Spring and summer is the perfect time to work on cutting down on your smaller quantities of leftover yarn from your larger projects. No one wants to work on a bulky sweater in the heat of the summer. There are plenty of projects that are good for these smaller amounts of yarn, and plenty of patterns written just for this purpose. Here are some practical and creative ways to use up those leftover bits of yarn!
1. Make Scrappy Socks or Mitts 🧦🧤
If you have leftover sock yarn, try knitting mismatched or striped socks! You can do the same with fingerless mitts or even gloves.
✔ Striped socks: Use different colors to create fun, unique patterns. Pattern Idea: Sprocket Socks
✔ Scrappy mittens: Mix and match yarn weights for a playful patchwork effect. Pattern Idea: foxtales mitts
✔ Heels, toes & cuffs: Use leftovers to add a pop of color to your socks.
Bonus Tip: If you don’t have enough for a whole pair, knit “fraternal twins” with different color patterns!
2. Create Colorful Dishcloths & Washcloths 🧽
Cotton leftovers are perfect for small, practical projects like dishcloths or face scrubbies.
✔ Simple garter stitch dishcloths – A great beginner project and super absorbent.
✔ Textured washcloths – Try basketweave or seed stitch for extra scrubbing power. Pattern Idea: Hot Springs Towel Set (FREE Pattern)
✔ Reusable face scrubbies – Eco-friendly and soft on the skin. Pattern Idea: Powerful Puff Scrubby (FREE Pattern)
Bonus Tip: Tie a few dishcloths together with twine for a cute, handmade gift!
3. Knit Cozy Hats & Beanies 🧢
A hat doesn’t take much yarn, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers in a stylish way. There are plenty of patterns out there for all weights of yarn too.
✔ Striped beanies – Alternate colors for a fun, vibrant look. Pattern Idea: Fish Hat [Dead or Alive?] (FREE Pattern)
✔ Fair Isle or mosaic knitting – Use small amounts of contrasting colors for intricate patterns. Pattern Idea: Alpinia Hat (FREE Pattern)
✔ Color-blocked hats – A modern way to use up yarn in different shades.~
✔ Hair wrap – A quick and fun project where you can mix and match colors. Pattern Idea: Sideline Wrap
Bonus Tip: Donate extra hats to charities, shelters, or newborn wards!
4. Weave in Leftovers for Tapestry or Wall Hangings 🎨
Leftover yarn can be turned into stunning wall art with a little creativity.
✔ Macramé & woven wall hangings – Use a simple loom or even a picture frame to weave leftover yarn into textured art. Or knit the wall art! Pattern Idea: Leaf Wall Art
✔ Fringes & tassels – Attach them to scarves, pillows, or home décor for added flair.
✔ Mini pom-poms & tassel garlands – Cute decorations for kids’ rooms or holiday décor.
Bonus Tip: Use yarn scraps as embroidery thread to add unique embellishments to fabric projects.
5. Make Toys & Small Accessories 🧸
Leftover yarn is perfect for small projects like toys, keychains, and home accessories.
✔ Amigurumi – Tiny stuffed animals and characters can be knit or crocheted with just a little yarn. You can even stuff the animals with really small scraps of yarn that you can’t make anything with! Just another reason to keep those scraps and never throw anything away. 🙈 Pattern Idea: Emotional Support Chicken
✔ Knitted bookmarks – A quick and easy gift for book lovers. Pattern Idea: Bookmark Trio (FREE Pattern)
✔ Coasters – Use felted wool scraps for durable, absorbent coasters. Pattern Idea: Cat Butt Coasters
✔ Cat toys – Only takes very small amounts of yarn. Stuff with more yarn scraps and some catnip! Pattern Idea: Cat and Mouse Ornaments
✔ Project bags – We are all always looking for bags to store new projects in.. right? Or am I the only one? Project bags can be easily customized based on the yarn you have and are small and easy projects! Pattern Idea: Årsta – project bag (FREE Pattern)
Bonus Tip: Pair handmade toys with a matching baby blanket for a thoughtful gift set.
6. Turn Leftovers into a Scrappy Blanket 🛏️
If you have lots of tiny yarn balls, consider knitting a scrap blanket!
✔ Log cabin blankets – Work in a modular fashion, using each color until it runs out.
✔ Mitered square blankets – Each square is made from a small amount of yarn, and you can keep adding over time. Pattern Idea: Battenberg Blanket (FREE Pattern)
✔ Magic ball knitting – Tie all your scraps together and knit continuously for a fun, random effect! Pattern Idea: Scrappy Granny Stripes (FREE Pattern)
Bonus Tip: Use a neutral color in between scrap sections to tie everything together.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Every Yarn Scrap!
No piece of yarn is too small to be useful! Whether you turn your leftovers into socks, home decor, or a colorful blanket, every bit can find a purpose. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your stash manageable while reducing waste.
How do you use up your yarn scraps? Share your ideas in the comments!
Langford Knits 
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