I mention my kits below,because this article is probably of more use to someone who has completed a kit and doesn’t have a massive stash. It’s posted here because it might be of interest to other crafters too,who have small amounts of different materials.

Did you buy a Carry Yarn Stitching kit? Good choice!

If you are reading this,you have probably finished the project. I hope you enjoyed it,but don’t forget you can email me at any time with questions or comments.

What to do with your crochet leftovers

I hate waste as much as you do,so I hope I can give you a few ideas for using the remainder of materials in the kit,or whatever you have in your existing stash.

Top option:make another!

I try to give you enough ingredients,but not too many,so hopefully you aren’t in this situation. If you have run out of one or two items,check you stash to see if you have some already. By doing this,you might find you can make another for yourself,a friend,or sneakily put it away as a gift. Heck,it’s almost Christmas! If there aren’t enough materials to make another,can the project be scaled down,such as making a bracelet or phone charm instead of a necklace?

Leftover thread or yarn

It’s a simple fact that people crochet with different tensions,personally mine tends to be medium to loose,depending on my mood. If you are going to have some leftovers,my bet would be on yarn scraps. If you have over a metre,what about using it to experiment with a new technique like hairpin lace or Tunisian crochet? Ask me,if you need help grasping a new technique.

For smaller amounts,consider making some of these tiny flowers which can be used for papercrafting,greetings cards,or general decorating anything from t-shirts to books.

Not feeling very flowery? Have a go at freeform crochet or knitting,or use it to explore mixed media.

Even the smallest scraps can be added to a mystery yarn ball (well,providing you can tie two knots in it). The delight of these is that you don’t know what colour or texture is coming next,and you may find a wonderful yarn which reminds you of an old project. The hardest part is know where to keep the ball whilst you are making it. I keep a bag next to me,or in my bag,for scraps,then tie them on randomly every so often.

If none of those options appeal to you,your yarn scraps can also be used for embroidery (especially as a short crouching thread),tying plants up,or as a fascinating cat toy.

Beads and buttons

If you have two,they might make interesting eyes for soft toy,an amigurumi treat,or crochet some little monsters from rectangles or circles whipstitched together and stuffed. These are particularly good for using up odd buttons. They don’t seem to mind,and it brings out their personality.

A single button of bead can be included in another craft project (think embroidery,patchwork,or papercrafts),or used as a fastener for a necklace. If the colour doesn’t coordinate,consider covering the button fabric or crochet. Make a simple buttonhole using a loop of chain stitches joined with a slipstitch,or go to town with a more elaborate border.

Fabric scraps

Use small pieces for patchwork,particularly crazy patchwork when the pieces don’t need to match. This can be made by hand or machine,and embellished afterwards. You might want to take a look at yo-yos (not the stringy ones!) and flowers.

If you have bought a beginners kit and you’ve read this post,you are probably already on the slippery slope of crafting which ends in 5 sewing machines,a sheep,or several cats. You might want to get on top of those scraps before you end up moving house or extending to make space for a craft room.

Which reminds me,I need to put up shelves.

Happy crafting! Please tell me your own favourite ways of using up scraps.

Be Sociable,Share!

•