As a crafter, you likely have scraps of yarn leftover from projects. While it’s tempting to just throw away unwanted yarn, there are many creative ways to repurpose and get rid of yarn sustainably. This article will provide tips on how to get rid of yarn you no longer need.
Why Get Rid of Unwanted Yarn?
Here are some key reasons you may want to declutter your yarn stash:
- Your storage space is limited – yarn scraps can quickly take over closets and drawers
- The yarn is tangled or frayed beyond use
- You have odd bits of yarn leftover after projects
- The colors or textures aren’t useful for your current or future projects
- You want to avoid waste and dispose of yarn responsibly
Taking the time to go through your yarn and get rid of excess amounts will free up storage space and reduce clutter. Read on for tips to repurpose and sustainably get rid of leftover yarn.
Ways to Repurpose Leftover Yarn
Before throwing out your yarn scraps, consider repurposing them for other crafts. Here are creative ways to reuse yarn remnants:
Knit or Crochet Small Items
If you have small amounts of yarn left from a project, use it to knit or crochet mini items like:
- Coasters
- Dolls
- Hats
- Scarves
- Pot holders
- Bracelets
- Ornaments
Mini knitted and crocheted items also make great gifts!
Weave in Leftover Yarn
When starting a new knitted or crocheted item, weave in leftover yarn scraps to use them up. Simply join the new yarn and old yarn ends together. This helps minimize waste.
Make Pompoms
Gather small yarn remnants to make colorful pompoms. You can use pompoms to decorate knitted hats, scarves, purse straps, and more.
Upcycle for Other Uses
Cut or shred yarn scraps to put them to new uses around the home:
- Stuff pillows or sewing projects
- Make pet toys
- Create pot scrubbers
- Fill a pin cushion
- Make yarn pom poms for decor
Get creative with repurposing yarn leftovers before deciding to throw them out!
How to Get Rid of Unwanted Yarn
If you have yarn that is tangled, frayed, or unable to be repurposed, use these tips for responsible disposal:
Donate Unused Yarn
Check if a local yarn shop, thrift store, retirement home, or school will accept donations of unused yarn. Many organizations accept yarn donations for crafters, charities, and other reuse. Call ahead to find a donation recipient.
Sell Unwanted Yarn
You can sell new and gently used yarn online through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and specialized craft exchanges. Pricing yarn reasonably will help it sell.
Recycle Yarn
Some cities and towns offer textile recycling for yarn and fabrics. Contact your local recycling program to ask if yarn can be placed curbside or dropped at a recycling center.
If no textile recycling is available, simply place yarn in the regular trash as a last resort.
Find Yarn Swaps
Swap yarn with other crafters instead of throwing it away. Look for yarn swap events through local knitting groups, craft stores, or online swapping platforms.
Compost Natural Fiber Yarn
For 100% natural fiber yarns like wool and cotton, cut up scraps to compost in a backyard compost bin. Do not compost yarn with synthetic fibers.
Storing Leftover Yarn
To manage your yarn stash, use these tips for neatly storing remnants until you’re ready to use them:
- Wind yarn into balls or cakes to prevent tangling
- Use clear plastic bags or bins to easily see yarn colors and textures
- Divide by yarn weight and label storage containers
- Store yarn in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Use hanging shelves or stackable plastic drawers to save space
- Take photos of your yarn inventory on your phone so you can easily reference what’s on hand
Proper storage will help you utilize your yarn scraps for future projects and reduce the need to buy more yarn.
Conclusion
Here is a quick summary of how to get rid of unwanted yarn:
- First, look for ways to creatively repurpose yarn scraps for other crafts
- Donate, sell, swap, recycle, or compost yarn you can’t use
- Make sure to store leftover yarn properly to access when needed
- Getting rid of excess yarn reduces waste and clutter in your craft space
With some effort, you can eliminate your unwanted yarn in an eco-friendly way. Your resourceful use of yarn leftovers helps reduce needless waste. Now you can feel accomplished about clearing out old yarn and starting fresh with your crafting projects!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quick ways to use up scrap yarn?
Some quick ways to use leftover bits of yarn include making pom poms, mini crochet flowers, knitted coasters, small stuffed animals, or weaving yarn scraps into larger projects. Using up scraps for tiny DIY projects helps reduce waste.
Can I compost yarn?
You can compost 100% natural fiber yarn, like cotton or wool, by cutting it into small pieces first. Acrylic and other synthetic yarns should not be composted and must be disposed of or recycled properly. Check any yarn labels before attempting to compost.
Is it possible to untangle very tangled yarn?
It can be very difficult and time consuming to untangle extremely tangled balls of yarn. You may need to cut out knots if the yarn is too tightly wound. If untangling feels hopeless, it’s best to dispose of the tangled mess and save yourself the frustration.
What are some ways to store yarn neatly?
Wind yarn into cakes or center-pull balls before storage. Use clear plastic bins or bags to easily see contents. Organize by yarn weight and label storage containers. Store in a cool, dry place and use organizers like hanging shelves or stackable drawers to maximize space. Taking photos of your yarn helps keep track of inventory too.
Where can I donate used yarn near me?
Check with local yarn stores, craft stores, retirement homes, churches, schools, and community centers to see if they accept yarn donations. You may even be able to donate to knitting charities and groups that make clothes and blankets for those in need. Do an online search for “yarn donation near me” to find options.
Key Takeaways on Getting Rid of Yarn
Here are some key tips to remember:
- Repurpose small amounts of leftover yarn for other crafts if possible
- Donate, sell, swap or recycle yarn you cannot use
- Properly store yarn remnants for future projects
- Compost natural fiber yarn like wool or cotton
- Dispose of synthetic yarn through regular waste or recycling programs
Table of Yarn Disposal Methods
| Disposal Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation | Donate unused yarn to local thrift stores, craft stores, charities, retirement homes, schools |
| Selling | Sell unwanted yarn through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Ravelry |
| Recycling | Check if your local municipality offers textile recycling for yarn |
| Composting | Compost 100% natural fiber yarns only – no synthetics |
| Trash | Dispose of tangled, worn out yarn through regular trash pickup |
This table summarizes the main recommended methods for responsibly getting rid of your unwanted yarn, depending on the condition and type of yarn you need to eliminate.
In Conclusion
Dealing with leftover and unusable yarn clutter takes some time and effort, but is well worth it. Follow this guide to creatively repurpose, donate, sell, swap, recycle or compost yarn scraps. Responsible yarn disposal reduces waste and helps provide materials for crafters in need. Now go ahead and clear out that excess yarn for guilt-free crafting!