This post was written by Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten
We all have them – scraps of left over yarn that we save hoping to find that perfect little project for them. Since we are often in need to make little stocking-stuffer type gifts for the holidays, this is the perfect time of year to use up our saved scraps! Here are five holiday yarn projects that are not only perfect for yarn left-overs, but work up quickly into adorable little projects.
1. 
Crocheted Christmas Baubles: These little ornaments are absolutely adorable. Just like the classic glass ball ornaments of years past, these ornaments will look great on the Christmas tree. Consider even using one as a topper on a pile of gifts with a ribbon!
2. Mug Inspired Flake: Snowflakes go hand-in-hand with winter and Christmas. This pattern for a mug-inspired flake has a delicate look. Make several and hang one in each window for not just the holiday season, but the entire winter to keep some homemade sparkle nearby through the dark days of winter.
3. Beginner Christmas Wreath Ornament: If this is your first time making handmade items for the Christmas season, this little wreath ornament is a perfect place to start. Once the wreath is made and stiffened, it will last as an ornament for years to come.
4. Candy Canes: One treat everyone looks forward to Christmastime is candy canes! This is a great candy cane pattern to use up bits of red and white yarn. This is also an easy pattern for children first learning to crochet. Make up a bunch of these and hang them all over the tree!
5. Candy Stocking Ornament: I remember my Grandmother making something very similar to this candy stocking ornament when I was young. I still have several of them to this day and cherish every one of them. You can now make your own family heirlooms by following this quick and easy pattern. This is by far one of my favorite little patterns for the holidays.
These are just a few of the many patterns available that provide great ways to use up those little scraps of yarn you have left over from larger projects, but can’t just throw away unused. Use them to enjoy some quiet time during this crazy holiday season and give them as stocking-stuffer gifts. These patterns are also great ways to share a moment with a loved one and teach them to crochet. These projects work up quickly so new crocheters, especially children, can have a quick success! You never know, by making some of these little projects, you may be giving someone the gift of a life-long love of crochet.
What can you crochet with your scraps?
- Crochet Pattern of the Day: Butterfly Wings Scarf - February 28, 2021
- Our Favorite Crochet Bag Patterns - February 20, 2021
- Head to Toe: Free Knitting Patterns for Beginners - February 19, 2021
I’m looking forward to finding new and old free crochet patterns
I crochet 5-sided Grannies. Then I fold them in half. I slip stitch in a contrasting color across the bottom and up the side, leaving the top open. I then chain 15 and slip stitch to opening to make a loop. Then I load these with candy canes or pencils or candy sticks and give them as Christmas presents.
oh, dear, one year, long ago, i crocheted 500 white thread snowflakes, 2 to 5 inches, each a different pattern, each starched, stretched and sprayed. some of them are still around today. i can no longer do small things; so i give all my leftovers to my nieces.
I randomly pick up a ball of yarn, pick up a second ball and tie them together and roll. I continue doing this till I have a huge ball of multi-colored thread. Once I have a basket full of huge balls, I hold 3 strands together and use a P hook to crochet a big square. It is a real treat to watch the patterns change as I crochet. I make different size squares and donate them to the animal shelter to use as mats in animal cages. They are colorful, thick and so much better than a cold floor. It doesn’t matter what size leftover yarn, you can use it all with this project.
I have so many scrap pieces of yarn. There are some wonderful ideas here. What an inspiring post from cecilia knuckles. You should be commended. I love that idea.
Chemo Caps can be made from scraps as well. Just pair together some complementary colors and donate to the nearest hospital with a cancer floor or chemo center.
Thanks for these. I look forward to trying them. I absolutely love cecelia knuckles’s idea about tying the ends together and making mats. (These could also be welcome mats or rugs.)
I really love the Christmas bauble .
I need you to email your pattern of directions.
Thank you Debbie.