Scrap Yarn Ideas

 

Are you not sure what to make next?  Do you have a pile of left over yarns or odd balls of yarn that you are not sure what to do with?  Then look no further - below is a list of a few items that you can make from just scraps of yarn in either knit or crochet.

I treated myself to a bulk order of yarn for my post-Christmas birthday and whilst I was waiting for delivery I realised that I needed to make some space.  And the bonus side of these projects is that they can be passed on as gifts now for the year ahead. Winner!  I also wanted to experiment with knitting more as I had done a lot of crocheting for Christmas gifts.

These items are particularly good if you have odd bits of yarns and are a good opportunity to try out new stitches or patterns without committing to a big project.

Glasses Pouch

The first thing I made from scraps was this glasses pouch.  It is made from 2 separate yarns and is really simple to make but it looks quite neat when done.  This is knitted but you can also make the equivalent in crochet.

Using 4 ply yarn (fingering weight yarn)

3.25mm needles

Working stockinette stitch (knit 1 row then purl 1 row, repeated)

Cast on 30

Knit for 70 rows then cast off

You will need 2 pieces identical in size which you will then sew together.  I have decided not to add a fastening to this pouch as it is a little oversized.

Pencil Case

This is knitted from a mixture of yarns and as you will see from the photo it is not yet completed (waiting for delivery of a selection of zips too).  You can create this in crochet too.

Using DK yarns (you can use as many or as little as you like for this)

4mm needles

Working stockinette stitch

Cast on 44 

Knit for 40 rows and then cast off

Make another piece identical in size then sew together

Add zip to open end

Scrunchies

These crochet scrunchies are a great stash buster items and you can use any yarn you like.  I have tried different styles - both knit and crochet - and I find this the easiest way for me.

You will need some new hair bands/bobbles to do this.

For 4 ply yarn - use a 3mm hook

For DK yarn - use a 4mm hook

Row 1 - double crochet around the band so each stitch is attached to it, add as many as you can fit then join the beginning stitch with the final stitch by a slip stitch

Row 2 - chain 3 and add 1 treble crochet into the same space.  Then add 2 treble crochet stitches into each stitch.  Join with a slip stitch at the end

Row 3 - same as row 2

Sew in the end to secure

Cup Cosies

This idea came from browsing Pinterest again and maybe I should have actually read instructions.  But I have included my "mistakes" so you can judge for yourself.

 

So knitted ones first.  Simple garter stitch.

Using DK yarn

4mm needles

Cast on 45 

Knit until it measures 2 inches in length

Either knit or crochet 2 straps to add onto the end

*On the pale blue knitted one - you will see that I crocheted the edges as well*

Crochet one (this one worked better)

Using 4 ply yarn (fingering weight)

3mm hook

Chain approximately 2.5 inches then double crochet until it measures 9 - 9.5 inches in length

Sew in ends

Add a button to one end and crochet a simple loop - this is basically a chain. 

Purse

Knitted with 2 DK yarns together to make it chunkier for a purse. 

Using 2 DK yarns together

6mm needles

Cast on 20

Stockinette stitch for 34 rows - add a marker as this will help you find the middle

Continue stockinette stitch until you reach 40 rows

On each of the next rows - you need to decrease by 2 stitches (one on each end of the row, I did mine by knitting 2 stitches together K2Tog)

End on 49 rows

Attach clasp/button (awaiting delivery so not on photo!!)

Bracelets

These are knitted and I wanted to practice this stitch.

Red one first...

Using DK yarn

4mm needles

2 x 2 rib stitch

You can make this as wide or narrow as you like as the stitch is stretchy but I made it approximately 9 inches wide

Continue until approximately 2 inches wide

Sew ends together so there is an overlap of about 1 inch.  Add buttons for design

Blue one...

Using 4 ply yarn (fingering weight)

3.25mm needles

2 x 2 rib stitch

I would make this a little wider as the yarn is thinner but that's your choice.  Otherwise, same as above.

Mini Granny Square Key Rings

I had a small amount of 4 ply yarn left so I made these crochet granny square key rings.

Using 4 ply yarn (fingering weight)

3mm hook

Crochet a granny square like you normally would (only these will be smaller)

Instead of sewing in the end, add a long chain to make as the attachment to the key ring - then sew the end in