Are those scraps of yarn piling up? Do you have leftover yarns from older projects and no idea what to do with them? Here are 60 fun ideas to use those yarn scraps.
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Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Knitting
Table Of Contents
- Knitting Projects For Scrap Yarn
- Other Ways To Use Up Scrap Yarn
- Why You Should Knit With Scrap Yarn
- FAQS
I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 28, 2023.
Knitting Projects For Leftover Yarn
So you’re looking at all the little bits of yarn from your previous small projects like knitted mittens or hats and need inspiration to use them up. No doubt you’ll fondly remember the project they created and also the amount of money you spent too 🙂 You want to make good use of all your beautiful yarn.
Here are some stash busting patterns to try. Have fun!
1 A Scrap Yarn Project Bag
A scrap yarn bag is a great way to use up those odd balls of yarn. The bag can be as big or small as you like, and you can add handles or a strap.
2 A Blanket Knitting Project
There are many ways to use scrap yarn with a blanket project, like a simple stitch pattern with yarn leftovers. If you want to get creative, try a patchwork blanket using different colors and textures of yarn.
3 A Cushion Cover
A great way to show off your scrap yarns. Use several colors to create a stripe or chevron design.
4 A Basket
These are perfect for storing all your bits and bobs, and you can make them as big or small as you like. The felting makes a sturdy material and hard wearing too.
5 A Sweater
If you have a lot of one particular color, why not make a sweater? You could add embellishments with other colors.
6 Slippers
Have toasty toes in the winter with some comfy slippers. If you ever go on a family vacation during the colder months, they might make a good talking point!
7 A Rug
This is a great way to use up large quantities of scrap yarn. You could make a small one for the bathroom or a larger one for the living room. Ensure you use hard-wearing fibers.
8 Christmas Decorations
Get into the festive spirit by whipping up decorations for the tree or around the house. You could make garlands, ornaments, or baubles!
9 Knitted Squares
These are perfect for using up small amounts of yarn, and you can make as many or as few as you like. They can be sewn together with a tapestry needle to make blankets, cushions, or anything else you can think of.
10 A Produce Bag
Make your reusable bags for fruit and vegetables. They’re great for sustainability and can be easily thrown in the wash when they need a clean.
11 A Scarf
There are lots of ways to make a scarf, and they’re perfect for using up small amounts of yarn. You could try a simple garter stitch scarf or get creative with cables or other textures.
12 A Washcloth
These are handy to have and make great gifts. With so many designs available, you’ll find one that’s perfect.
13 A Cowl
Similar to a scarf, but usually they’re knitted in the round. They’re excellent for keeping warm in a colder climate!
14 Knitted Jewelry
This is a great way to add a splash of color to your outfit. You could make bracelets, necklaces, or earrings.
15 A Knitted Mandala
A fun and creative way to decorate your house or give as gift. These can be made as big or small as you like.
16 A Shawl
There are many designs to try. Lace shawls, triangle shawls, or even a simple rectangular one.
17 Coasters
A must-have for any coffee table or kitchen counter. Use different colors and designs to make a set.
18 Bookmarks
They make perfect gifts for bookworms or as a stocking filler.
19 A Cardigan
You could make it plain or get creative with textured stitches.
20 A Dishcloth
A kitchen essential. It’s always good to have a few of these!
Pin For Later
21 Scrunchies
These are making a comeback, and you could make them in different colors to match your outfits.
22 A Tea Cozy
Keep your tea warm with a cute tea cozy. You could make it plain or add embellishments.
23 A Water Bottle Holder
A great way to keep hydrated on the go. Make it bright and colorful!
24 An Earbud Pouch
A handy way to keep your earbuds tangle-free.
25 A Soft Toy
These make great gifts for children. You could make a set of animals!
26 Scrubbies
A more eco-friendly alternative to sponges. These are perfect for cleaning dishes or the bathroom.
27 A Headband
Keep your ears warm in the winter with a headband. You could make a simple one or use cables or textures.
28 Mittens
Another great way to keep warm in the winter.
29 Placemats
Add a splash of color to your dining table with homemade placemats.
29 Potholders
Keep your hands safe when cooking with potholders and stop hot pans from damaging surfaces. Always use 100% cotton yarn, as it withstands heat the best.
30 A Pillow
Change the look of your room with a new pillow. You could make it with stripes or colorwork designs.
31 A Wall Hanging
A beautiful way to decorate your home. You could make it seasonal or for a special occasion.
32 Gift Bags Or Pouches
A great way to wrap small gifts. You can make them in different sizes, and they’re reusable!
