Design, create, and finish a project without spending a dime? That’s not crazy talk—that’s just crazy knit. And, it’s okay; crazy in knitting simply means going through scrap stash yarn (which almost all knitters have, even if they don’t like to talk about it.) There is nothing not to love about this project, because the yarn does all the work.
What is Scrap Knitting
Scrap knitting is the practice by which a project is made using the odd-lot pieces of yarn lying around here or there that are too small to make an item all by themselves. Don’t ever throw leftover yarn away (not that any knitter would—it’s a true love thing) because they can be used in many pieces. A scarf is only one idea; just an easy beginning point to jump off from.
Scrap knitting can also be done with cut strips of material. Figure 1 was a scarf made out of quilt scraps. That’s probably not the best “first” project, but still would make an interesting beginner’s piece.
How a Scrap Scarf is Made
The concept is simple. Any color, size, and type of yarn can be used. Create a color pallet with the leftover pieces available (See Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 for ideas on creating a color pallet.) Once a pleasing array of colors has been chosen, start knitting. A color wheel is invaluable for planning a color scheme.
Any size needles will work. Pick a size that will best work with the scrap pallet that’s been chosen. Size 8 needles are probably a good place to start.
Cast-on. Knit a row, purl a row, knit a row, purl a row, and continue in that pattern throughout the scarf. It's best to keep the pattern simple, as there will be such a dazzling amount of color to the scarf already. Join yarns when one color runs out. Hate weaving in tails? Leave them hanging out—it’s a respectable design element. Besides, if it doesn’t look right when it’s done, the tails can always be woven in at the very end. Also, there are tricks to Hiding Knit Tails and Joins as the knitter goes along, too.
When the rows are finished, add some fringe, or leave the scarf as is. Adding loops is a nice original touch. Crochet a border, if desired. Try a new technique that’s been coveted for awhile; it’s the perfect place for novelty because fringe can easily be undone. Figure 5 illustrates a partially finished scrap yarn scarf.
What’s Next
Once an easy piece is completed, and the knitter is “converted” to scrap knitting, she will want to try something else. Hats, rugs, and throws are all popular and very viable projects. Try making a simple stockinette stitch hat on circular needles.
Consider keeping an ongoing project like an afghan; every time another project is finished, the scraps can be added to the afghan. Think of it as a living knitting journal—this section is where a boyfriend sweater was made, this part is made up of the material the knitter used to make slippers when she didn’t leave the house for 8 days after she broke up with her boyfriend, and this portion is where she made another sweater for her new boyfriend, etc…
Happy Scrapping!
Related information about Casting On: Knitting Cast-on Topics
Related information about recycling materials: Knit or Crochet with Leftover Materials
Renee Blixt - Renée Blixt holds an MBA and MHRM, and is a member of various yarn Guilds. She teaches business courses, crochet, knitting, and ...
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