How to Store Christmas Ornaments: Embroidered and Crochet Keepsakes

Before putting ornaments away, sort them by shape. Set flat embroidered hoops face up in a single layer; give raised crochet pieces their own roomy space so nothing presses on the bow or figures. Store the box in a clean, dry indoor cupboard away from direct light and off the floor. This simple layout keeps the pieces separate and makes them easier to find next season.

Embroidered Nativity hoop ornament shown flat with a hanging ribbon — Embroidered Nativity Hoop ornament — a flat, framed example.

Crochet Christmas wreath with a bow, bells and raised holiday figures — Crochet Christmas Wreath — raised crochet details need clear space around them.

Give flat hoops a single layer

Lay each hoop face up on a clean, flat support, with the rim resting evenly. Leave open space over the stitched front and around its hanging loop. If you have more than one, place each in its own compartment. A divider should sit beside the rim or against the box walls; it should never cross or press on the stitched face. Do not stack hoops.

Make room for shaped crochet

Place a wreath or other raised crochet ornament in its own compartment. If it tends to roll, loosely cradle its outside edge with clean, unbuffered acid-free tissue, leaving the center open. Keep bows, bells and figures clear of the lid and of neighboring pieces; do not pack the tissue tightly. The National Park Service Museum Handbook uses unbuffered acid-free tissue and padded supports in its textile-storage guidance.

Suggested two-compartment box layout: one flat embroidered hoop face up in its own layer, and a shaped crochet wreath supported around its edge with open space above — Illustrated packing idea; this does not show the packaging supplied with an order.

Choose a simple storage spot

A cupboard or closet away from direct light is an easy place to start. The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum recommends a cool, dry room for textiles, blocking natural light, avoiding attics and basements, and keeping stored pieces off the floor. For a wooden drawer or shelf, its guidance recommends an acid-free tissue or barrier-paper layer between the wood and textile items.

For more detail, see the GWU Textile Museum’s textile-storage guidance and the National Park Service Museum Handbook on textile care. If an ornament needs cleaning, check its current product listing or ask the maker for instructions specific to that piece.

For ideas on displaying keepsakes during the season, read how to display Christmas ornaments without a tree. If you are preparing an ornament as a present, see how to wrap a Christmas ornament as a gift.