Creative Yarn Crafts: 10 Ways to Use Up Your Yarn Stash
Turn leftover yarn into practical gifts and home items, no matter how little you have.
You have a drawer of odd balls of yarn, and you are not sure what to do with them.
Every crocheter ends up with odd balls of yarn that are too small for a blanket but too good to throw away. I have a whole basket of them, and I am always looking for ways to turn them into something useful.
Here are ten creative yarn crafts that use up small amounts of yarn. Each one is a real project you can finish in an afternoon, and most need only basic tools you already have.
You can make a dozen useful things with just a few yards of yarn, from coasters to pet toys. This guide gives you ten concrete ideas, each with a clear method, so you can pick one and start today.
What you need
Yarn
Any weight works, but worsted weight is easiest for beginners. Use cotton for coasters and pet toys.
Crochet hook
Choose a size that matches your yarn. Check the label, or use a 5 mm hook for worsted weight.
Yarn needle
For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
Scissors
Sharp scissors make clean cuts.
Craft glue or hot glue gun
For wrapping yarn around objects like vases or letters.
Optional: stuffing, beads, buttons, wooden dowel, embroidery hoop, keyring
Depending on the project you choose.
What you need before you start
You do not need much for these projects. A few basics will cover almost everything.
For most of these, you will want a crochet hook in a size that matches your yarn. Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size. If you are unsure, start with a 5 mm hook for worsted weight yarn.
A yarn needle is essential for weaving in ends. A pair of scissors and a tape measure are also handy. Some projects need a bit of stuffing or a plain cotton fabric for lining.
Keep a small bag with your hook, needle, and scissors near your yarn stash so you can start a project quickly.
How to make a yarn-wrapped vase
This is one of the easiest ways to use up short pieces of yarn. You need an empty glass jar or a tin can, some yarn, and craft glue.
Wrap the yarn around the jar, starting at the bottom. Apply a thin line of glue as you go, and press the yarn firmly against the glass. Overlap the strands slightly so no glass shows through.
When you reach the top, cut the yarn and tuck the end under the last wrap. Let it dry for a few hours. You can leave it plain or add a few beads or buttons.
If you run out of one color, just tie on a new piece with a small knot on the inside. The knot will be hidden.
How to make a pom-pom rug
Pom-poms are quick to make and look great as a rug. You will need a lot of yarn, but you can use any leftover colors.
Make a pom-pom using a plastic ring or a fork. For a rug, you want pom-poms that are about 3 inches (8 cm) across. Make as many as you need to cover the area you want.
Once you have a pile of pom-poms, arrange them on a piece of non-slip rug backing. Sew them on with a yarn needle and strong thread, starting from the center and working outwards.
A 2-foot (60 cm) round rug takes about 30 pom-poms. It is a good weekend project.
To keep the rug from slipping, sew a piece of fabric or shelf liner to the bottom.
How to make a tassel bookmark
This is a perfect project for a single skein of yarn. You can make a bookmark in under an hour.
Cut a piece of cardboard about 2 inches (5 cm) wide and 6 inches (15 cm) long. Wrap yarn around the cardboard about 20 times.
Slide the yarn off the cardboard. Tie a piece of yarn around the top of the bundle, leaving a long tail. Cut the bottom loops to create the tassel.
Attach the tassel to a ribbon or a crocheted chain. You can also add a bead at the top for a finished look.
Use a contrasting color for the tassel to make it pop.
How to make a crocheted coaster
Coasters are one of the fastest crochet projects. You can make a set of four in an evening.
Use worsted weight cotton yarn and a 4.5 mm hook. Cotton is best because it absorbs moisture and does not stretch.
Start with a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet stitches into the ring. Then increase by working 2 single crochet in each stitch around, for a total of 12.
Continue increasing in each round, adding 6 stitches each time, until the coaster is about 4 inches (10 cm) across. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
To make a square coaster, work in rows of single crochet, turning at the end of each row. Make it as wide as you like, then fasten off.
Test your coaster by setting a cold glass on it. If it sweats through, add a layer of fabric on the bottom.
How to make a yarn-wrapped letter
This is a fun way to decorate a room or make a personalized gift. You need a cardboard letter, yarn, and glue.
Start at one edge of the letter. Apply glue to a small section of the cardboard and press the yarn down. Wrap the yarn around the letter, covering it completely.
When you reach a corner, cut the yarn and start a new piece, tucking the ends under the wrapping. Continue until the whole letter is covered.
