One of the things I wish someone would have warned me about when I started working with yarn was how many leftovers I’d end up with. 😧

I don’t know about you, but I have the hardest time letting go of even the tiniest bit of yarn. After spending tons of hours and sometimes tons of money on a project it seems like such a waste to just throw away what yarn is left.

So, if you’re like me and you’ve been crocheting for a while you probably have a pretty big stash of scrap yarn laying around.

The good news? Scrap yarn is some of the most fun yarn to work with, especially for crochet. From cozy blankets to quick gifts, there are so many creative ways to turn those leftovers into something you’ll actually use.

In this post, I’m sharing crochet-friendly ways to use up scrap yarn, organized by project type, and featuring patterns from talented makers (myself included 😉) you can find on Etsy and around the web.

My hope is that we can all find some inspiration to use up some of our stash and make something beautiful.

Tips For Working With Scrap Yarn

Before we dive in to our stash, there are some helpful tips I’d like to share when it comes to working with scraps of yarn.

🧶 Scrap projects don’t need perfect color matches. The magic of a scrap project comes from the randomness and “chaos” of the color choices. Feel free to work with a variety of all of the colors you have and see what happens. I have often found that when I try to control the colors too much it doesn’t look as good. I recommend letting go of the control and let the colors land where they may.

🧶 Managing ends can be a big deterrent to working with scrap yarn. Luckily there are a number of different methods to join your scraps together to avoid having a million ends to weave in at the end. When it comes to scrap projects, knots are our friends! Check out the Russian Join or Magic Knot when working with acrylics or cottons. If you are using all natural animal fiber like wool or alpaca, you also have the option to felt the ends together. Not having as many ends to weave in will help you get your project from start to finished faster and that is a win in my book!

🧶 Group like yarns together. If you tend to work with various fibers and weights it can be a good idea to get them sorted before starting a scrap project. I recommend sorting by weight and then by fiber content. This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. After washing my Madigan Blanket for the first time, I discovered I had used some wool fiber for one color intead of the acrylic I had used for the rest. The wool felted in the wash and now I have a section of my blanket that is a lot thicker and tighter than the rest. 🤦 Keeping your scraps sorted will help with these types of issues and you’ll better know the proper way to care for your finishe piece.

Now that we feel a bit more prepared, let’s dive into all the ways we can use up our scraps!

Blankets

Scrap yarn and blankets are a match made in crochet heaven. Granny squares, motifs, stripes, and textured stitches all thrive on color changes, making blankets one of the easiest ways to use up leftovers of all sizes. Whether you’re working with tiny bits or half skeins, scrap blankets are perfect for experimenting with color and creating something truly one-of-a-kind.

Mini Crochet Hexagons by EmmaCMakes- This is such a great project that for small bits of yarn. It can be made in any weight or fiber and can be made to so many different sizes. I especially love that you can work up little bits at a time and just keep joining more as you go.
Patchwork Quilt by A Stitch Whimsey- I love a good patchwork quilt and this one is even better because it’s crochet! There are so many options with this one and will look amazing in a full rainbow of colorful scraps.
Crochet Northeasterly Blanket by Katy Stevens Studio- This one is giving me all the heart eyes. I’m a sucker for a good chevron and this one is perfection. I love that it is an easy stitch and is join as you go. Plus you could even make a skinny version and wear it as a scarf!
Sassy Scrap Blanket by Sass and Stitch- I love a modern take of on a classic crochet blanket. I would recommend pairing your scraps with a single solid color yarn to keep it cohesive. Plus the little edging details is gorgeous.
Comfort Blanket by Nancysaid- Nothing beats a blanket that also brings comfort and calm. This one is perfect for larger scraps and extra skeins you don’t know what to do with. The repetitive stitches are great for those days you just want a mindless make.
Madigan Blanket by Meghan Makes Do- I made this one back during Covid times when we were all stuck at home with nothing to do. It was such a fun make along and it helped me use up so many of the little balls of yarn I had laying around. It was originally a mystery crochet along free on my blog.

Baskets

Crochet baskets are surprisingly forgiving when it comes to scrap yarn. They’re great for using up heavier-weight leftovers or holding multiple strands together to create structure. Plus, scrap-yarn baskets have a charming, eclectic look that works beautifully for home organization.

Scrap Yarn Basket by The Burgundy Basket - If you’re looking for a great scrap buster, this one is a must. I love that it creates such a unique basket that is similar to a rope basket.
Scrappy Yarn Baskets by KehrerBerryCrafts- I love these little baskets so much. They can be used in so many ways. Perfect for holding your wips, jewelry, yarn balls, fruit, etc.
Hanging Scrap Baskets by Lookatwhatimade- These little hanging baskets are a great way to use up little balls of yarn. Since you hold the strands together you’ll get through more and create such a fun design as you go. Find the free pattern at the link above.

Bags

Bags are an excellent scrap-busting project because they often use small amounts of yarn per color and look amazing with bold, unexpected combinations. From market totes to zipper pouches, crochet bags let you turn leftover yarn into something practical and totally giftable.

Scrappy Sedona Shoulder Bag by Busted Hook- You can’t tell me this bag isn’t the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen! I love how you an pair it with already made handles to give it that polished look.
The Bag of Hue by Mels Homemade Craft- What a wonderful use of scraps and granny squares. This bag is so cute and functional. It would also be a great way to use up scraps of coordinating colors.
Crochet Tote Bag pattern by Geoni Patterns- I love that this huge scrap bag is beginner friendly. It is so roomy and will create the coolest stripes using little bits of scrap yarn.
Tote Bag by The Burgundy Basket- You know I love big bags and this one is amazing. I love the simple construction and the beautiful way the yarns intertwine.
The Gatlin Bag by Meghan Makes Do- This one I originally made using four random balls of vintage yarn I traded at a maker’s retreat. I love the it has the look of scrap yarn so I know it would be perfect made using little balls of your leftover yarn. You can also find the free pattern here on the blog.

