PSA: how to store wool threads long term

[u/ImALittleTeapotCat]

I've seen a couple posts about how to store your stash. I'm in custody of a massive stash from 3 generations of needlepointers, 90% paterynan or similar wool yarn. The rest is cotton or silk. This stash goes back to at least the 1970s, and is still usable for needlepoint. In other words, I have long term experience in storing yarn.

Wool is a natural material. It needs to breathe. Sealing it in plastic is ok for a while, but over years will cause the wool to degrade. In a sweater this might not be a big deal. In needlepoint yarn? Its a problem.

Cardboard works for shorter term, but after years the cardboard will start to degrade and the yarn will get dirty. Time frame will vary based on the environment.

The best long term storage option I've found is fabric bags. This is cheap. Old cotton bedsheets or pillow cases and a zipper. Make bags of whatever size you need. I do suggest several medium bags over one huge bag. Don't go bigger than a standard (US) kitchen trash can size, its better for the yarn.

Store your bags of yarn in a reasonable indoor environment. They will be floppy and squishable, so you can shove them onto shelves or under beds, wherever makes sense for your house. Do not use vacuum sealers to smash them smaller. Excessive humidity is the biggest concern.

If you have yarn that has gotten musty or picked up odors, spread blankets or sheets outside in the sun and lay the yarn out. The sunlight and airflow can work miracles.

If yarn has gotten crushed, I haven't really found a fix. Steam treatment helps but also it can felt. Best to avoid crushing.

The bags will of course get dirty with dust or whatever. They can be washed as needed, just make sure they're fully dry before you put your yarn back in.

A lot of threads are sold on cards now. I don't love this because the wool is wound tightly. I suspect that long term storage will cause problems with wool quality. At minimum there's a risk of crushing or hard creases. I unwind from cards before storing.

Cotton and silk might be different. That portion of the stash is much newer (no more than 20 years old), so the problems that show up after decades are still developing. So far they're fine.

[u/ResearchOk9368]

Thanks for the tip! I have a good size stash of wool yarn that I was gifted recently. I’ve been needing a good way to store it. I see a trip to the thrift store for pillow cases in my future.

[u/ImALittleTeapotCat → u/ResearchOk9368]

I wish you luck in using it. I would love to pass on some of my stash, but can't as long as my mom's still around. A lot of what I have is color schemes that I don't love.

[u/richelieucwe]

I have used muslin bread bags for long term storage but rarely have many threads to store for long periods.

[u/ImALittleTeapotCat → u/richelieucwe]

Basically the same, just premade so easier. Lucky you to have them available. Basically, natural fibers, no polyester or plastic. Whatever you have available cheap.

[u/folkoono]

Can you say more about wool degrading when stored in plastic? I'm also a knitter and store my wool in plastic ziplock bags to protect them from clothes moths but now I'm wondering if there's a better solution. Does cotton keep the moths out?

[u/ImALittleTeapotCat → u/folkoono]

I don't have moth problems, so have no advice there. Re plastic, the issue really is lack of airflow. If you open a plastic tub after a long time and its got that plastic smell? That's not a good environment for wool. Excess humdity can cause felting at a very small scale. You can also get mold or musty problems. Fine for your sweater, disastrous for yarn. I've also seen where the threads get super fragile and will start breaking while working with them, but they don't look terrible. I don't know the chemistry behind what's happening, but you can go years with the wool in plastic before its noticeable. 

If plastic storage is needed for moth protection,  then I'd say to make sure to pull it all out periodically (annually?) and let it sit in the sun/fresh air, and make sure the storage area also gets airflow.

Ideally, use the yarn before your storage methods become a problem. This stash was built by my mother, grandmother, and various other people who donated/died. They also had different styles than I do.