Smart Ways to Use the Leftover Yarn
May 05, 2021 10:37 PM
Is your home filling up with half-used balls of yarn? Don't despair if your cupboard doors aren't closing. Leftover beads, yarn, and pieces of fabric from bigger needlework projects. Today I'd like to share with you some ideas for simple crochet and knitting projects - and next time you'll be glad you have some yarn left! Whether you'd like to make an afghan, whether pillows are your passion, or whether something smaller will suffice to use up your odds and ends, the following patterns will get your hook working and your yarn stash back under control.
Good old granny
Granny really did know best when it comes to crochet -- the traditional granny stripe is absolutely perfect for using up a multitude of half balls of yarn. This lovely example is snuggly, colorful, and truly covetable. If your yarn supplies won't stretch to a big throw, this is an ideal stitch for pillow covers and cushions.
Non-Slippery Hangers
Everyone needs hangers - and with just a little crochet work and imagination, you can use plenty of your oddments to adorn them and turn them from utilitarian to unique. Crocheted hangers are soft and non-slippery, which is perfect for silk or cashmere items. Hangers make practical gifts, and you can theme them to suit your friends or the occasion -- shades of white for a bride, pinks for a little girl, and so on.
Pencil case
Keep your favorite pens at hand or whip this little project up for the kids - it's a perfect back-to-school item that will be really appreciated, and it makes a nice dent in your stash.
Wrap gifts
Gifts get unexpected panache when leftover yarn is used in place of ribbon. Wind cotton or wool yarn around presents (solid-color paper looks best) a few times for thin stripes or several times more for thick ones. You'll want to knot strands tightly on the bottom of each box for a clean look. If desired, add a crocheted bow or pom-pom on top.
Knit a pair of mittens
If you have enough yarn in assorted colors, chances are you can knit a pair of mittens. They come in playfully mismatched color-block patterns and our row-by-row patterns for women's mittens (and for kids) make them easier to make than you might think.
Tie a tassel
Tassels can be made easily using yarn and a winding board from heavy card stock, cardboard, or foam board. Make them in all colors, textures, and sizes, and they make a lovely pair of earrings. The neck on this 5-inch-long linen tassel pull serves as a grip; gold and burgundy threads were wrapped around the neck at the same time to create a striped effect. Pick a contrasting color for impact and a sturdy fiber to ensure longevity.
Personalize your pillows
Those handcrafted throw pillows? No need to spend the price for a designer version. Instead, buy a few affordable wide-weave cushions and commission your favorite artisan—that's you—to trick them out, simply by working yarn right into the weave with a tapestry needle.
These are excellent ideas. Thank you.