Finding Free Crochet Patterns and Ideas For Scrap Yarn Projects

How is your stash? I am not being personal. Most crocheters have a stash, consisting of odd balls, or skeins, of yarn left over from other projects, yarn bought and then hidden from spouses or partners, yarn they bought for a project and then rejected for something better. Eventually these balls and skeins multiply into a huge pile and become embarrassing, causing comment from people, who do not understand the crocheter’s need for yarn. When a stash becomes embarrassing, it is time to do something about it, but what can you do with disparate balls of yarn. Do not worry; you can crochet many projects, to make your stash smaller, so easing friction in your home. Free crochet internet patterns can help you with ideas for the perfect scrap yarn project for you.

Sort your stash into its respective yarn weights, and see just what you have before you decide on your project. One very effective project for using up a huge stash is a sampler Afghan. Crochet a central square and then crochet around it in different colours using different stitch combinations, you might want to use all textured stitches or all lacy stitches or a combination of the two. You could make granny squares and use them to make an Afghan, or a tote bag. At Crochet Pattern Central, there are six free scrap yarn Afghan patterns and several granny square Afghan patterns.

About.com Crochet has a directory of links to free scrap yarn patterns. There are some excellent patterns, including the pretty scrap-yarn shawl pattern, as well as various motif patterns.

Crochetroo blog spot offers the Daisy Chain Beanie, a stash-busting project that certainly does not look as though it is scrap yarn project. The crochet crowd has the scarf infinity collar, which is just the thing to brighten winter days. The effective EKG scrap pillow pattern (PDF file) would be very useful to those who have dark and bright colours in their stash. Craft Gossip has some innovative ideas for using scrap yarn and links to free patterns. Red Heart Yarns has the glorious scrap quilt throw. Rainbow Valley has several free patterns for scrap projects, the Yoyo clown, rainbow caterpillar, Humpty Dumpty, and the colourful eggs would all make excellent scrap projects and most of the patterns have both US and UK instructions. These would be perfect for gifts, charity fundraisers, or bazaar items. Moogly lists ten free patterns, which use only 10 yards of yarn. Other ideas for small yarn lengths include bookmarks, pincushions, and toys.

Ravelry has 21 free scrap-yarn crochet patterns. Their thumbnail photographs provide a colourful feast for crocheters. Choose between pet beds, pet cuddle blankets, Afghans, a cardigan, a key ring pouch and various other items.

Crocheters enjoy crocheting for good causes. Scrap yarn crochet is can make an excellent charity project. Many charities gratefully accept crochet projects, a quick search on the internet will reveal local charities, which will accept crochet items. Whether you want to use your yarn stash to crochet toys, clothing or Afghans or other items you are sure to find a charity accepting those type of items. Animal shelters are always looking for blankets and toys for the animals in their care.

Other ideas for stash busting projects include scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, pot holders, bags, pet items, toys for children, pets or for charitable gifts or raffle or tombola prizes, sweaters (for colourful people), and tea cozies. Make them for yourself, your family, friends, or pets. The only limit is your imagination. Crochet a scrap project today and bust that embarrassing stash.