Tired of leftover yarn clutter? Get inspired with these 7 brilliant projects – scrunchies, wall art, amigurumi, and more! Upcycle those scraps with ease.
Hey fellow yarn lovers! You know that feeling when you finish a project, and you’re left with a pile of colorful yarn scraps? It’s like, “Yay, I did it! But now what do I do with all this stuff?”
I swear, sometimes I think yarn multiplies when I’m not looking. Well, let’s get those leftovers working for us! Forget tossing them – we’re going to turn those odds and ends into brand-new creations.
I’ve got some classic ideas for those yarn scraps, plus a few quirky tricks that might surprise you. Get ready to unleash your crafty side!
Find this FREE knitting pattern here at Quince and Co
Scrunchies for Days
Why It’s Brilliant
Talk about the ultimate yarn scrap buster! Scrunchies use up the tiniest bits of leftover yarn, transforming them into something useful and cute. Plus, who doesn’t need another scrunchie? They’re the perfect quick-win project when you want a dose of instant yarn gratification – a little effort goes a long way.
What You’ll Need
Leftover Yarn: Any weight or fiber will do, as long as it has some stretch.
Hair Elastic: A sturdy hair tie for the base.
Crochet Hook (optional): Makes the process easier, but not essential.
Scissors: For snipping those yarn ends.
Tassels and Pom Poms
Why It’s Brilliant
This dynamic duo is all about adding flair! Tassels and pom poms are super versatile – use them to embellish bags, keychains, home decor, or even make statement jewelry. It’s your chance to mix and match those yarn scraps into fun color combos and textures. Plus, these are beginner-friendly projects that give you big results for little effort.
The video above is one I created with my eldest son (who is a few years older now!) and we had a blast making tiny pom poms and creating fun letters with them! We also made “ghost tassels” and turned tassels into fun ghosts for Halloween!
What You’ll Need
Leftover Yarn: Get creative with different fibers and weights.
Cardboard: To create the base shape, or you can use a tassel maker or pom pom maker.
Scissors: A must-have for any yarn project!
Optional Letters or other items: We picked up some paper mache letters at JoAnn for our project.
Miniature Macrame and Weaving Projects
Why It’s Brilliant
Leftover yarn is perfect for tackling smaller-scale macrame and woven pieces! Create adorable keychains, coasters, or tiny wall hangings for a pop of boho texture. It’s a fantastic way to experiment with different knotting techniques or practice basic weaving patterns without the commitment of a huge project. Plus, these miniature creations make thoughtful handmade gifts.
What You’ll Need
Leftover Yarn: Cords or thicker yarns work best for macrame, variety is great for weaving.
Dowel rod, stick, or ring: For hanging small macrame pieces.
Cardboard: To make a simple loom for woven projects.
Large Needle: For weaving in yarn ends.
Scissors: Yarn isn’t going to cut itself!
See all the uses in the home for knitted flowers and find this free pattern here!
Knit or Crochet Flowers
Why It’s Brilliant
Flowers are a classic use for yarn scraps; they’re quick, satisfying, and add a touch of whimsy to anything! Knit or crochet flowers make beautiful embellishments on hats, bags, or even as pins and brooches. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to use up those tiny bits of yarn that seem too small for anything else. From simple daisies to intricate roses, the possibilities are endless.
What You’ll Need
Leftover Yarn: Get creative with different colors and textures.
Knitting Needles or Crochet Hook: Choose the size appropriate to your yarn weight.
Scissors: For neatening those ends.
Embellishments (optional): Beads, felt, or buttons to add detail to your flowers.
Find the free crochet pattern for this easy coaster here (with video!)
Knit or Crochet Coasters
Why It’s Brilliant
Coasters are a classic yarn project for good reason – they’re practical, customizable, and perfect for beginners! This is a great way to use leftover yarn while protecting your furniture in style. Plus, you can experiment with different stitches, patterns, and color combinations to create truly unique pieces that match your decor.
What You’ll Need
Leftover Yarn: Cotton or other absorbent yarns work well for coasters.
Knitting Needles or Crochet Hook: Choose the size appropriate to your yarn weight.
Scissors: You know the drill!
Tapestry Needle (optional): For weaving in ends neatly.
