Last updated on May 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am
I’m always wondering what to do with leftover yarn from my crochet and knitting projects—they just keep piling up in all kinds of fibers and colors! If you love DIY crafts, I’m sure you’ve been there too.
So, how can we turn that scrap yarn into fun and useful projects instead of letting it go to waste—practicing mindful consumption?
Here are 15 clever and enjoyable ways to use your scrap yarn stash that don’t involve knitting or crocheting a blanket.
Knit or crochet small hearts
Perfect for gifts, decorations, or embellishments. Quick to make and great for using small scraps. Here is the tutorial.
Make Pom-Poms and Tassels
Add fun accents to hats, bags, or home décor with colorful pom-poms or tassels.
Crochet or Knit Washcloths and Dishcloths.
Small, useful projects that use cotton scraps well and make great gifts.
Create Friendship Bracelets
Mix and match colors for unique, wearable scrap yarn bracelets. I made beaded bracelet. It was easy and fun!
Make Yarn Wall Hangings or God’s Eye Weavings
Use scraps for trendy boho décor like wall hangings with pom-poms and tassels or traditional God’s Eye crafts.
Clothing decor, for example, crochet motive and sew it onto the t-shirt
I love the idea, just bought plain T-shirt and will add some embellishment. I can create color variations and change according to the outfit.
Craft Boho Style Earrings or Jewelry
You can quickly make stylish earrings or accessories from small amounts of yarn.
Use Scrap Yarn as Stuffing
Eco-friendly stuffing for amigurumi, pillows, or cushions, reducing waste.
Knit Scrappy Socks Using Clasped Weft Join
Create colorful, cozy socks by using the clasped weft join technique for seamlessly joining scraps. A great way to use up multiple small yarn bits.
Crochet or Knit Amigurumi Animals
Scrap yarn is perfect for making small amigurumi toys like bunnies, cats, or fruit. These cute projects are quick and use minimal yarn.
Crochet Bunting or Garland
Use scraps to crochet festive bunting in shapes like hearts, triangles, or stars. Great for seasonal or party decorations. I made these stars for garland.
Use Scrap Yarn as Vase or Jar Decor
Wrap jars or vases with colorful scraps for a cozy, crafty look.
Make stitch markers
I rely on yarn stitch markers frequently since they’re soft and keep stitches from stretching.
DIY Bookmark Tassels
Attach tiny tassels made from scrap yarn to paperclips or ribbons for cute, functional bookmarks. These are quick to make and great gifts for book lovers.
Make a Magic Yarn Ball
Join scraps invisibly into one continuous ball for easier use in larger projects later. Works better with longer strips of yarn leftovers
Personally, I used some of these applications for scrap yarn. I made stitch markers, small decor, garlands and lifelines for my knit projects, mostly. Oh, also bracelets and other embellishments.
If you enjoyed these scrap yarn ideas, pin this post for later.
