Crochet patterns for scrap yarn are a MUST have. Let’s face it – we’re crocheters and we ALWAYS have a bag somewhere full of leftover yarn!
Don’t Let It Go to Waste: Creative Ways to Use Scrap Yarn in Crochet Projects
At some point we all decide to de-stash and scrap yarn is usually in the firing line. But instead of throwing it away, why not use it to create beautiful projects? Not only will you end up with more space in your craft room, you’ll also save money by repurposing your scrap yarn to create beautiful and unique pieces!
In this post you will find a host of inspiring crochet patterns as well as tips for finding crochet patterns that are ideal for scrap yarn.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links (*), meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate and an Awin Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How do I work out the weight of my scrap yarn?
In order to use your scrap yarn, you first need to know the weight of the yarn. If you’re anything like me and you haven’t kept your scrap yarn separated by weight, then you’ll need a handy yarn gauge.
Here is a photo of my alpaca yarn gauge* that I bought from Etsy but you can find them in all shapes and sizes like this handy wooden yarn by inch gauge*.
To use a yarn gauge, simply wrap your mystery yarn around the gauge without squashing the yarn too close together but not leaving any gaps. Then count the number of times the yarn wraps around the gauge to work out the weight of the yarn. The yarn gauge will tell you how many wraps for each yarn weight and most will also include a maximum width reference guide.
How do I join the yarn scraps together?
Now that you know the weight of your yarn you’ll want to start using them in a project. If the idea of all those yarn ends to weave in makes you shudder then you’ll want to join them using a magic knot.
The magic knot is an easy way to join yarn ends together that creates a very tight join, allowing you to trim the yarn ends close to the knot and avoid having to weave in the ends.
You can find a video tutorial on how to create a magic knot on my YouTube channel.
How Do I Choose Crochet Patterns for Scrap Yarn Projects
When selecting crochet patterns for scrap yarn projects, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Yarn Weight and Texture: If you have scrap yarn that varies in weight and texture, opt for patterns that are forgiving in terms of yarn weight. Patterns that allow for mixing and matching different yarn types and weights are ideal for making the most of your stash.
- Colour Coordination: Look for patterns that don’t require specific colours or colour combinations. Patterns with colourwork (eg mosaic crochet), stripes, or amigurumi can be perfect for combining lots of different colours. Even patterns which normally only require one colour can be given a whole different look when you use lots of different coloured scrap yarns.
- Non-critical Gauge: Choose patterns where the gauge is less critical because the size of the finished item is more flexible, like scarves, baskets or rugs. If you don’t need the finished item to be a particular size then you can use different weight yarns in the same project. Replace bulky weight yarn by holding several strands of scrap yarn together for a lovely textured, scrappy look.
- Stash-Busting Projects: Seek out patterns specifically designed for using up scrap yarn, such as stash-busting blankets, afghans, or accessories like hats and scarves or even smaller items like pot holders or scrubbies. These patterns are often designed with the intention of making the most of odds and ends.
Crochet Patterns for Scrap Yarn
1. Granny Square Projects
The beloved granny square is timeless and lends itself flawlessly to scrap yarn projects. Embrace the mix-and-match nature of the granny square to create cozy and eclectic blankets or other projects that will reduce your scrap yarn stash.
The Mini Granny Square Christmas Stocking – Gorgeous Crafts
My free pattern is super cute but each mini granny square only requires a small amount of yarn making it an excellent stash-buster pattern.
Moss Stitch Granny Square – HeartHookHome
Granny squares are so versatile as they can be used in many different projects. This free pattern shows you how to create a granny square using the moss stitch. Although the yarn used in the example is a variegated yarn it gives you an idea of what it would look like if you used scrap yarn.
Battenberg Blanket – CherryHeart
I LOVE the look of this blanket! And as with the Christmas stocking above the granny squares don’t need a lot of yarn. Even if you end up using multiple strands for each granny square it’s just going to make it look even cuter!
Vintage Crochet Afghan – Syble*
Another adorable granny blanket. This one uses more traditional granny squares that are great for scrap yarn.
2. Amigurumi Creations
Amigurumi might not necessarily spring to mind when it comes to scrap projects. Yes small characters can be a great way to use up scraps but so can larger toys. Using scrap yarn for amigurumi can give them an extra special sense of whimsy that children love! My most cherished toys were always the knitted dolls my grandmother used to make me.
Scrappy Bunny – JasmineArtWorks*
This Scrappy Bunny pattern* is a perfect example of how using scrap yarn can give a toy a certain amount of charm that is absolutely adorable! Yes you can use just one colour but why would we if it can look like this!
Shoop the African Flower Sheep – HeidiBearsDesigns*
Just like granny squares the African Flower pattern is a fantastic way to use up scraps and if you can make this adorable sheep* then so much the better!
