12 Awesome DIY Projects for Scrap Yarn

One hardly needs to tell an avid knitter or experienced crochet enthusiast what to do with scraps of yarn. But, there are the rest of us, folks who may have tried, even succeeded, at a project only to find themselves with leftover yarn. It’s not enough to take on another major blanket or scarf, but it’s too much to simply forget about. And, who wants to store a bunch of yarn for years to come?

So, it’s time to come up with some small, simple DIY projects that can use up scraps of yarn. Better yet, if said yarn can be in various links of various colors, that’d be ideal. The good news is that there is a plethora of just such projects, stuff a motivated DIYer could knock out in no time at all. It could even be fun.

When all is said and done, you may even find yourself at a thrift store with a bag of random yarn for the sheer pleasure of doing more.

Crocheting & Knitting More

For those hoping to keep those knitting needles in action or the crochet hook pulling, these are some quick and easy things to make.

Coasters- Coasters are always handy to have around, and besides coffee tables, they are often a forgotten asset. A little coaster doesn’t take much yarn to make, and they look even cooler when tiny lengths are linked together to make multi-colored coasters.

Jar/Drink Cozy- Yarn cozies for jars and drinks is a stylish and funky way to serve up cold and warm beverages or put out jars of jam or pickles. The cozy can keep things both cooler and warmer.

Dishcloth- Yarn squares are great for dishcloths because they lather up well and provide a bit of abrasiveness to get stuff clean. There is always a need for dishcloths, so this can account for a lot of scrap yarn.

Pot Holder/Trivet– Make squares (like a short scarf) or circles (like an incomplete beanie). At about five or six inches across, these make great pot holders, or they can be set on the counter to act as trivets for setting pots on. Or, make a pair to work as a team.

Bath Scrubby- Again, this is nothing more than a small square that lathers up well, this time used to scrub in the tub. Or, it can be kept next to the sink to be a dedicated face scrubber in the morning and at night.

Scrappy Scarf- Scarves are easy to make, and they look cool when composed of yarn scraps. Rather than worrying about the right colors, this scarf just gets what it gets. Sometimes these happy accidents are even nicer than the carefully planned stuff.

Scrap Yarn Projects without Crocheting or Knitting

Sometimes those crochet and knitting projects are not so inspiring, and the thought of doing more is exhausting. So, maybe it’s time to do something different.

String Art- Get a piece of scrap wood to go with that scrap yarn. Sand the wood and paint it if you wish. Then, sketch a simple picture on a piece of paper that’ll fit atop the wood. Hammer around the perimeter with little nails and start to wrap the scraps of yarn around it.

Wall Hanging- With nothing more than a dowel rod (or an old broom handle or a smooth stick) and some scrap yarn, it’s really easy to make an impressive wall hanging. Just cut the yarn and tie the lengths of yarn onto the rod so that it is completely covered with strings hanging from it. Then, cut the yarn to the exact lengths. Make stripes or just do it randomly.

Stick Mobile/Windchimes- It’s always fun to have decorative stuff hanging under the eaves of the house or out in the garden, and stick mobiles add some funk to it. Collect up a few sticks, wrap them in different colors of yarn, and hang several of them vertically for one horizontal stick.

Dream Catcher- Dream catchers can be fun projects for adults and kids alike, and they are an easy way to use up scrap yarn. Make them with found objects from the house, yard, and/or forest.

Bracelets- Kids love to have bits of jewelry, especially when they make them. Scrap yarn can be used to do pretty, multi-colored friendship bracelets either by braiding them or trying some rudimentary macramé.

Pom-Poms- A great add-on for scarves and hats, or just fun to have around, scarp yarn pom-poms are fun to make, and they work as a solid color or as a mix of colors. Whatever is available will be fine.

For those who deal in knitted goods, scrap yarn is a basic fact of life, and it is good form to use up the material rather than let it go to waste.

Related Content:

• 10 Gift Ideas from Repurposed Secondhand Stuff
• 3 Simple Ways to Make Your Own Rugs
• Fun and Easy Crochet Projects That Aren’t Clothes
• How to Make Your Own Reusable Hand Warmers
• 10 How-To Guides for Fun DIY Home Projects

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