Here are twenty things to make with scrap yarn (and floss!) – and they are all pretty clever and fun to create. Work on these all year round to stock up for the chilly season.
Why it is important to use up your yarn scraps (and fabric and embroidery floss): Did you know each year, globally, there is more than 92 million tons of textile waste? I always think about this when it comes to buying and paring down my supplies. Rather than toss them out, find a way to turn them into something else.
Ideas!
Teach a class, or hold a community event.
Create kits to sell or give away.
Organize and repackage and donate to a local yarn or craft store.
Donate to a kids arts program or a women’s shelter.
Or get crafty and try on of the projects below!
My yarn story: I started with one innocent tote of yarn, then it grew to a big bin. I love to crochet and use all kinds of fibers in my art. My one bin turned into THREE. I installed an entire cabinet to hold all my yarn because I crochet like a crazy craft lady who downs quad-espressos.
Actually, I am a crazy craft lady who downs quad-espressos…
I love yarn because the idea of taking one long strand of fiber and creating structural and beautiful is just jaw-droppingly awesome. So much potential, so many different ways to go with something simple as yarn. As far as crochet, it really relaxes me. And my favorite part is combining so many vast textures and colors!
Things to make with scrap yarn
ANYWAY! Here is a round up of some of my favorite yarn projects!
NOTE: You’ll find that I really like to mix and match yarns. Life is too short to only use one skein/color, right? But go ahead and adapt these any way you want! Click on the title to go to the link!
Yarn resources:
Pom pom rings
Who doesn’t love these? If not rings, then pompom ornaments, etc. Make a lifetime supply to sell, giveaway or use as embellishments.
Granny Squares!
These are a go-to classic. My friend, Vickie Howell, shows us the process that is a life changer (when it comes to crafting….). The thing with these is you can improvise and use plastic bag yarn fabric yarn, or your yarn stash. Use up your scraps to piece together a cool scarf, tote or sewater.
Easy Crochet Beanie
Perfect for beginners and because it is a beanie, you don’t need much yarn.
Yarn-wrapped Bangles
You can also use embroidery thread, fabric strips, combined with yarn for a mixed-media effect.
Purse Tassels
I used embroidery thread, but you can also use yarn or fabric yarn.
How to Make a Yarn Cabinet
This isn’t made of yarn, per se – but it’s a nice way to hold all your yarn!
Rope + Scrap Yarn Coasters
Another awesome project by Vickie Howell. She shows how to use old rope or scrap yarn to make really beautiful and stylish coasters.
How to Dye Rainbow Yarn
Pick up some cotton yarn and use tie-dye to create your own custom colors!
Easy Braided Yarn Scarf
No need to crochet or knit – you just have to braid!
Mexi-Boho Yarn-wrapped Frames
Another way to have fun combining mixed textures and styles.
Crochet Cotton Washcloths
These are nice because they come in handy!
Embroidered Canvas Art
Find a stretched canvas, create a painting and then outline with your extra scrap embroidery floss. It will add a beautiful dimensional look.
Finger Crochet Friendship Bracelets
Chunky Crochet Cuffs
How to Make Yarn Fringe
God’s Eye Garland
Yarn roses using a fork
This is a pretty cool technique. It. takes a bit of practice but the end result is worth it!
Scrap Yarn Scarf
Fabric twine
*Raises hand* Yup, I’m gonna make this. Not only does it look fabulous, but it uses up all that excess. I could see using T-shirt yarn to make this too!
Scrap yarn baskets
This is good if you have a LOT of yarn to use up. Crochet Southwest Spirit offers this nice tutorial to learn how to make one. You can make one to hold your new yarn stash, right?
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Let’s Crochet a Cactus!
DIY Pom Pom Picture Ornaments
So many great ideas! I am definitely going to try the fabric twine. Have you ever used smaller scraps as pillow stuffing or something similar? I want to find more uses for these little scraps.
Great idea!!