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If you’ve been crocheting for a while, you already know the truth: one project is never enough. You start a blanket, then decide you need a quick hat for a gift, then a new amigurumi catches your eye… and suddenly you’ve got five (or more) WIPs — Works in Progress — scattered around the house.
WIPs are exciting, but they can also get overwhelming. Tangled yarn, missing hooks, misplaced stitch markers, and half-finished projects shoved in random baskets can sap your motivation. The good news? A few simple tricks can transform crochet chaos into smooth, organized creativity.
Here’s some practical ways to keep your crochet WIPs organized, untangled, and ready to pick up whenever inspiration strikes.
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Assign Each Project a Home
A great starting point is to give each WIP its own home. For example, small projects such as hats, socks, dish cloths etc. can go in something small such as gallon size ziplock bags. You could also repurpose old make up bags, pencil cases etc.
Medium size projects, depending on how large, could be stored in things like drawstring bags, tote bags, small storage baskets, reusable shopping bags or even the plastic ones if you use those.
Large projects can go in its own box or tote. You can also get creative. For example, put it in an old pillowcase that is not being used.
Each WIP container can be placed in a larger tote such as a large Rubbermaid. Keeping each project separate, prevents yarn skeins from tangling together and saves you from rummaging through a giant bag of “mystery crochet.” However, keeping all WIPs in one larger tote helps you to know exactly where all your projects are.
Bonus tip: Add a label or project card inside each bag with the hook size, pattern name, and notes. That way, even if you put the project down for months, you’ll know exactly where to pick up. I made a handy dandy WIP tracker for easy use if you’d like to check it out!
Tame the Yarn Before You Start
Every crocheter knows the pain of grabbing a project bag only to realize the correct hook is missing. To avoid this, store hooks and notions with the project they belong to.
Ways to do it:
• Slip the hook you’re using into the same bag/container your WIP is going into. If you don’t have duplicates and need that particular hook for a different WIP, write down what hook is used for the WIP before removing the hook.
• Keep a small pencil pouch, in an easy to find place, that has scissors, tapestry needle, and stitch markers. This pencil pouch can be easily accessed whenever you’re ready to crochet so you don’t have to hunt for those pesky stitch markers.
Use Project Trackers
WIPs can stretch out over weeks (or let’s be honest, years). When you finally come back, it’s easy to forget where you were in the pattern. Project trackers are a lifesaver here.
Options to help you pick up where you left off include:
• A simple notebook dedicated to WIP notes.
• Printable project sheets with space for yarn details, hook size, and where you left off.
• Digital tools like Trello boards or even the notes app on your phone.
Tracking your progress makes it easy to pick up a project again — without forgetting integral details like stitch used, hook used or what row of the pattern you are on.
Here’s a handy dandy project tracker for you if you’d like it! 🙂
Organize WIPs by Priority
Not all WIPs are equal. Some are daily projects, others are long-term, and a few are “someday” projects.
Try sorting them into categories:
• Active WIPs: The ones you’re currently excited about. Keep these within easy reach.
• On Hold: Projects you want to finish eventually, but aren’t urgent. Store neatly in a bin or shelf.
• Hibernating or Frogging: Projects you’ve lost interest in. Decide whether to frog (unravel) them or store them away guilt-free.
This helps reduce overwhelm and keeps you from feeling buried in unfinished projects.
Create a Dedicated Crochet Space
Even if it’s just a corner of the couch, having a “home base” for your crochet makes organizing WIPs easier.
• Dedicate a Rubbermaid or cube unit for project bags.
• Keep a basket by your favorite chair with one or two projects ready to grab.
Bonus Tip: If you have small children like I do, you could use something like a Rubbermaid with a lid that locks in place next to the couch so that little inquisitive minds cannot get into WIPs so easily.
When your crochet has a designated space, it won’t spill into every corner of the house (and you won’t lose skeins under the bed).
Rotate Projects to Stay Motivated
Sometimes a project sits unfinished because it feels overwhelming. Instead of letting it languish, set up a rotation:
• Work on one main project most of the time.
• Keep one small “quick win” project for instant gratification.
• Allow yourself one “just for fun” project, even if it’s experimental.
This balance keeps your crochet fresh and helps prevent WIPs from turning into UFOs (UnFinished Objects).
Store WIPs Individually
If you’re making granny squares, amigurumi parts, or blanket strips, keep them organized until assembly:
• Use plastic containers or shoeboxes to keep pieces together.
• Separate motifs by color in ziplock bags.
• Store finished squares flat to prevent curling.
When it’s time to join, everything will be neat and ready instead of scattered.
Declutter Your WIPs Regularly
Every so often, take stock of your projects. Ask yourself:
• Am I still excited about this project?
• Is it worth finishing, or should I frog it and reclaim the yarn?
• Do I need to prioritize a deadline project?
Decluttering your WIPs is freeing — and makes room for new projects without guilt.
Make Organization Part of the Fun
The best way to stay on top of your WIPs is to make organizing enjoyable. There are a few ways of doing that. First, think of how to make things more functional (steps listed above) and more fun (listed below)! You want it to be fun so that it will be easier to stick to your organization routine.
If you want to invest a little money, you could purchase some pretty project bags, use colorful stitch markers, or decorate your project journal with washi tape.
If you’re trying to save money, try to see how creative you can get with your storage ideas from items you already have. For example repurpose old makeup bags or pencil bags/cases. Decorative mugs can hold crochet hooks, scissors, stitch markers, tapestry needles etc. Boxes from groceries you already buy can be saved, bags from the grocery store etc.
Final Thoughts
Crochet should bring joy, not stress. With a few thoughtful habits — separate bags for each project, controlled yarn storage, handy project notes, and a little decluttering — you can keep your WIPs neat, untangled, and inspiring.
The next time you sit down to crochet, you won’t waste time untangling yarn or hunting for hooks. Instead, you’ll dive straight into the stitches you love.
Because at the end of the day, crochet isn’t just about the finished projects — it’s about enjoying the journey, one well-organized WIP at a time.
Good luck in your crochet journey and happy crocheting!
Here are a few articles you might be interested in:
Yarn organization on a budget
How to read a crochet pattern
Common crochet mistakes and easy solutions for them
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