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Any fiber crafter knows that the end of a project often means leftover yarn. It’s tempting to throw this yarn away to make room for something new, but there are many cute DIY items and crafts you can make, both for gifts and for yourself.
Make it Tiny
Tiny anything is a trendy concept. Look for patterns for miniature stuffed animals. These can be used as gifts, decorations, or even for cat toys if you stuff them with a little catnip. Any cat owner would be pleased to receive a set of tiny, stuffed catnip animals.
Children’s wear is an easy way to use up yarn. A baby can never have too many little hats, booties, or mittens, as they are always getting lost. With scrap yarn, you can mix up the colors and make something bold for your little family member or friend.
Doll clothing is another great way to use up yarn and can delight any little girl in your life. You can find patterns not only for fashion dolls and 18” dolls but also for baby dolls and stuffed animals. Patterns range from simple coats and hats to elaborate crocheted dresses. It all depends on your skill and the amount of time you want to put into the project.
Make it Practical
If you spend a lot of time making projects for friends and loved ones, scrap yarn is a great excuse to make something for yourself. Little household items can use up scrap yarn. Mug cozies, dishcloths, and cell phone covers can all be knitted or crocheted.
Another great idea for a scrap yarn project is to make a tote bag or basket to hold your own projects. This would require a lot of yarn that is the same weight, but most knitters and crocheters would have to admit they have enough on hand for such a project.
Decorate It
Yarn can be made into fringe, pom-poms, and tassels to decorate other items. You can make a hat with detachable pom-poms and accessorize it in several different ways with scrap yarn. Contrasting or matching yarn can make a festive fringe for any project. Tassels can be used in gift wrap or to make necklaces and earrings.
You can use scrap yarn to give any household item a cozy and updated look. Try looking up patterns to trim a clock, mirror, or picture frame. This would make an excellent gift for a fellow crafter or for anyone who enjoys a warm and fuzzy look.
For an original gift, try knitting or crocheting small squares or rectangles and gluing them to greeting cards.
Yarn scraps can also be used to decorate wrapped gifts. Just tie the yarn around in stripes and make a pretty pattern.
Yarn Art
A trendy craft involves placing pins or tacks in a pattern on a board or canvas and wrapping yarn around them. Scrap yarn is perfect for this project. Customize it with a friend’s name, a favorite inspirational word, or an outlined shape.
Mix and Match
Try combining larger amounts of yarns of the same weight and making a scrap blanket or throw. This works for both knitting and crochet. The varied colors and patterns will produce a quirky, individual style blanket.
Color blocking and stripes from scrap yarn can also bring visual interest to an ordinary hat or mittens and make them stand out.
Be Creative
Your yarn stash doesn’t have to be thrown away. Use our creative ideas to make projects for everyone in your life. Look around for inspiration and see what your leftover yarn stash could become.
