Easy Ways to Use Up Your Yarn Stash

If you've just started Knitting or crocheting, you are probably wondering what to do with the extra yarn left over from your projects. Every needlework lover has to decide how to use their 'yarn stash' wisely so they won't end up with 3 ounces or less of every yarn they've ever used for a project. There are a few things you can do with it and have fun too. Here are some suggested projects in using up your yarn stash.

Socks

Knitted or crocheted socks come in handy. Who doesn't need more socks? With the foot up construction of most of the patterns now, you can actually rework your sock when it gets a hole in the heel, making it an easy seaming job. It doesn't matter what type of yarn you have left-you can use any yarn for this project, including fun fur. It also doesn't matter what color you have to use up because socks are one item that can stand to be wacky.

Scarves

Scarves can be somewhat boring to make when you are only staring at one color. That's why scarves make a great way to use up your stash; you can keep the different colors rolling. If you have less than an ounce left of different colors, consider making a skinny scarf and use these twice in the process of making it (i.e. stitch a row across on each side to make it symmetrical). Try mixing up bulky yarns with worsted weight, for a textile that is both interesting and textured.

Baby Blankets

If you tend to make a lot of baby items, you can always use up those lovely pastel yarns in making a granny square baby blanket. Most baby yarns are similar in colors and hues and can be mixed and matched in a blanket. Because granny squares don't have to have the same color combinations, your left over yarns will be perfect in creating a unique look to each square. When you piece them all together you will definitely have a masterpiece. And don't forget that baby booties take little yarn if you still have some left over.

Shawls

Because shawls are usually designed as an 'open work' project, they make it easy to use only a little yarn for a person-sized item of apparel. You can make a girl's size one or even a baby one if you have less than a skein to work with. If you over-estimated the yarn needed for a project by a few skeins, than consider making an elegant wrap or bolero jacket.

Doll clothing

This is the most 'fun' idea for your daughters. They'll love new outfits for their vinyl baby dolls or Barbies. Use up light worsted or worsted weight yarns from your stash by making small hats, scarves, shorts, skirts, shirts, dresses, belts, and even socks and shoes. If you don't free-style very well, than buy a book of doll clothing patterns for the size doll you want to make clothing for and get to work. You'd be surprised at how little yarn you need for these projects.

Gloves

If you have worsted weight yarn in abundance than consider gloves or mittens. Mittens are obviously easier to construct than gloves, and making them in child sizes will ensure that all your kids, and grandkids will get plenty of snow-filled enjoyment out of them.

So use your imagination; but most importantly-use up your yarn stash in the process.