Calico Cat – JessHuff
How cute are these cats! Just like the bunny above using scrap yarn would make these look so adorable!
Mini Tanner the Triceratops – NicoleChase
This adorable triceratops is sure to delight anyone with a love of dinosaurs! Join your scrap yarn together as you go to give it’s coat a unique pattern – after all we don’t know what colours the dinosaurs were.
3. Colorful Accessories
Be bold with your scrap yarn and crochet colourful accessories such as headbands, cowls, or fingerless gloves. Scrap yarn will create beautiful colour combinations that will lend each piece with a distinctive character, making a bold fashion statement.
Beach Ridge Headband – BerwickAndHudson*
Instead of using the variegated yarn for the centre piece of this super cute headband*, swap it for scrap yarn.
V-Stitch Long Cardigan – MoodyGoose*
Imagine stepping out in this amazing cardigan of colours*! This pattern has already been designed with scrap yarn in mind.
Example Sweater – HGDesignsCrochet*
Want a comfy sweater? This pattern by HG Designs Crochet* is perfect for scrap yarn and will keep you snugly and warm as well.
Bucket Hat – Krissy’sOverTheMountainCrochet
Check out this bucket hat pattern, it’s perfect for any time of the year and is a fantastic way to use up scrap yarn.
Mountain Trail Cowl – NanasCraftyHome
It will be easy to incorporate your scrap yarn into this cowl pattern. Whether you use neutral or vibrant shades you’re sure to have a cowl that will turn heads.
Stash Busting Beanie – DoraDoes
If you’re looking to use up lots of scrap yarn really quickly then you’ll love this stash busting beanie pattern! It uses multiple strands of yarn held together as you crochet making it a lovely chunky beanie!
Colours Chunky Scarf – StardustGoldCrochet
Here’s another multi-strand project, the Colours Chunky Scarf by Stardust Gold Crochet. It’s a nice, easy pattern and I love the way they’ve given it an off-white fringe!
Cozy Slipper Socks – BHooked
These cosy slipper socks make ideal gifts and using scrap yarn means every pair would be totally unique!
4. Cup and Mug Cosies
Not only do they keep your drinks warm for longer, mug and cup cosies are also a fantastic way to use up your scrap yarn. They make cute gifts too! If you plan to give your cosies away then you’ll want to include these cute DIY print and cut gift labels*.
Daffodil Mug Cosy – GorgeousCrafts
My cute and easy to make daffodil mug cosy crochet pattern would make a great spring time gift for your favourite person.
Quick and Easy Mug Cosy – LoveLifeYarn
If you have shaped mugs, this mug cosy pattern by LoveLifeYarn could be for you.
Easy Cup Cosy – ACraftyConcept
This cup cosy uses the puff stitch to create a lovely texture. Use a different coloured yarn for each round to use up your scrap stash.
Can Cosy – PrettyDarnAdorable
The kids will love this fun can cosy, it was designed with scrap yarn in mind.
5. Pot Holders
Pot holders are great scrap busters that mix functionality with artistry when you crochet them using an assortment of yarn scraps. Give your kitchen decor a lift, with brightly coloured yet practical, heat-resistant creations.
Bowl Cozy – AmyBStitched
If you have lots of cotton yarn scraps then this bowl cozy makes an ideal gift for someone. You can use them for hot or cold bowls and if you use 100% cotton yarn they can even go in the microwave to save your fingers when taking out hot bowls!
Colorama Pot Holder – ThisPixieCreates
This easy to make, double thickness pot holder is perfect for scrap yarn. It uses the moss stitch which will look great in your kitchen.
Fancy Puff Trivets – 99%Coffee
Trivets are a great way to save your kitchen counter tops from hot pots and these Fancy Puff Trivets use the puff stitch to create a lovely texture.
Easy Chevron Pot Holders – ForTheFrills
If you’re looking for a simple pattern that also looks great this chevron pot holder pattern is perfect and will look great when made with scrap yarn.
6. Wash Cloths & Scrubbies
Reduce your single use products and switch to crochet scrubbies for your face and kitchen. Cotton scrubbies work wonderfully as make up removers or as an alternative to plastic sponges in your kitchen sink. And when you’re done with them, you can throw them onto the compost heap.
Round Scrubbies – DesertBlossomCrafts
If you’re looking for a quick and easy scrubby pattern these round scrubbies from Desert Blossom Crafts are for you.
Kitchen Scrubbies – CrochetDreamz
I love this scrubby pattern by Crochet Dreamz! Originally designed as kitchen scrubbies you can unroll them to dry making them a really useful addition to your kitchen!
Sakura Face Scrubbies and Basket – K.A.M.E.Crochet
These floral scrubbies would make a delightful gift!
