Crochet Ideas for Leftover Yarn

Fall is the time of year when crafters start looking at what is stashed away, whether it's yarns or fabrics and deciding that something needs to be done before the house is overrun. Fabrics can be torn into manageable size strips of around 1/2" and crocheted into rugs using a "J" , "K" or even a "Q" size crochet hook. When I start crocheting, I don't worry about the gauge. I guess I'm more of a free thinker and decide what will be, will be. Yes, there have been many times I've had to rip something apart and start over, but, crocheting and knitting are only time-passers for me so starting over has never been a problem.

When I'm crafting I'm thinking about the person who will get the item I'm making. I like to think about how that person has lived their life and use the "colors" of their life in the item I am making for them. My children and grandchildren have never had a store purchased blanket because I knitted, crocheted or quilted blankets for them. Each one of my children has a quilt I made them when they were younger and liked certain things and now that they are adults, they still have and use those quilts. The quilts are starting to show their years but that is what makes them special.

So, with that in mind, what kind of generalized pattern could I come up with for just anyone? To start with, an inventory of what yarn is available comes to mind. If the yarn is worsted weight then I like to make hats and headbands. They are fast to make and during the winter we all need one. I make and give them away all the time.

If you know someone who doesn't like hats then headbands are fast and easy. One year I made headbands for every child in my daughter's kindergarten class because the teacher wanted all the children to have their ears covered when they went out for recess in the cold. A headband is very simple: Just use whatever worsted yarn you have and a "G" or "H" crochet hook. Chain enough stitches (say 30 stitches) so the headband will cover the ears. Now crochet a single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain stitch. Chain one and turn, then crocheting in the back loop of each single crochet (this makes it stretchy) crochet across to last single crochet...chain one and turn. Once again, single crochet in the back loop of each stitch until the headband is the length you need. If the headband is for a child, of course, the length will be shorter than it would be for an adult. When you have arrived at the length you want then crochet the short ends together and weave in ends. If you want to, you can use a contrasting yarn and do a single crochet or slip stitch around the perimeter...the top or both top and bottom.

If you're in the mood for making an afghan an easy one to make is the giant granny square. What I like about this pattern is that it's easy to make, uses up a LOT of yarn, is easy to set aside and as I'm working on it the afghan keeps me warm. What you need is leftover worsted weight yarn and a size "H" crochet hook. The afghan will go together a little quicker with a bigger hook. I always start with leftover red yarn and I start thinking of this as similar to a quilted log cabin in that red is the "hearth of the home" or even the "heart of a person". It's all symbolic. So, let's say the yarn we're using is red, worsted weight yarn with the crochet hook, chain 8 stitches and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Round one: Chain 3 stitches which forms the first "double crochet" then work 2 double crochets into the ring. Then chain two and work 3 double crochets into ring; do this three more times; join with a slip stitch to third chain stitch made at beginning of the round.

Round Two: Slip stitch into top of next two double crochet to corner space. Chain 3 (this counts as first double crochet) into same corner space work 2 double crochet, chain 2 and 3 double crochet and chain one. *Into next chain two space; work 3 double crochet, chain two 3 double crochet; chain 1.* Repeat from * two more times then join with a slip stitch to chain 1 at beginning of round.

Round Three: Slip stitch across top of next two double crochet and slip stitch into corner space. Chain 3 and into same corner space work 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet. *Chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain one space, chain 1. Into next corner space work 3 double crochet , chain 2, 3 double crochet. Repeat from * two more times, chain 1, 3 double crochet into next chain 1 space, chain 1. Slip stitch to chain stitch at beginning of round.

Change colors in whatever pattern you want. I often think of the person I'm making the afghan for and change colors accordingly. One afghan I made started with the red yarn then went through different colors like blue for the Montana sky, white for the winter snows, green for the summer months, yellow for the sun.....and so on. I ended the last "stripe" using camouflage yarn symbolizing the military. Make several rounds with each color so they stand out on their own. This pattern is great for making a baby size blanket with lighter weight yarn and smaller crochet hook.

I also like the pattern that creates fringe as the pattern is being worked. Just chain the length desired, tie off and cut leaving enough yarn for the fringe. DO NOT TURN. Go back to the first chain stitch and start single crocheting again, leaving some yarn for fringe. Single crochet in every chain stitch. DO NOT TURN. Go back to the first stitch and leaving fringe, single crochet in the back loop of the first row of single crochet. Keep crocheting in this manner until the afghan is however wide is required. You can use a different color for each row or use a lot of black with color interspersed or whatever you want. If mistakes are made consider that a learning experience and get on with it.