If you’re anything like me, your knitting projects have a way of multiplying. Whether you’re working on a simple scarf or tackling a detailed colorwork sweater, keeping your project bags organized can save you time and reduce stress. Here’s how to keep everything tidy while still having your projects ready to grab and go.
Table of Contents
The Best Knitting Project Bags & Notions for Organizing WIPs
Knitting project bags are a necessary accessory for your knitting projects. They serve as a place to store your yarn, your work in progress (WIP), and all of the notions you need while working on said WIP.
There are lots of different options for project bags out there, all of which work for both knitting and crochet projects. While any old bag will do the job, it’s worth considering bags specifically for the purpose of storing your WIPs and all of the notions for that WIP.
Train Cases: How I organize my knitting supplies for efficiency and Sanity
Let’s start with my current favorite knitting “project bag,” the Maker’s Train Case from Jimmy Beans Wool. I got mine years ago when it was branded as Namaste; now they are under the Della Q label, so they look a little different.
These things are amazing at keeping your yarn, project, and notions organized. There’s a little hole to feed your yarn through if you want to keep the lid closed. This works best if you pull from the center of a center-pull ball. But the real magic is in the lid.
The lid is magnetic! This may not sound revolutionary at first, but just wait. The lid is highlighted as being the perfect place to display your pattern, and that’s not a bad idea. The revolution is using the lid to organize all of your notions and accessories, most of which are magnetic. Grab some magnets and be amazed! It’s like being a kid in a candy store.
- Metal scissors? Attach them to the lid.
- Retractable measuring tape? There’s metal in there, attach it to the lid.
- Metal darning needle? Attach it to the lid.
- A t-pin for tightening your interchangeable needles? Attach it to the lid.
- Metal stitch markers? Attach them to the lid.
- Non-metal stitch markers? Put them in an Altoids tin (mini or regular) and attach them to the lid.
- Knitting barber cords? Use fun tak or glue to stick a magnet to the back of the tin, and attach it to the lid. (Or transfer them to their own Altoids tin)
I love it! I always have everything I need right there. My train case came with a couple of magnets, but you can easily add more.
As a bonus, it’s quick to throw my project in the train case and close the lid to keep it away from my soon-to-be toddler. TBD if she’ll figure out how to open the lid. With fabric bags, it typically takes me a bit to stuff my project back in when needed.
The train cases are also said to fit under an airline seat. I tend to prefer fabric bags for travel since I carry on my luggage, but if you check your bags, flying with the train case could be fun.
Traditional Project Bags
Traditional fabric project bags are sometimes referred to as knitting bags. Etsy has lots of indie knitting project bag makers that use beautiful, unique fabrics. There are commercial options, too. The typical knitting project bag is a soft, fabric bag, which is great because you can stuff these bags anywhere you need them – into a purse, luggage, etc. Some are open tote bags, others close with a zipper, or cinch closed with a cord.
Indie bags typically come in different sizes based on the number of balls of yarn that can easily fit. I use a 1-2 ball-of-yarn size bag to carry a small project, like socks or a Musselburgh, in my purse.
I prefer the project bags that have built in pockets for my notions.
When a bag doesn’t have built in pockets, I typically add a tiny pouch to keep notions organized. A coin purse or small “gift with purchase” makeup bags are perfect for notions.
See Through Project Bags
If you’re someone who likes to see exactly what’s in your project bag at a glance, clear or mesh bags might be the perfect solution for you. They allow you to quickly identify which project is inside without the need to unzip or dig through multiple bags—a huge time-saver if you’re juggling several WIPs.
Clear bags come in a variety of sizes and styles, from durable vinyl pouches to zippered totes. You can easily spot your yarn, needles, and pattern, making them especially handy for knitters who are visual organizers.
While I personally prefer fabric project bags, I can see how clear bags could be a game-changer for anyone managing a variety of projects. If you decide to try clear bags, look for ones with sturdy construction to protect your projects, and consider adding a notions pouch—this keeps everything organized while still letting you see the main contents.
Labels
Keeping a standard set of notions in my bags and train cases is enough to keep my projects organized, but I only ever have a few WIPs at a time. If you have lots of WIPs, you may need to invoke the power of labels.
- Project: If you forget which project you have in which container, it might be time for labels. This could be a physical label on the outside of your bag, a note in your phone’s note taking app, or a note on your Ravelry project page.
- Needles: If you have enough WIPs that you sometimes need to borrow needles between projects, be sure to include a note in the original project bag indicating which needles were being used.
Review Your Languishing WIPs
Secondary knitting projects have a way of slipping to the back burner—out of sight, out of mind. Whether it’s a sweater you lost interest in or socks where the second one never quite happened, these “works in progress” (WIPs) can pile up. Taking time to regularly review your languishing WIPs can help you declutter your knitting life and make space for the projects that truly excite you.
1. Locate and Take Stock
Start by gathering all your WIPs and reminding yourself where each one is stored. Pull them out of their project bags or baskets and examine the progress you’ve made so far. Revisit the pattern, note where you left off, and assess what supplies (needles, markers, yarn) are tied up in the project.
2. Ask Yourself Honest Questions
As you review each project, ask:
- Am I still excited about this project?
- Do I enjoy working on it, or is it a chore?
- Would I rather reclaim the yarn for something else? (Remember, yarn can be re-used.)
Be honest with yourself. It’s okay to admit when a project isn’t bringing you joy anymore – just like it’s okay to not finish a book that you aren’t enjoying.
3. Decide Whether to Continue or Move On
If a project still sparks joy, add it to your active knitting queue and make a plan to start working on it again. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let go. Reclaim the yarn, needles, and project bag for a fresh start. Remember, frogging isn’t failure—it’s freeing!
4. Set a Review Routine
Consider making this WIP review a regular habit—once every season or after finishing a major project. Keeping track of your WIPs ensures they don’t fall too far into the depths of your stash.
By giving attention to your languishing WIPs, you can reclaim not only your supplies but also your knitting energy. Whether you choose to finish them or frog them, the goal is the same: to focus on the projects you truly love and feel inspired to complete.
Final Thoughts on Keeping your Knitting Projects Tidy and Accessible
In summary, make your WIP storage work for you.
- If you need your WIP’s bag to keep you meticulously organized, consider a train case.
- If you need your WIP to fit into a tiny space, go with a fabric bag and a notions pouch.
- If you have so many WIPs that you forget what’s where, add a label!
- Conduct regular
Organizing your project bags doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple strategies, you’ll spend less time searching and more time stitching. So go on—grab your favorite project bag, knit away, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing everything’s in its place.
And if you want advice for organizing your yarn stash or organizing your home, I’ve got that, too.
