Where to Find Cheap and Free Yarn for Knit and Crochet

Having a stash of yarn on hand for your knit or crochet projects doesn't have to be expensive. There are frugal ways to get yarn cheaper or in many cases, free.

Where to Get Free Yarn

Make sure everyone in your network of family and friends knows that you knit or crochet and would welcome any free yarn. They may have a stash of their own that they won't use since they've given up the craft, or maybe they've cleaned out under Grandma's bed and found some that she left behind. Don't assume everyone knows that you'd like to have their leftover yarn - tell them.

Sign up for Freecycle and post that you're looking for free yarn. Freecycle.org is a national organization with local chapters throughout the U.S. Members publish to an email group when they have something to give away, and you may post if you're looking for something as well. Many don't think to list something on freecycle until they see someone that wants or needs it, so let freecyclers in your area know that you'll take yarn off their hands before it ends up in the trash. (Check the rules of your local freecycle. Some require that you post something to give away free before you can ask for something)

Where to Buy Yarn Cheap

I rarely pay full price for a skein of yarn. If you watch for sales and use coupons, click on eBay, and visit yard sales and thrift stores, you won't either.

After yards sales and thrift stores, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores are my favorite places to find yarn rather inexpensively. Sign up at HobbyLobby.com and Jo-Ann.com to receive email alerts for upcoming sales. Hobby lobby provides a weekly coupon to print and it is often for one item at 40% off regular price. If you live close enough to a Hobby Lobby store, you could use a coupon every day and enjoy a substantial savings on a crochet or knit project.

Big Lots and various dollar-type stores often have yarn in their inventory for a low price. Be careful when purchasing from such places that buy discontinued items, though. Buy enough to finish your project because that particular yarn may not be available later.

When shopping at yard sales or thrift stores, keep an eye out for crochet or knit items that are in good shape that you could easily unravel and use for another project. What you may see as an ugly color or pattern for that afghan may be the perfect shade to re-purpose into a matching scarf, hat and mitten set.

If you shop for yarn on eBay or other online auctions or stores, be watchful of additional costs. That wonderful deal that you just made may not seem so good once $10 or more shipping and handling fee is tacked onto the final price. Before check-out, search online for coupons and free shipping codes.

Purchasing yarn to support your craft of knit or crochet can be expensive, but as you can see, it doesn't have to be.

Have the yarn and need ideas on what to make? Check out my free patterns here and here.

Source: Personal experience

Marie Anne is a retired Marine MSgt who loves to save a buck. Read more from Marie Anne here.