How can you protect them once you crochet or knit them into garments or other items?
If you store wound yarn for extended periods of time it can lead to the yarn stretching depending on how tightly it was initially wound. The only way to avoid this would be to rewind them into a looser ball or put them back into skein form. As far as knit/crochet garments ... you treat them just like you would any clothing you own made of natural fibers. For storage some people have cedar chests or closets if they live in an area where it's an issue.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Thank you for the information. I only started using wool yarn this year. Being I live in Florida there’s not too much need. I also knit and crochet for donations at my church. We’re not encouraged to use wool being some people are allergic and many of the people we give it to would not care for it properly.
Again thank you for this video.
I tried storing mine in plastic containers. My life got busy, and when I went back to use my yarn, about a year later, it stunk to high heaven!! I had to throw it all away. I can't explain the smell, but I gagged, then it all went to the dump. My heart was broken. I saw no other way to deal with that.
That's super weird. I'm so sorry it happened to you.
This video has been soooo helpful....THANK YOU!!!!
I am so glad that it was!
Do you put the yarn in plastic bags before you put it in the freezer?
Not always. I have put yarn in paper bags, plastic bags, whole tubs of yarn LOL.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit ok. Thanks!
Is there a yarn winder you recommend?
I'm afraid not. The one I have and use isn't made anymore.
I'm curious why you don't use the center pull?
Because I almost never use a full ball of yarn and I can't stand having a hollowed out ring of yarn, LOL. Also, yarn barf.
Omg! Thanks for this video! :( As a new knitter, I usually go for acrylics (for easy beg.-type projects and for practicing til I get more confident) but have between a dozen to dozen & a half skeins of cotton yarn as well. I've just kept them in a basket in my bedroom. :/ (btw, I am living in So Cal -- LA area) should I be trying the freezing and warming you suggest before storing my yarn? Thanks!!
I'm a big fan of if it ain't broke don't fix it. Unless you see evidence of pests you are probably fine!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Glad to hear that! Got a container like yours in the mail just today :) feeling better already lol
Can I put yarn in the dryer??
That depends entirely on the yarn. The best way to know is to check the care information on the label.
Love the haircut, love the wine metaphor and great advice.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the wonderful tips! I have those same shoe boxes from the Container Store and found that moths can get into them. I’m looking for airtight boxes that are similar in size. Let me know if you come across anything. Right now all my yarn is in ziploc bags😬
Ooh, that is good to know about the shoe boxes. I use them for short term storage so I haven't had a problem with them yet. I haven't seen any with the waterproof style I use in smaller sizes - I will keep my eye out. Maybe looking at things designed for food storage but the biggest stuff they have?
WatchBarbaraKnit I’ll look around and will let you know what I find!
Do you leave the yarn in the freezer naked or in a bag?
You can do either. I've used plastic bags, fabric bags, paper bags ... if you are using a sealed ziplock you have to make sure to open it when you are allowing it to come back to room temperature or you risk condensation on the inside of the bag and that can lead to mildew and mold.