6 Fun, Free, Frugal & Delightful Scrap Yarn Knitting Projects
Some silly, some practical, all free: 6 projects using small amounts of scrap yarn
Have you ever tried to unravel yarn from a second-hand sweater, in the hopes of recapturing some lovely yarn to use for a future project (and save money on good yarn)?
I tried, once. Well, actually, twice.
The first time I tried, I did pretty much everything wrong. It started with choosing a sweater knitted with the wrong sort of yarn (a very thin, thread-like sweater with elastic attached to it), and it only got worse and messier from there.
I tried a second time, and it went only a little better. In retrospect, though, I don’t particularly think that the recaptured yarn was worth the effort.
An Easier Way to Knit Frugally
After I departed that particular struggle bus, I started thinking about scrap yarn knitting projects. I’m always looking for ways to save money on knitting, and of course, leftover yarn knitting is a great way of doing so.
Do you have scrap yarn you want to use up? If so, this pattern collection is for you!
Every pattern you see below uses no more than 110 yards of yarn, and the vast majority use even less than that! Many of the patterns you see here also make great gifts and/or are quite useful.
Itty Bitty Clever Knitting Patterns
Photo: Mrsmumpitz on Ravelry
- What you’ll need to make them: At least 5 yards of leftover yarn in any weight up to heavy worsted weight/Aran; needles in a size suitable to your yarn; stuffing of your choice; tapestry needle
- Why you’ll want to: There is absolutely nothing practical about these cute little stars, but so what? You could use them as decorations or as part of a mobile for babies. You could even use them as Christmas tree ornaments! What I like best about this pattern is that you can use it for a variety of star-sizes.
- What you’ll need to make it: About 5 to 10 yards fingering or sport-weight yarn; US size 0 to 2 (as fits your yarn comfortably) circular needles or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round
- Why you’ll want to: When I first saw the name of this pattern, I thought it was to alert others to the wearer’s metal allergy. (Not one of my brainier moments, I know…) No, what this clever cuff actually does is prevent the metal of a wristwatch from touching the skin of someone with a metal allergy. What a marvelous idea! 🤩
Photos: Frankie Brown
- What you’ll need to make it: About 5 yards fingering weight yarn (primarily wool so it will block correctly–this pattern is great for sock yarn); US Size 0 needles; tapestry needle
- Why you’ll want to: From the ridiculously clever mind of Frankie Brown (here’s a reminder, in case you’re wondering why her name rings a bell) comes this beautiful coin purse based off of origami. It’s one of Frankie’s most popular patterns, and for good reason. Cute, practical, and
a great use of scrap yarn!
Lichen – a Kerchief & Bracelet
- What you’ll need to make them: 100 to 120 yards DK-weight yarn; US Size 6 needles; 2 or 3 5/8-inch buttons (for kerchief); 3 or 4 smaller buttons (for bracelet); sewing needle and thread
- Why you’ll want to: Just as its name states, this pattern offers directions for both a kerchief and a matching bracelet. Both are simply lovely!
Promenade, Easy Doily & Dishcloth
- What you’ll need to make it: 50 yards fingering weight cotton yarn (for doily) or worsted weight cotton yarn (for dishcloth); US Size 2 to 4 (for doily) or 6 to 8 (for dishcloth) circular needles or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stitch markers
- Why you’ll want to: One is a doily! One is a dishcloth! This pattern contains both variations, so you can create either a doily (below left) or a dishcloth (below right). This pattern is one of a series of four doily patterns, all named after ballet dance moves.
- What you’ll need to make them:
- Why you’ll want to: Some of you may know that I have a serious love affair with anything involving owls, especially in knitting. I’m telling (or reminding) you of this so that you will understand why discovering this pattern pretty much wrecked me. Is it not too precious? I couldn’t resist knitting a few myself. Here (left) is one of them!
I hope all of you will find something fun to knit from this collection of scrap yarn knitting projects! I’ve already made far too many owl puffs.