34 Knitted Amigurumi
These cute little toys make great gifts. You could make animals, food, or characters from your favorite TV show.
35 A Sunglasses Case
Keep your sunglasses safe in a cute case. You could make it to match your purse or backpack.
36 Bunting
Add decoration to your home with bunting. You could make this free pattern for a special occasion or in seasonal colors.
Other Ways To Use Up Leftover Yarn
Any of the above would make great scrap yarn crochet projects. Look on Pinterest for a free crochet pattern! Here are other DIY projects to use up your yarn stash!
A Crochet Project
Try making
- Granny squares for an easy crochet pattern
- A skinny scarf
- A big project like a sampler blanket
It’s an excellent way to learn new stitches, and you don’t have to buy new yarn skeins to make a great project.
As Knitting Notions
Scrap yarn is useful when knitting other projects, too! Here are ideas for how to use it.
- Stitch Markers – Cut a short length of yarn and thread it through the loop of your project. This is helpful when working in the round
- Cable Needle – If you don’t have a cable needle, use a length of scrap yarn instead
- Row Counter – Use a piece of scrap yarn as a row counter by slipping it over your needle after every row
- Stitch Holders – When you need to put stitches on hold, use a length of scrap yarn instead
A Huge Ball Of Yarn
If you have lots of scraps, join them together to make a huge ball of yarn! Use it for another project.
A Gods Eye
It’s a traditional craft that uses yarn and sticks. It’s easy to make and looks great as decoration. One of my kids has made heaps of these over the years.
Woven Bangles
Weave together scrap yarn to make colorful bangles.
Gift Tags
Cut out tags from scrap paper, and use yarn to attach them to gifts.
Creative Mending
Use yarn to mend holes in clothes or other fabric items.
Tassels
Make tassels out of scrap yarn to add decoration to clothing, bags, or other items.
An Alternative To String
If you run out of string, use yarn instead. It’s great for tying up packages or holding together rolled-up posters.
Pom-Poms
Make pom-poms out of scrap yarn to use as decorations or to embellish other projects. Of if you only have a few random scraps, and not enough to make a pom pom, combine them to make felted dryer balls. These tiny balls are a fun way to use the smallest scraps!
Yarn Friendship Bracelets
A fun project to make with friends and for using up leftover bits with bright colors.
Spinning Scraps Into A New Fiber
If you have a spinning wheel, you can card then spin your scraps of yarn into a new fiber.
Why You Should Knit With Waste Yarn
Here are reasons to knit with your yarn scraps.
- Save Money – You don’t have to buy as much yarn if you use up your scraps
- Get Creative – It’s a great way to experiment with new color combinations
- Destash Your Yarn Collection – If you have too much yarn, using up yarn lessens your stash
- Make Something Unique – No one else will have a project made with the same yarn as you
- Try New Techniques – Practice new skills without committing to a whole project
- Reduce Clutter – It helps you organize your stash
- Reduce Waste – Give new life to something that would otherwise be thrown away
FAQS About Scrap Yarn
What Is Scrap Yarn?
Scrap yarn is yarn left over from other projects. It’s also called waste yarn.
How To Knit With Scrap Yarn
Here are tips for knitting with scrap yarn.
- Use A Contrasting Color – This helps your stitches stand out and make it easier to see your work.
- Choose A Simple Pattern – Avoid patterns with complex stitch patterns or colorwork. Stick to basic stitches like stockinette, seed stitch, or garter stitch
- Make a Swatch – Knit a swatch before starting your project. This ensures your project is the right size.
- Be Prepared To Frog – If you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to rip it out and start again
How To Store Scrap Yarn
Here are ideas for storing your scrap yarn: in Individual Bags, in a Yarn Bowl, in a Basket, or in Mason Jars.
How To Recycle Yarn Scraps
Here are ideas on how to recycle your yarn scraps.
- Leave them for birds to make nests with
- Use them for stuffing
- Donate them to preschools, schools, after-school programs and youth groups for crafts
- Compost your natural fibers (never synthetic ones)
What Can I Knit With Leftover Sock Yarn?
Here are ideas for using sock yarn scraps: Face Scrubbies, Washcloths, Dishcloths, Shawls, and more socks!
How Much Scrap Yarn Do I Need?
It depends on the project. For example, a scrap yarn scarf only needs small amounts of each color, while a blanket or afghan uses more.
Conclusion
Hope you found this post helpful! If you have questions, leave a comment below. Happy knitting! If you’re looking for excellent yarn ideas read my post here