7. bags
Turn your scrap yarn into useful yet beautiful bags and baskets. Great for keeping the kids toys or even your yarn stash tidy. However you use them, bags and baskets make ideal scrap busters.
Large Tote Bag – TheBurgandyBag*
This large tote* would make an ideal beach bag! Check out The Burgandy Bag Etsy store* as they have LOADS of scrap busting patterns available.
Project Bag – PurdySweetCrochet
If you’re looking for a new project bag then this pattern by Purdy Sweet Crochet is perfect, and they’ve designed it with scrap yarn in mind!
Scraps Bag – WindingRoadCrochet
I love this shoulder bag pattern! It’s designed to have a lovely rag rug look to it and is a perfect scrap buster pattern.
Braided Bobble Bag – JenHayesCreations
If you have lots of scrap yarn in two different weights then this Braided Bobble Bag pattern by Jen Hayes Creations is perfect! It uses DK and Worsted weight yarns held together making it an ideal scrap buster that also looks amazing!
8. home decor
Scrap yarn can be used to create items for all around your home, for pillow covers, blankets, wall hangings and more. Any pattern that doesn’t need to be a set size can be transformed with scrap yarn – let your imagination run wild.
Solid Scrappy Granny Pillow – NautiKrall
Here’s another pattern that uses granny squares but for a pillow cover this time instead of a blanket. The Scrappy Granny Pillow has instructions for both DK and worsted weight yarn and for four different sized pillows so it is very versatile!
No Wool Left Behind Blanket – MijoCrochet
If you’re looking for a blanket pattern that will use up all of your scrap yarn then this is it! The No Wool Left Behind pattern is worked in a continuous spiral and you keep going until you run out of yarn! The pattern is available in multiple languages too!
Potted Paradise Mosaic Basket – MJsOffTheHook
Mosaic crochet can be a great technique to use up your scrap yarn. Like this potted paradise basket pattern, it’s usually worked in two different colours. Imagine how striking it would be if you used a strand of scrap yarn joined together!
Monster Pouf – KTAndTheSquid
Not only is this monster pouf crochet pattern designed to be a stash buster, it can also be used to store your spare yarn stash! The bottom is left open so that you can stuff your pouf with blankets, pillows, or yarn skeins making it a storage unit as well as a pouf!
Domino Star Afghan Blanket – AnitaYarn*
This beautiful blanket* is sure to steal the show! It will be a great pattern to use up all of your scrap yarn!
Scrappy Corner-to-Corner Blanket – MyPoppetMakes
A striking yet easy to crochet blanket, the scrappy corner-to-corner blanket will make a great talking point with visitors to your home.
9. Pet beds
If you have some fur babies maybe you’d like to crochet a bed for them. Using scrap yarn for these kinds of projects means that no other fur baby will have one exactly like it!
Catfish House – KaitlynRo
If your cat deserves a super adorable bed then this would be my first choice. The Catfish House by Kaitlyn Ro looks great and would be spectacular if made with scrap yarn!
Tabby Chic Cat Bed – YarnAndChai
Your fur baby will love this Tabby Chic Cat Bed, it’s made using jumbo yarn with a 19mm hook. You could easily hold several strands of multiple weight yarn together to work up this project – a real scrap buster pattern!
Sturdy Comfy Cat Bed – LaurenElizabeth
Pet beds are an easy way to use up scrap yarn, this Sturdy Comfy Cat Bed calls for super bulky yarn meaning you could hold several strands of yarn together to reach the correct yarn weight if needed.
Easy Dog Bed – JewelsAndJones
Not forgetting dog lovers out there, this easy dog bed is made up of moss stitch granny squares so is a perfect stash buster pattern.
10. Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Ornaments are great stash buster patterns, plus they’re usually very quick to make so you can fit them into your spare time.
Wavy Christmas Bauble – GorgeousCrafts
My Christmas bauble pattern is a great place to start as you could use lots of different colours and really use up your stash. Alternatively you could keep it to just two colours if you prefer and match it to the rest of your decor.
Crochet Star – JoyOfMotionCrochet
When you think of Christmas stars spring to mind and if you’d like to decorate your tree with magical stars then this star crochet pattern is perfect!
Christmas Gnomes – GoldenLucyCrafts*
Check out these cute Christmas gnomes by GoldenLucyCrafts You can find the free pattern on their website or you can grab the ad-free pdf version on Etsy here*.
I also have a post full of Christmas Ornaments that would be ideal crochet patterns for scrap yarn.
Embracing Sustainability and Creativity
By using these scrap yarn crochet patterns, you not only breathe new life into forgotten remnants but you also contribute to a more sustainable approach to your crochet. You can transform seemingly insignificant snippets of yarn into cherished and practical works of art.
Unleash your crochet hooks and let the magic of scrap yarn ignite your creativity! Happy crocheting!
