A handknit polka-dot scrunchie on a person's wrist. It's blue with cream colored polka dots.

7 Fantastic Ways To Use Scrap Yarn That You Need To Try Now

Got leftover yarn from past projects piling up? Don’t worry because you’re not alone! Whether it’s those last few meters of sock yarn or the ends of a bulky yarn skein, scrap yarn can be repurposed into something amazing. Instead of letting it collect dust, why not dive into a fun, stash-busting project? Here are a few creative ways to use up that leftover yarn while boosting your knitting skills!

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1. Knit Scrappy Blankets for Cozy Comfort

One of the best ways to use up scrap yarn is by knitting a cozy blanket. It’s perfect for all of those random bits of yarn you’ve accumulated. Using different colors and textures can also create a unique patchwork design. So, try a simple garter stitch or get fancy with granny squares to combine all your leftover yarn into one big cozy hug of a project. Whether it’s DK weight, worsted weight, or chunky, everything can blend into a gorgeous scrappy blanket!

A pile of skeins of yarn in various colors laid flat on a table in a square.
Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky is perfect for cozy blankets!

2. Create Colorful Yarn Baskets

A close-up of a variegated King Cole Super Chunky yarn in shades of grey and blue.
King Cole Quartz Super Chunky is a beautiful variegated yarn that would look so stunning knit up into a practical yarn basket!

Yarn baskets are both fun and functional. Using chunky or bulky weight yarn, you can knit sturdy baskets to store your knitting tools, other yarn, or even house plants. These baskets are easy to customize in size and shape, depending on how much scrap yarn you have on hand. Plus, you can mix and match colors to create something totally one-of-a-kind. Also, we can already see how stunning a bright combo of variegated scraps would look knit up into a gorgeous basket. Need a quick weekend project? This is it!

3. Make Stylish Yarn Coasters

Have a few small balls of yarn leftover? Coasters are the perfect project to use them up. They’re small, so quick to knit, and you can use any type of yarn, from cotton to acrylic. We adore the stitch definition of cotton, and it’s also an easy yarn to wash! You could try using a simple circular pattern or even get creative with stripes and different stitches. Have some fun with it, and test new ideas. Not only are they practical, but they also make fantastic handmade gifts for friends and family!

A close-up of a bright pink knit stockinette swatch made of Paintbox Yarns DK Cotton mix.
Paintbox Yarns DK Cotton Mix is perfect for handknit coasters.

4. Craft Funky Scrunchies

A handknit polka-dot scrunchie on a person's wrist. It's blue with cream colored polka dots.
The Dottie Scrunchie was our first scrunchie knitting pattern!

Scrunchies are back in style, and guess what? You can knit them with your scrap yarn! This project doesn’t require much yarn at all, so it’s ideal for those tiny remnants. Use soft yarn like merino or cotton for a comfortable, hair-friendly option. You can also knit a few to match your favorite outfits! Our scrunchie knitting patterns work up so fast and are easy knitting projects for beginners. These are perfect to throw on the needles for a quick, satisfying project.

5. Knit Fun Amigurumi Creatures

Amigurumi is also an excellent way to use up your leftover yarn, especially if you enjoy knitting toys. It could be a tiny stuffed animal, a quirky keychain, or a decorative piece for your home. We know that small amigurumi projects will eat up those scraps fast. Also, knitting amigurumi is a great way to practice new stitches and techniques without committing to a large project. Handknit amigurumi are so cute, and they can make excellent gifts for loved ones in your life. This is especially true if you have little ones in your family!

A close-up of a bright blue skein of Stylecraft Special DK Yarn.
Stylecraft Special DK is available in a wide range of colors – so it’s perfect for amigurumi!

6. Knit Simple Dishcloths

A close-up of a greenish yellow skein of Lion Brand Truboo Yarn.
Lion Brand Truboo is a yarn made of 100% viscose from bamboo that is exceptionally soft and lovely to knit with.

Dishcloths are a fantastic way to use up scrap yarn, particularly cotton yarn. These quick, easy projects are always useful around the house. You can also try out new stitch patterns as you go. They’re perfect testers to see if you actually enjoy a stitch or if it was just great in theory. Plus, they’re great for practicing techniques like moss stitch or basketweave while turning those yarn leftovers into something practical and sustainable! The feeling of using things we’ve created is so satisfying, and items used daily such as dishcloths and rags are a perfect way to create that feeling.

7. Create Multicolored Pom-Poms

Who doesn’t love pom-poms? Scrap yarn is perfect for making colorful, fluffy pom-poms. We adore pom-poms because you can use these fluffy creations to decorate hats, bags, or even gift wrap. You can easily combine different colors and yarn weights to create unique pom-poms with a fun, textured look. Pom-poms are easy to make, super versatile, and a great way to get the most out of every last inch of your yarn stash. They’re so fun to pop onto so many different projects, so they’re amazing to have on hand.

A pair of pom-pom makers next to an orange pom-pom. The smaller one is pastel pink, and the larger one is a soft green.
This set of two KnitPro Pompom Makers will help you create pom-poms in no time!

Get Scrappy and Start Knitting!

There’s no reason to let scrap yarn go to waste! With these fun and creative ideas, you can make sure every last bit of your yarn stash gets put to good use. Whether you’re knitting a blanket, crafting cute coasters, or jumping into amigurumi, these projects are all about enjoying the process while cleaning out your stash. Grab your needles, dive into those yarn leftovers, and let your creativity flow!


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