My least favorite thing about crocheting is my yarn waste. Yarn production (both natural fibers and man-made fibers) utilizes a lot of water, resources, and energy, and can have a negative effect on the environment. I am intentionally working to decrease my waste and focus on re-using and recycling my yarn. One of the ways I do this is accurately measuring my yarn needed before purchasing and checking my own stash before hitting my local JOANNs. However, sometimes you just have leftovers! Whether they are big or small, I came up with five ways to re-use these scraps and give them new life, without the guilt of throwing them away.
Five ways to re-use, reduce, and recycle your leftover yarn scraps:
1. YARN STUFFING
Do you love amigurumi or crocheting throw pillows? Save those yarn scraps up and use them for stuffing! They are especially effective in filling out all the nooks and crannies of your amigurumi creations. Give it a try! Also check out these other alternative stuffing ideas.
2. STITCH SAMPLER SCRAPGHAN
Learn a ton of new useful crochet stitches while making a beautiful afghan! This project will fly by as you change colors and stitch techniques every row. Added bonus, this project is a crochet-along (CAL) that is happening right now. Check out the Hooked on Homemade Happiness post and get started!
3. DIY YARN SCRAP EARINGS
This pattern has three different ways to make these adorable yarn scrap pompom earings! I just love Sewrella’s creativity and who doesn’t want to wear their yarn as jewelry? Check out her post with an in depth how-to on yarn scrap jewelry making.
4. TEXTURED BOHO COWL
Megmade with Love has designed a gorgeous textured cowl that she crocheted in a scrap yarn version; and it came out wonderfully! Follow her lead and create your own unique Textured Boho Cowl from her pattern and your scrap yarn.
5. JUST MARL IT!
Want to use up your leftover yarn, but worried about color transitions? Never fear! Try using the marl yarn technique. A marled yarn is one where two contrasting colored strands are wound together. You can make your own marled effect by crocheting with two contrasting strands at one time, one darker and one lighter; just remember to use a larger hook size. You can crochet anything with this technique and seamlessly blend your yarn scraps together to create beautiful projects like the Just Marl it Throw, by CJ Brady Designs, pictured above.
Pro Tip: store your scraps in a clear glass pitcher or a vase so you can quickly and easily identify any leftovers that might be useful for your current work-in-progress.
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You can save even small scraps in a gallon zip lock bag and give them to a local preschool program.
That’s as awesome idea Terresa!
WOW, that’s a great idea. As soon as COVID-19 is done, I’m on IT!
So glad you like it!