Scrap Yarn Projects: 60+ Fun Knitting Projects For Leftover Yarn

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.

Table Of Contents

• Knitting Projects For Scrap Yarn
• Other Ways To Use Up Scrap Yarn
• Why You Should Knit With Scrap Yarn
• FAQS

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. And you want to make good use of all your beautiful yarn.

Here are some stash busting patterns to try.

• Amigurumi: These cute little toys make great gifts. You could make animals, food, or characters from your favorite TV show.
• 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.
• Blanket: 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.
• Bookmarks: Perfect gifts for bookworms or as a stocking filler.
• Bunting: Add decoration to your home with bunting. You could make this free pattern for a special occasion or in seasonal colors.
• Cardigan: You could make it plain or get creative with textured stitches.
• 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!
• Coasters: A must-have for any coffee table or kitchen counter. Use different colors and designs to make a set.
• Cowl: Similar to a scarf, but usually they’re knitted in the round. They’re excellent for keeping warm in a colder climate!
• Cushion Cover: show off your scrap yarns. Use several colors to create a stripe or chevron design.
• Dishcloths: A kitchen essential. It’s always good to have a few of these!
• Drawer Sachets: small pouches filled with dried lavender or other scents.
• Earbud Pouch: keep your earbuds tangle-free.
• Fingerless Gloves Or Wrist Warmers: These are great for using small amounts of yarn and can be practical accessories.
• Gift Bags Or Pouches: wrap small gifts. You can make them in different sizes, and they’re reusable!
• Headband: Keep your ears warm in the winter. You could make a simple one or use cables or textures.
• Jewelry: add a splash of color to your outfit. You could make bracelets, necklaces, or earrings.
• Keychains: the decorative possibilities are endless.
• Mandala: decorate your house or give as gift. These can be made as big or small as you like.
• Mittens: keep warm in the winter.
• Mug Cozies: Like tea cozies, but for keeping individual mugs warm.
• Pencil Case: desk items to organize stationery.
• Pet Accessories: cat toys, dog sweaters, or pet blankets.
• Pillows: Change the look of your room. You could make it with stripes or colorwork designs.
• Placemats: Add a splash of color to your dining table.
• 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.
• 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.
• Rug: 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.
• Scarf: perfect for using up small amounts of yarn. You could try a simple garter stitch scarf or get creative with cables or other textures.
• Scrap Yarn Project Bag: 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.
• Scrunchies: These are making a comeback, and you could make them in different colors to match your outfits.
• Scrubbies: A more eco-friendly alternative to sponges. These are perfect for cleaning dishes or the bathroom.
• Shawl: There are many designs to try. Lace shawls, triangle shawls, or even a simple rectangular one.
• Slippers: Have toasty toes in the winter with some comfy slippers.
• Soft Toys: Great gifts for children. You could make a set of animals!
• Squares: 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.
• Sunglasses Case: Keep your sunglasses safe in a cute case. You could make it to match your purse or backpack.
• Sweater: If you have a lot of one particular color, why not? You could add embellishments with other colors.
• Tea Cozy: Keep your tea warm with a cute tea cozy. You could make it plain or add embellishments.
• Wall Hanging: A beautiful way to decorate your home. You could make it seasonal or for a special occasion.
• Washcloth: handy to have and make great gifts. With so many designs available, you’ll find one that’s perfect.
• Water Bottle Holder: keep hydrated on the go. Make it bright and colorful!

Pin For Later

Other Ways To Use Up Leftover Yarn

• 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.

FAQS About Scrap Yarn

Why You Should Knit With Waste Yarn

• You don’t have to buy as much yarn if you use up your scraps
• It’s a great way to experiment with new color combinations
• If you have too much yarn, using up yarn lessens your stash
• No one else will have a project made with the same yarn as you
• Practice new skills without committing to a whole project
• It helps you organize your stash
• Give new life to something that would otherwise be thrown away

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

• 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