Cardigans & Sweaters

While garments might seem intimidating for scrap yarn, many crochet cardigans and sweaters are designed with panels, stripes, or color blocks that make them perfect for using leftovers. Scrap-yarn wearables are cozy, creative, and a great way to make a statement piece that no one else will have.

Blockbuster 2 in 1 by Manateesquares- How amazing is this pattern? I love that you can make either a cardigan or a pullover with just one pattern. This is a great stash buster for those larger balls of yarn you have left over from other projects. The color combos are endless and so much fun!
Scrappi Cardi by Pretty in Pate- This cardigan is adorable! It is the perfect make as you go project since you can make a square every time you have some leftover yarn and slowly add to it as you go. I have this on my list to make with all my scraps from the year.
The Scrappy Cardy by WhatEleMakes- This is such a beautiful cardigan using stripes of colors to create the perfect scrap busting project. It would look amazing in a rainbow of colors or even neutrals.
Oversized Granny Cardi by JaNah- Obsessed is an understatement. I absolutely love this oversized granny cardi. It looks like the coziest way to use up your scraps.

Amigurumi

Amigurumi is one of the best ways to use up small scraps of yarn. Tiny amounts go a long way, and mixing colors can add personality and charm. These projects are ideal for leftovers that aren’t enough for anything else—and they’re great for quick makes or handmade gifts.

Scrap Yarn Toy by LHCPatterns- How cute is this little scrappy yarn toy? This is such a great way to use up scraps, plus you can even use scraps as stuffing too!
Amigurumi Affirmations by Lee Sartori- My friend Lee has created the most amazing amigurumi book. It is filled with so many adorable little amis and the best part is they only take a small amount of yarn, perfect for using up little scraps. Added bonus is they also come with little card with affirmations you can attach to them. They would make such fun little gifts.
No Sew Bunny by Crafts by Linda- I’m obsessed with these sweet little bunnies. The pattern calls for the fluffy blanket yarn, but I bet you could totally make a smaller version using some worsted weight scraps too. This pattern is sure to give your leftover scraps a whole new life and will be loved by whoever receives it.
Cahla the Scrappy Cow by Johannamigurumi- I can’t wait to make my own little scrappy cow. I love that you can use tiny balls of scraps to make this adorable little guy. Mix and match the spots to create multiple looks.

Hats

Hats are fast, satisfying projects that don’t require much yarn, making them perfect for scrap yarn. Whether you’re adding stripes, colorwork, or textured stitches, scrap hats are a great way to experiment without committing to a full skein.

Beanie Bundle by Woolymamacrochet- I love that you get four hat options in one with this beanie pattern. It’s great for using up smaller balls of yarn and you can make so many variations that each one will be truly one of a kind.
Granny Stitch Beanie by Stuido1218- I love the granny stitch. Paired with scraps of yarn held together give it such a modern and fun look. Plus Brandi includes instructions for joining yarns so you don’t have a tons of ends to weave in! That’s a win win.
Scrap Buster Beanie by CAABcrochet- This one is almost like a secret scrap pattern because if you use up larger balls of yarn, no one will know that it was made from scraps. 🤫 You can also find a free version of this pattern on Esther’s blog.
Magnus Hat by MeghanMakesDo- Although I didn’t originally design this hat with scraps of yarn, I’ve always thought it would make a great scrap buster. I recommend doing the brim and the single crochet rounds with one solid color and then using all your tiny scraps for the double crochet rounds. Find the free version here on the blog.

Self-Care

Self-care crochet projects are often small, practical, and quick to make which is exactly what scrap yarn is best for. From spa accessories to cozy home items, these projects let you turn leftover yarn into something you’ll reach for again and again.

The Savon Set by DebrosseNYC- I love the simple stitches of these washcloths. You can easily work up a set using leftover cotton yarn you have in your stash. They also make a great gift paired with some yummy smelling hand soap.
Linen Stitch Kitchen Set by kjbryandesigns- This lovely little set is such a great use of little balls of yarn. You can pick colors that coordinate with your kitchen or just randomly pick to get a unique look.
Washcloth and Face Scrubbie by CozyCoz- Those little face scrubbies are a must! I love that they are reusable and they are small enough to be made using scraps of cotton yarn. You could make up a bunch and always have one ready to go. They also would make great gifts!
Easy Crochet Washcloth by VictoriaMelekDesign- I love this little scrubby washcloth. It includes a strap on the back to slide your hand into and a little loop to hang it up to dry. This would be ideal for a larger ball of left over cotton yarn, but you could also make it with multiple colors for a fun and funky look.
Soap Sacks by S.A.C.K- I love what Stacy has started with her soap sacks. These are super simple sacks you can make with scrap yarns. You can then add a bar of soap and donate them to a locally to help those in need. What a great way to use up your yarn and give back to your community. They have a TON of free patterns to choose from and tons of resources on their website.

Scrap yarn doesn’t have to sit in a bin waiting for the “perfect” project. With the right patterns, those leftovers can become some of your favorite makes.

If you’ve been saving scraps “just in case,” I hope this list inspires you to finally put them to use and support some amazing crochet designers along the way.

Happy Crocheting,
Meghan