Miniature Amigurumi
Why It’s Brilliant
Amigurumi is the art of crocheting (or knitting) tiny stuffed creatures, and they’re the perfect way to use up yarn scraps! These charming little creations can be keychains, ornaments, or simply fun desk companions. From simple shapes to intricate creatures, there’s a miniature amigurumi pattern out there for every skill level. Plus, who can resist their tiny smiles and big eyes?
What You’ll Need
Leftover Yarn: Any weight will work, but thinner yarns are best for smaller projects.
Crochet Hook: Match the hook size to your yarn weight.
Stuffing: Polyfill or even more yarn scraps!
Embroidery Needle: For adding those little details like eyes and noses.
Embellishments (optional): Felt, buttons, or beads for extra personality.
Unconventional Upcycling
Why It’s Brilliant
Sometimes the best use for those yarn scraps might be something completely out of the ordinary! This is where you can tap into your creativity, repurposing leftover yarn in ways that are surprising and unique. Get inspired to think differently and transform those bits of yarn into one-of-a-kind creations.
What You’ll Need
- Leftover yarn: A good mix of colors and textures will make these projects even more interesting.
- Basic Supplies: Scissors, glue, etc.
- Additional Materials: Varies depending on your chosen projects (canvas, items to embroider, balloons, embroidery hoops, sturdy cardstock).
My Favorite Unconventional Ideas
- Yarn Scrap Stuffing: Ditch the polyfill and give your amigurumi extra character with leftover yarn stuffing.
- Textured Wall Art: Create a woven masterpiece or mixed-media piece by attaching yarn directly to a canvas or frame, similar to the one shown above by Ashton Zager.
- Embroidered Accents: Personalize clothing, bags, and more by adding colorful yarn embroidery accents.
- Yarn-Wrapped Bowls: Wrap a balloon base with yarn, then use glue or mod podge to harden. Pop the balloon and voila – a unique yarn bowl.
- Yarn-covered Bookmarks: Upcycle plain bookmarks by wrapping them in yarn stripes or patterns and adding tassels for a touch of whimsy.
More Ideas!
My friend Elise from Elise Rose Crochet made a wonderful video with even more ideas to use up yarn scraps:
Final Thoughts on Using Leftover Yarn
See? Leftover yarn isn’t just a colorful stash, it’s a toolbox full of creative potential! From adorable amigurumi cuties to funky textured wall art, there’s something for everyone to try with those extra bits of yarn. The best part is, these projects aren’t just about using what you have – they’re about letting your imagination run wild.
So, next time you’re looking at your yarn scraps, don’t see them as leftovers, see them as possibilities. Which project will you tackle first? Grab your yarn, grab your tools, and bring something new and beautiful to life!
Happy Knitting or Crocheting!
Amanda
I had a huge stash of scrap yarns a few years back, (I’m sure they were breeding in the back of the cupboard) – I made a lovely floor rug, 5 or 6 strands of yarn together, including those fuzzy yarns that are so difficult to work with individually, I used a large hook, and just worked in single crochet until I’d finished the rug. I made sure the joins in the yarns were staggered, didn’t knot them as there was no need with working so many strands. This rug is now on my bedroom floor and lovely and soft to step on when I get out of bed. (Wish I could add a photo)
That’s a wonderful idea!! Love that you used up those scrap yarns for something beautiful and functional! 😀
Hi, I really enjoyed your ideas. I have one I have used for years, I take a net bag that produce comes in and fill it with my small leftover scraps of yarn and ribbon. I hang it from a low limb or from a hook on our bird feeder. The birds come and help themselves to use in making their nests. Out neighbor stopped by one day and saw the bag and said now I know where the lovely bird nests in our barn come from. I can’t knit but I crochet a lot. Best wishes, Lois
I love this idea!! Thank you for sharing 💕
I have discovered a great use for leftover yarn–felted cat and dog beds. The colors don’t always match, but they can be worked together by putting together all of the similar colors. For example, since it is done in garter stitch, you can combine red, rose, wine, and burgundy in the same color group, for example. Then you end up with a much larger project that people can use for their pets to keep fur off the furniture.
This is a great idea! I had never thought of felting my leftover yarn. Thanks for sharing!
I de-ply my leftover yarn and spin it on my spinning wheel, joining it piece by piece. It makes perfect thread for cross-stitching, darning, tatting, and even torchon lace!
Wow!! Another great idea I had never thought of! Thanks so much for sharing 😀