With the recent news that JoAnn Fabrics is closing hundreds of stores across the U.S., many yarn lovers are wondering: Should I stock up while I can? With deep discounts on some products, it’s tempting to fill your cart, build a yarn stash, and worry about the details later. But is that really the best strategy? The answer depends on a few key factors.

Can You Afford It?

A sale is only a good deal if it fits within your budget. Before diving into a shopping spree, take a moment to consider your finances. If stocking up means cutting into money for necessities or going into debt, it’s probably not worth it. Sales come and go, and there will always be more yarn in the future.

Is It Really a Deal?

Not all discounts are created equal. Some JoAnn locations are slashing prices by 50% or more, but others are only offering modest 20% reductions. Before assuming you’re getting a steal, check the actual retail price of the yarn elsewhere. Sometimes, a sale price isn’t much lower than regular retail at another store. Also, consider the quality: discounted yarns may not always be the best materials for long-lasting projects.

Will you Actually Use It?

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a sale and grab every beautiful skein that catches your eye. But will you truly use it? Before adding to your stash, ask yourself:

• Do I have a project in mind for this yarn?
• Is this a fiber I enjoy working with?
• Do I like these colors enough to wear them or use them in my home?

For my own shopping, I made sure to choose yarns that I knew would work for projects I already had in mind. While I was tempted by bright, playful skeins outside my usual palette, I mostly stuck to colors I know I love and wear. I also prioritized comfortable fibers like cotton and wool blends over synthetics I might not enjoy as much.

Do You Have Room to Store a Yarn Stash?

Before buying a haul of discounted yarn, take a moment to consider your storage space. Do you have room to keep it organized, accessible, and protected from dust, moisture, and pests? A cluttered stash can quickly become overwhelming, making it harder to find what you need and leading to wasted materials. If your storage is already overflowing, it might be better to use up what you have before adding more.

If space is limited, consider setting a boundary: like only buying what fits in a particular bin or shelving unit. Another option is to rotate your yarn stash, keeping only your current project yarns easily accessible while storing long-term acquisitions in labeled containers.

The Joy of Experimentation

Of course, not every yarn purchase needs to be practical! If you can afford it and have the space, it’s perfectly fine to pick up a skein or two of something new just for fun. Trying out an unfamiliar fiber or an unexpected color can spark creativity and keep your projects fresh. The key is balance: building a yarn stash is great, but you don’t want to end up with piles of yarn you’ll never use.

Final Thoughts on Your Yarn Stash

Building a yarn stash can be a smart move if done thoughtfully. Taking advantage of sales can save money in the long run, but only if the yarn is something you’ll truly use, enjoy, and have space to store. If you’re tempted to stock up, make sure it fits your budget, is a true bargain, and aligns with your crafting needs. And most importantly, have fun with it! A well-curated yarn stash should inspire creativity, not create stress.

Are you picking up any discounted yarn from JoAnn? Do you keep a stash, or do you buy yarn only when you need it? Let’s discuss in the comments!