7 Best Storage Tins For Spare Notions To Organize
Keep your sewing kit tidy with these 7 top storage tins. Discover durable, stylish options to organize needles, buttons, and pins for easy access and care.
Every knitter knows the frustration of reaching into their project bag, only to find a tangle of stitch markers and a missing tapestry needle. Keeping your notions organized isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining the flow of your knitting session without unnecessary interruptions. The right storage container transforms a chaotic pile of supplies into a streamlined toolkit ready for any pattern. These seven storage solutions offer varying levels of portability and access, ensuring your essential tools are always exactly where you need them.
The Washi Metal Tin: Best for Small Notions
These shallow, wide-mouthed metal tins are perfect for housing the tiniest components of your kit. Because they are designed for decorative tape, they usually feature a smooth, sliding lid that won’t accidentally pop open in your bag.
If you are someone who keeps a collection of locking stitch markers, these tins allow you to spread them out. You won’t have to dig through a deep container to find the specific color or size you need for your current round.
The trade-off here is depth. While they are perfect for markers, they are often too shallow for longer items like cable needles or crochet hooks. Keep these for your "bits and bobs" and store your longer tools elsewhere.
Altoids-Style Tins: The Classic DIY Solution
There is a reason the humble mint tin has been a staple in knitting bags for decades. They are incredibly durable, fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, and offer a satisfying "click" when closed.
If you are a frequent traveler, these tins are a lifesaver for security checkpoints. They are small enough to be unobtrusive, yet large enough to hold a sewing needle, a few markers, and a small pair of folding scissors.
Just be wary of the lid hinges over time. After years of constant opening and closing, the metal can fatigue, potentially leading to a spill inside your project bag. A small piece of washi tape across the seam can provide extra peace of mind.
Clover Needlecraft Notions Case: Top Pick
Clover has long understood the ergonomics of knitting, and their notions case is no exception. It is specifically molded to hold the items that knitters actually use, rather than being a repurposed household container.
The internal compartments are sized perfectly for measuring tapes, tapestry needles, and point protectors. It eliminates the "loose item" problem entirely by giving every tool a dedicated home.
While it is made of plastic, it is remarkably sturdy. It won’t dent like a metal tin, making it a reliable choice for long-term storage in a heavy project bag. It is the gold standard for those who want a "grab and go" solution.
Cocoknits Maker’s Keep: Magnetic Wrist Storage
This is a game-changer for those who find themselves constantly misplacing their needles while working on complex lace or colorwork. It’s a silicone slap-bracelet with a magnetic surface that keeps your metal notions within arm’s reach.
When you are working a complicated chart, you don’t want to be reaching for a tin every time you need to move a marker. Having your markers held securely on your wrist saves precious seconds and keeps your focus on the stitches.
Be aware that this only works with steel-based notions. If you prefer plastic stitch markers or aluminum needles, the magnet won’t hold them. It is a specialized tool, but for the right knitter, it is indispensable.
Della Q Circular Needle Case: Best Accessory
While technically a needle case, the internal pockets of the Della Q system are perfect for organizing your notions. It is built from high-quality canvas, which handles the wear and tear of being tossed into a knitting bag better than almost any other material.
The beauty of this system is that it grows with your collection. You can keep your circular needles in the main slots and use the zippered pockets for your stitch markers, measuring tape, and gauge tool.
It is an investment piece, certainly, but it prevents the "needle graveyard" that happens when you lose track of your circular needle sizes. It forces you to be systematic, which pays dividends when you start a new project.
Tin of Treasures: Vintage Mint Tins for Yarn
Vintage tins offer a touch of personality that modern plastic cases simply cannot match. They are often deeper than standard tins, making them ideal for holding larger notions like yarn bobbins or circular needle point protectors.
The challenge with vintage tins is the potential for sharp edges or rusted interiors. Always inspect the inside before storing your delicate hand-dyed yarns or expensive needles to ensure no snagging points exist.
If you find a tin you love but it’s a bit rough, a small felt liner can solve the problem. It adds a layer of protection for your tools and keeps the contents from rattling around too loudly.
Small Hinged Tin Boxes: Best Budget Option
If you are just starting your knitting journey, don’t feel pressured to buy expensive storage right away. Small, hinged tins—often found in craft stores or office supply aisles—are perfectly functional.
They are essentially "blank slates" for your organization. You can use small dividers or even folded cardstock to create custom sections within the tin to prevent your tapestry needles from tangling with your scissors.
The bottom line is that any container is better than no container. Start with a budget tin, see how you naturally organize your tools, and upgrade only when you find a specific functional limitation.
How to Sort Your Stitch Markers for Easy Access
- Color-code by function: Use one color for "beginning of round" and others for "pattern repeats."
- Size by needle: Keep markers for sock needles (2.25mm) separate from those used for bulky weight projects.
- Use a carabiner: String your stitch markers onto a small locking carabiner before putting them in your tin to keep them from getting lost in the corners.
- Audit regularly: Once a month, remove all your markers and re-sort; it’s surprising how many "mystery markers" accumulate at the bottom of a tin.
Essential Notions Every Knitter Should Carry
Every well-stocked knitting kit should contain the following items, regardless of your skill level:
- Tapestry needles: At least two sizes for weaving in ends.
- Measuring tape: Essential for checking gauge and project length.
- Stitch markers: A mix of locking and closed rings.
- Small, sharp scissors: For snipping yarn tails cleanly.
- Point protectors: To keep your stitches from sliding off when you set your work down.
Tips for Keeping Your Knitting Kit Organized
The key to organization is consistency. Always return your needle to its case or your marker to its tin the moment you finish a task, rather than leaving it on the arm of the sofa.
If you are working on multiple projects, consider having a "mini-kit" for each project bag. This prevents the frantic search for a tapestry needle when you are halfway through a sweater sleeve and ready to bind off.
Finally, don’t over-organize to the point of rigidity. Your knitting kit should serve your process, not become a chore to maintain. If a system feels too complicated, simplify it until it feels natural.
Organizing your notions is a small investment of time that pays off every time you sit down to knit. By choosing a storage solution that matches your habits—whether it’s a magnetic wristband or a classic vintage tin—you remove the friction that keeps you from your craft. Remember that the best system is the one you actually use consistently. Keep your tools tidy, and your focus will remain exactly where it belongs: on the stitches.
