Are you guilty of tossing your yarn scraps into the bin? Or do you donate them to a local cause, or perhaps stash them inside your amigurumi creations? Let’s take a moment to explore the world of yarn scraps and discover why using them up can be so rewarding and environmentally friendly.
As yarn lovers, we all enjoy the tactile pleasure of admiring, squishing, acquiring, and (sometimes) hoarding new yarn. But have you considered the environmental impact of our love for yarn? Yarn production involves sourcing raw materials e.g. wool, plants and water, production processes e.g. spinning and dyeing, and transportation, all of which contribute to its environmental impact. As conscientious crafters, there are steps we can take to minimise this impact.
Supporting local yarn shops reduces travel miles, selecting yarns made from recycled materials promotes sustainability, and perhaps most importantly, using every last scrap of yarn helps prevent it from ending up in landfills or being incinerated. Embracing yarn scraps not only reduces waste but also sparks creativity, encouraging us to experiment with colours, textures, and patterns.
In this blog post, I’ll explore a variety of ways you can make the most of your yarn scraps, from pattern suggestions (going beyond traditional blankets) to handy video tutorials for your scrap yarn projects. Let’s dive in and discover the joy of turning yarn scraps into beautiful crochet creations while reducing our environmental footprint.
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(scroll down if you’re looking for more of a challenge)
Crafting a basic scrapgan couldn’t be simpler! It’s a perfect project for beginners, offering a speedy creation process. To get started, you’ll only need to make a few quick decisions:
Choose your stitch: Consider factors like warmth (waffle stitch vs. V-stitch), colour change frequency (some stitches lose definition with frequent changes), and your desire (or lack thereof) to learn a new stitch.
Decide on colour changes: Determine if you prefer random or planned changes. For an effortless approach, create a magic yarn ball. Otherwise, keep track of yardage (per row) to avoid excessive frogging.
Pick your colour scheme: Opt for a random look by blindly pulling scraps from a bucket, or curate a cohesive palette by pre-selecting colours.
With these choices made, you’re all set to crochet! Personally, I’ve recently embarked on a project using DK-weight yarn and the half double crochet (hdc) corner-to-corner (C2C) stitch, with random colour changes in an unpredictable sequence (thank you magic yarn ball!). I even kicked off with a ‘one hour challenge.’ Can you beat me?
If you’re ready to explore beyond the basics of a scrapgan, I’ve curated an enticing array of pattern suggestions for you below. Whether you’re drawn to cozy blankets, excited about crafting home décor pieces, or eager to try your hand at garments, there’s something here to spark your creativity!
By Elimee Designs
Key points:
Available in small, medium and large sizes.
Size small is available for free here on the blog, or via video tutorial.
Suitable for scraps of any length, yarn weight or fibre content.
Crocheted from as little as 96m/105yds of scraps.
Difficulty level – beginner.
Quick to work up – see the video ‘how fast’ for proof!
A practical gift that can be used in any room.
Click a photo for more information about this verstaile pattern.
By Elimee Designs
Key points:
Difficulty level – advanced beginner.
An infinite number of variations are possible – your imagination and available scraps are your only limit!
Easy to adjust the final size – simply crochet more or fewer squares. Each square measures apx. 23.5cm/9.25inches by 26.5cm/10.5inches when crocheted with DK-weight yarn.
Can be crocheted with any weight yarn.
A stunning baby shower gift.
Click a photo to learn more! Photos kindly provided by Nichola, Keli and Sharon.
Key points:
Available in nine sizes (from 28-62 inch/71-158cm chest).
Difficulty level – advanced beginner.
Uses DK and 4ply/fingering weight yarn held double and a 5mm/I-9 crochet hook.
Consists of a front and back panel, sleeves crocheted in the round and contrast seaming.
Click a photo for more information. (Photo used with the designer’s consent).
Key Points:
Picnic collection – contains patterns for a bucket hat, coin purse and bag.
Winter collection – contains patterns for mittens, a cowl and a Christmas ornament.
V-stitch themed patterns.
Multiple finishing options included.
Includes video tutorials.
Click a photo for more information. (Photos used with the designer’s consent).
Key Points:
Crocheted using a 4mm hook.
30mm safety eyes used in the sample.
An adorable way to use up scraps.
A lovely kids birthday party gift.
Click a photo for more information. (Photo used with the designer’s consent).
Key points:
Uses the Tunisian crochet technique.
Perfect for crocheting a circular blanket, rug, pot holder etc.
Can be crocheted using a standard crochet hook (with a straight NOT ergonomic handle) or a Tunisian crochet hook.
Video tutorial available.
Skill level – advanced beginner.
Click a photo for more information. (Photo used with the designer’s consent).
Key points:
Can be crocheted with any yarn weight/fibre and any size crochet hook.
Ideal for random colour changes.
Lovely textured look.
Cosy stitch pattern.
Easy to make to any size.
Click a photo for more information. (Photo used with the designer’s consent).
Key points:
FREE pattern!
Difficulty level – beginner.
Worked in the round.
Perfect for scraps of any length, weight or fibre.
Click a photo for more information. (Photo used with the designer’s consent).
Key Points:
Easy to adjust to any size.
Perfect for scraps of any length.
Makes a great WIP (work in progress) bag!
Video tutorial included.
Click a photo for more information. (Photos used with the designer’s consent).
Key points:
An adorable scrapbusting amigurumi.
Difficulty level – intermediate.
Requires apx. 400yds/365d of scraps and two 24mm eyes.
12 inches tall.
Click a photo for more information. (Photo used with the designer’s consent).
Click a photo for more information. (Photos used with the designer’s consent).
Are you a fan of scrap-friendly crochet patterns? I’m inviting you to share photos of your favourite scrap yarn projects with me. Whether it’s a cosy blanket, a colourful scarf, or anything in between, I’d love to feature your creations in this post. So send me your project photos and let’s celebrate the beauty of scrap yarn together!
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these scrap-friendly patterns as much as I have! From hygge blankets to stylish accessories, there’s something for everyone in the world of scrap yarn crochet. Now that you’re feeling inspired, I’d love to hear from you. Which pattern from this post are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy crocheting!
