What to Do With Leftover Yarn: 12 Creative Ways to Repurpose Scrap Yarn and Minimise Waste

If you’re a yarn crafter, chances are you have a basket, bag or drawer full of small leftover yarn balls, half-used skeins and mysterious scraps that were once part of a project. Too much to throw away, but not quite enough for another garment.

So the question becomes: what do you do with leftover yarn?

Learning how to repurpose scrap yarn isn’t just about tidying your stash. It’s one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to minimise yarn waste, stretch your creative muscles and make the most of every fibre you’ve brought into your home.

Whether you knit, crochet or weave, leftover yarn is full of potential. With a little imagination (and a shift away from perfection), scraps can become some of the most joyful projects you’ll ever make.

This guide explores creative, practical and sustainable ideas for using leftover yarn from quick makes and gift ideas to unexpected household uses and fibre-forward recycling techniques.

Why Repurposing Leftover Yarn Matters

Yarn is a resource, often made from plants, animals or recycled materials, and each metre carries energy, labour and environmental impact.

When we minimise yarn waste, we:

• honour the materials we use

• reduce landfill waste

• save money by using what we already have

• unlock new creative possibilities

Scrap yarn projects also encourage experimentation. There’s less pressure to be perfect and more freedom to play.

1: Scrap Yarn Projects: Let Colour and Texture Lead

One of the most popular answers to what to do with leftover yarn is also the most fun: scrap yarn projects.

Knitting Ideas

• scrap stitch blankets

• striped or colourwork scarves

• patchwork squares joined into throws

• scrappy socks (especially great for short leftovers)

Crochet Ideas

• granny squares

• scrap yarn baskets

• striped dishcloths

• textured potholders

Weaving Ideas

• tapestry wall hangings

• weft-facing scarves

• colour-blocked cushion panels

Scrap projects don’t need matching fibres or weights. Contrast is the feature. Mixing textures and colours often results in pieces that feel far more personal and expressive than planned projects.

2: Pom Poms, Tassels and Fringe

Pom poms are one of the most joyful ways to repurpose scrap yarn, and they use surprisingly little fibre.

Use them for:

• keychains

• bag charms

• garlands

• gift toppers

• children’s craft projects

Tassels and fringe work beautifully for:

• bookmarks

• wall hangings

• scarves and shawls

• zipper pulls

This is an especially great option if you have lots of tiny pieces that aren’t suitable for knitting or crochet.

3: Gift Wrapping and Decorative Details

Leftover yarn is a beautiful, low-waste alternative to ribbons and bows.

Try using scrap yarn as:

• ribbon on wrapped gifts

• twine for gift tags

• decorative ties on reusable fabric wraps

• bows for holiday or birthday presents

This is one of the simplest ways to minimise yarn waste while adding a handmade touch to gifting.

4: Stuffing for Toys, Cushions and Door Stops

Short scraps that are too small to work with can still be useful as toy fill or soft stuffing.

Ideal uses include:

• amigurumi toys

• fabric dolls

• small cushions

• draught stoppers

Tips:

• use only clean, dry yarn

• avoid using for items that need frequent washing unless well-contained

• keep separate from fibre fill if mixing materials

This is a great way to ensure even the tiniest scraps don’t go to waste.

5: Carding and Respinning Scrap Yarn

For spinners and adventurous fibre artists, scrap yarn can be reclaimed and respun.

You can:

• unravel scraps

• card fibres together

• blend colours intentionally

• respin into a new yarn

This works especially well with:

• wool

• alpaca

• silk blends

While it’s more time-intensive, it’s one of the most direct ways to repurpose yarn back into its original purpose and a powerful example of circular making.

6: Use Scrap Yarn for Other Craft Projects

Yarn doesn’t have to stay within the boundaries of yarn crafts.

Leftover yarn works beautifully for:

• macramé accents

• embroidery and visible mending

• jewellery (bracelets, necklaces, earrings)

• mixed-media art

• fabric embellishment

• scrapbooking

Weaving yarn through embroidery stitches or using it for bold visible mending turns repairs into design features, a practical and creative way to minimise waste.

7: Household Uses You Might Not Have Considered

Scrap yarn can quietly replace disposable items around the home. Try using it for:

• tying plants in the garden

• securing bundles of herbs

• hanging lightweight decorations

• marking storage bins or keys

Cotton yarn scraps in particular are useful for reusable household purposes.

8: Make Swatches, Samples and Technique Practice Pieces

Leftover yarn is perfect for:

• testing new stitches

• learning colourwork

• practising lace or texture

• teaching children or beginners

There’s no pressure to “save” the yarn; it’s already leftover. That makes it ideal for experimentation and skill-building.

9: Mini Projects and Accessories

Small amounts of yarn are perfect for quick, satisfying makes. Ideas include:

• headbands

• scrunchies

• coasters

• bookmarks

• mug cozies

These projects are great for:

• gifts

• markets

• donation items

• using up specific colour leftovers

They also provide a sense of completion when larger projects feel overwhelming.

10: Donate or Share Scrap Yarn Thoughtfully

If you have leftover yarn you know you won’t use, consider passing it on. Options include:

• schools and childcare centres

• community craft groups

• aged care facilities

• local makers or swap groups

Be mindful to:

• keep yarn clean and labelled

• group similar fibres together

• avoid passing on damaged or unusable scraps

Sharing helps keep yarn in circulation and supports community creativity. And who knows.... you might inspire someone to fall in love with yarn crafts.

11: Combine Scraps Into New Yarn Balls

If you have multiple small scraps of the same fibre and weight, you can:

• knot or splice them together

• create a continuous yarn

• use it for striped or textured projects

Russian joins or felted joins (for wool) are especially useful here.

This technique is a practical answer to how to repurpose scrap yarn when quantities are small but compatible.

12: Scrap Yarn as Teaching Tools

Scrap yarn is ideal for:

• teaching children to knit or crochet

• demonstrating stitches in workshops

• showing colour theory and texture

It removes the fear of “wasting good yarn” and encourages learning through play.

One of the greatest benefits of scrap yarn projects is the freedom they offer.

Scrap yarn:

• doesn’t need to match

• doesn’t need to be perfect

• doesn’t need to follow rules

Using leftovers helps us step away from overplanning and reconnect with making for the joy of it.

In a world that often pushes optimisation and productivity, scrap yarn reminds us that creativity can be resourceful, playful and imperfect. And that’s a beautiful thing.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover yarn, the answer is, in fact, a lot more than you think.

From practical household uses to creative experiments, scrap yarn is an opportunity, not a problem to be solved.

By learning how to repurpose scrap yarn, we:

• reduce waste

• extend the life of materials

• create more with less

• build a more mindful crafting practice

Every small ball of yarn represents time, care and creativity. With a little intention, even the smallest scraps can become something meaningful.

And that’s one of the most beautiful things about yarn crafts.