Have you ever thought about reusing your yarn from an old project or from a sweater? It’s possible! Reuse and recycle yarn to create new projects easily.
Many years ago, I knitted my mom a scarf. It was when I was first figuring out the whole knitting thing and I didn’t know any cool stitches. How hard can it be? I based it off of one of her favorite scarves. The scarf was made out of a thin, silky material which is very different from a bulky knit. So this scarf ended up very think, wide and bulky. It was ideal for yard duty while my mom was teaching, but she is retired now and needs something a little more stylish.
I took it from her at Christmas with promises of returning it looking much prettier.
It’s pretty easy to unravel, prep, and reuse your old yarn. PLUS if you have an old sweater you don’t wear anymore. Unravel that thing! and make it into something you will actually wear.
So I would recommend wrapping your yarn around something as you unravel it. I just left it as a big mess and it was super time consuming to untangle the mess after it was washed. Wrap it around something that can get wet and losing hold the yarn. You still want it to get very wet and loosen in the water.
At this point, your yarn probably looks like a mound of spaghetti.
Don’t worry, it will look normal once you wash it. I used Eucalan to wash all of my knit projects. You don’t have to rise it and it smells really good. I highly recommend it. You can pick it up at any yarn store or online.
After your yarn is washed. Roll it in towel to get as much water as you can. Do not twist and squeeze the water out – you don’t want to distort or stretch your yarn.
I used a chair for this next step, but there are plenty of things you could use. Wrap your yarn around something to dry. The thinner the yarn is wrapped the quicker it will dry.
After it is dry, wrap it up I used a chopstick to wrap my yarn around. it worked pretty well. Now your yarn is ready to be used again!
I haven’t decided what my re-vamped scarf is going to look like but I will share it when it is finished.
Diana says
There goes my scarf. I used it so many times on yard duty at 10 degrees outside and even as part of a Halloween costume. Now what will you make me? I’m feeling very selfish.
Lauren says
You’re not selfish! I was never super happy with it anyway. It will be much prettier when you get it back.
Rachel says
That is such a neat idea!! I never knew you could do that. So many things I’ve thrown away! Thanks for sharing.
Lauren says
It came out great and practically looks unused.
Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says
I really wish knitting and I connected. I’ve tried but never been able to finish a scarf. Maybe I should stick with something smaller!
Lauren says
Try dishcloths! They are small and easy to finish. When I started making those it all clicked and I enjoyed. Scarves can be a little overwhelming and time consuming.
kelsey says
wow! this is cool! no idea why i’ve never thought of it
Lauren says
Thanks Kelsey. It’s always nice to be able to create something new from an old project.
Catherine says
Good for you for reusing an old project! I love finding new uses for old things. It’ll give the new project even more of a history.
Lauren says
I always like to give new life to old projects!
Bea says
I am so impressed – love the idea; now I just have to find something to unravel.
Lauren says
I do want to try an old sweater next. It might be hard to find something high quality with thick enough yarn but it will be a fun find at a thrift store I’m sure.