For a cleaner look, wrap the yarn in one direction only. For a textured look, crisscross the yarn.
Use a hot glue gun for a stronger hold, but be careful not to burn your fingers.
How to make a pet toy
Cats love yarn balls, and dogs enjoy tug toys. These are quick to make and use up scraps.
For a cat toy, crochet a small ball using any yarn. Start with a magic ring, work 6 single crochet, increase to 12, then work even for a few rounds. Stuff with a bit of catnip and close the ball.
For a dog toy, braid three long strips of yarn together. Tie a knot at each end. You can also crochet a simple rectangle and fold it over to make a tug toy.
Always supervise your pet with yarn toys, and remove them if they start to unravel.
Use cotton yarn for dog toys because it is more durable and safe if chewed.
How to make a wall hanging
A wall hanging is a beautiful way to display your yarn. You need a wooden dowel or a branch, some yarn, and a few beads.
Cut several pieces of yarn, each about twice the length you want the hanging to be. Fold each piece in half and loop it over the dowel using a lark's head knot.
Once you have all the yarn on the dowel, you can braid, twist, or knot the strands to create a pattern. Add beads by threading them onto the strands before tying knots.
Trim the bottom to make a straight edge or leave it uneven for a boho look.
Use a stick from outside for a rustic look. Let it dry completely before using it.
How to make a keychain
Keychains are small, quick, and make great gifts. You can crochet a tiny amigurumi shape or make a tassel.
For a tassel keychain, wrap yarn around a small piece of cardboard about 20 times. Tie a piece of yarn around the top, cut the bottom loops, and attach a keyring.
For a crocheted keychain, make a small square or a simple flower. Sew a keyring to the top.
You can also add a bead or a button for extra detail.
Use a keyring that opens easily so you can attach it to your keys or bag.
How to make a dreamcatcher
A yarn dreamcatcher is a lovely decoration. You need a metal ring or an embroidery hoop, some yarn, and beads or feathers.
Wrap the ring entirely with yarn, covering the metal. Then create a web by tying a piece of yarn to the ring and weaving it back and forth in a spiral pattern.
Make a few knots to secure the web, then add beads by sliding them onto the yarn before tying a knot.
Hang the dreamcatcher with a piece of yarn or ribbon.
Use a hoop that is 6 inches (15 cm) or larger for easier weaving.
Step
Choose your project
Pick one idea from this list that matches the yarn you have and the time you want to spend. Read the whole section before you start.
Gather your supplies
Collect the yarn, hook, needle, scissors, and any other items listed for that project.
Prepare your yarn
Wind your yarn into a ball if it is tangled. Cut pieces to the lengths you need for wrapping or tassels.
Follow the method
Work through the steps for your chosen project. Take your time and check your work as you go.
Finish and check
Weave in all loose ends. Test your project to make sure it is sturdy and looks the way you want.
Ways to change it
Use different yarn weights
Chunky yarn makes projects faster, while fingering weight gives finer details.
Add embellishments
Buttons, beads, or embroidery floss can personalize your project.
Make it bigger or smaller
Adjust the size by adding or reducing rows or wraps.
Try a different color palette
Use a single color for a modern look, or mix bright colors for a playful feel.
Gift it
These projects make thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family.
The short version
- You can use up small yarn scraps with these ten projects.
- Most projects take less than an hour and need only basic tools.
- Cotton yarn is best for coasters and pet toys because it is absorbent and durable.
- Wrapping yarn around objects like vases and letters is a quick way to add color to your home.
- Pom-poms, tassels, and keychains are quick and make great gifts.
- Always weave in ends securely to make your projects last.
- Test your work, like setting a glass on a coaster, to make sure it does the job.
Questions people ask
What can I do with small amounts of yarn?
You can make coasters, tassels, keychains, pet toys, or wrap objects like vases and letters. These projects use just a few yards of yarn.
How do I choose the right hook size?
Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size. If you lost the label, use a 5 mm hook for worsted weight yarn and adjust if your stitches are too tight or too loose.
Can I use any type of yarn?
Yes, but cotton is best for items that get wet or need to hold their shape, like coasters. Wool is warm but can felt, and acrylic is easy to care for.
Pick one project and start today
You do not need a huge stash to make something wonderful. Even a single ball of yarn can become a bookmark, a coaster, or a gift. Choose one idea, gather your supplies, and give it a try. Happy hooking!
