How Not To Waste Extra Yarn (But Use It Instead!)
Traditionally, handicrafts were born out of invention and necessity. People needed warm blankets for their bed so they learned to weave threads and eventually how to make quilts; they needed clothing so they learned to make fabrics and sew them together. Today’s handicrafts are similar for many of the people who believe that sustainability of our planet is a big issue for those living in our current times. The idea of recycling is often practiced in craft work through the reuse of yarns, fibers and fabrics.
While it is fun to browse around your local craft or yarn store looking at all the variations of yarn skeins you can buy, it is also important to take the time to look around you own house, and your ever growing yarn stash, and use up those left-over yarns from previous projects. Each of those skeins of yarn at your local store has had to be grown, processed, created, shipped, etc… and each task has taken its own small toll on the earth we all live on.
While buying yarn is a necessity for those of us who choose to knit or crochet, it is important also to use the yarns we already have, and those others have cast off at the local thrift and charity shops as well, when we can. It is just as important to also use knitting needles and other supplies to their fullest usefulness as well.
Wasting your scraps of yarn is simply throwing money out the proverbial window. A much better option is to find a project where you can best utilize your scraps and make them into something beautiful and useful. What this is depends on what scraps you happen to have lying around the house.
Start by sorting your yarns by color. This can help you to make new project such as scarves and blankets where you can mix and match colors in new and unique ways. Look at each color combination and think about the projects you could make with them.
Dealing with yarns of different weights can be an issue if you attempt to knit them using techniques like stripes. However, you can knit them in other patterns where they will flow nicely together and the variation in weight is an added bonus. One of the best stitches you can use for combining variations in weight is the granite stitch.
Take your scrap yarns and make some quick swatches. Combine colors and techniques to get ideas about what you could make with all of the scraps you have of one color or another.
Another fun way to deal with yarns of different weights, colors, and textures is to knit granny squares and then combine them all into a blanket or shawl. With this application your variations will enhance your project and not take away from it.
As you become more and more skilled at knitting and crochet you learn that free-form projects allow you to craft and create new and exciting items which are 100% unique and one-of-a-kind. Use a free-form technique and see what you come up with.
Whether your ultimate goal is frugal living or saving the planet, you can make great strides by shopping in your own yarn stash before you hit the craft store or yarn shop. Challenge yourself to use up your odds and ends and see what you can come up with!
I would love to save the plant and the planet as well lol.
P.S. What is granite stitch?
It’s a crochet stitch. If you type it into Google you will be able to access a vidio demonstration
I found a description of a knit granite stitch. I don’t crochet, so does the knit granite stitch have the same appearance as the crochet granite stitch. Found a lovely cardigan pattern too but it is crochet. Any suggestions of women’s sweater patterns in granite stitch?
I have made a blanket out of my odd bits of wool
i have lots of left over yarn and would like to knit squares to make a blanket but I don’t know how to sew them all together in a professional way.
I knit enough rows to make a square and then change colours, so I actually knit a long length of different squares and it looks like a scarf, this reduces the need to sew squares together. I only have to sew strips, cuts the sewing in half easily.
I am 70 years old and have been knitting and crocheting since the age of 6 and have during the years made at least 15 blankets with all my left over yarns. The blankets are always full of colour and very warm. I don’t worry about the different weights just incorporate all even the smallest left over yarn into the blanket. I always have a blanket on the go and crochet up as I finish projects. Wonderful in the winter evenings when watching TV I have a blanket I am busy with on my lap.
I recently made a “10 stitch blanket” using the discontinued tapestry wools from a local craft store as well as one from some of the wool in a friend’s stash.
I hate sewing up squares and this was an easy way to make a quick blanket – when you’ve finished knitting, it’s finished. Also it keeps me lovely and warm during winter draped across my lap as I knit it.
I have lots of odd balls of wool in double knitting so I have started knitting childrens
cloths. It is surprising how little you need to knit a jumper or even girls dresses.
When they are finished I either take them to Banardos or if I know someone they
will fit I give it to them. I still knit for myself and usually have a ball left over.
I often make blankets with my left over wool. I start off with a granny square but continue until the square is the size of a blanket. It’s good to incorporate all the different colours. So every one looks different. When they are finished I give them to an old peoples home to keep the residents knees warm !
I also make hats and scarves to give to homeless people
I would like to know about the granite stitch, also !
I am very new to knitting but love every stitch I create it’s so therapeutic. I save any little odds too small to use and stuff knitted balls with them to give to a friends kitten to play with. She loves them and it uses teeny bits.
Really enjoy this group thank you for all the information it’s great.
What is granite stitch please??
It would be nice if we had a yarn shop in this area, they come and go! Guess not enough business !!!
What do you do instead Joan? Do you buy your yarn online?
Having had a prem grandadaughter, i realised it doesnt take much time or wool to make a jacket, cardigan or contact square, I used up lots of odd bits and balls. Now our little one is in first size, I still make items to pass to the neo natal unit who looked after her so well, and they are greatful, not all babies have someone who can knit and tiny baby clothes are hard to find and are very expensive.
I use my bits and also wool given to me to knit for charity . Kids love multi coloured beanies , jumpers, mittens and such and I know it goes to good use.