I believe every strand of yarn has a story to tell – even the tiny scraps that others might toss in the bin.

Someone once said, “There’s no such thing as waste, only possibilities waiting to be discovered.” After decades of creating everything from practical kitchen essentials to enchanted children’s toys, Connie has mastered the art of zero-waste crochet – and honestly, some of our most beloved pieces have been born from what others might consider “leftovers.”

The Magic of Scrap Salvation

Those little yarn tails from finished projects? The half-skeins that didn’t quite make it into the blanket? The single balls of discontinued colours that haunt your stash? They’re not trash – they’re treasure waiting to happen. Connie’s zero-waste approach has led to some of Connie’s most creative and cherished pieces. Here are some ways you can use your scraps.

Tiny Scraps (Under 6 inches):

• Colorwork accents – Perfect for adding pops of color to plain dishcloths or market bags
• Embroidery details – Transform simple crocheted pieces into works of art with scrap yarn embellishments
• Stuffing substitute – Clean yarn scraps make excellent eco-friendly stuffing for small toys and amigurumi

Medium Scraps (6 inches to 2 yards):

• Joining strips – Use contrasting colors to join granny squares or motifs for a planned “scrappy” look
• Appliqués – Create flowers, leaves, or fun shapes to decorate larger pieces
• Hair for dolls – Nothing beats yarn scraps for giving crocheted dolls personality and character

Larger Scraps (2+ yards):

• Mini versions – Make doll-sized versions of your regular patterns
• Color-changing projects – Plan dishcloths or washcloths that shift colors as you use up different scraps
• Sample squares – Perfect for testing new stitches or color combinations

Our Family’s Favorite Scrap Projects

Bookmarks: Bookmarks take little material so they are the perfect way to use up scraps. Plus in a family full of readers, bookmarks are an important commodity.

Scrap Dishcloths: Connie won’t allow them to be sold but they are great for personal use. No two are alike, and they are a great way to ensure that less scraps end up in the landfills.

Toy Accents: Those leftover bits of sparkly yarn or unusual textures? They become the perfect details for children’s toys – dragon scales, eyes, unicorn manes, or the special trim that makes a simple stuffed animal feel magical.

The Mindful Approach to Scraps

Zero-waste crochet isn’t just about being environmentally conscious (though we love that part!). It’s about changing how we see potential. When you start viewing every scrap as an opportunity rather than waste, your creativity explodes. You begin to see colours differently, experiment with textures you might not have purchased specifically, and create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

Tips for Starting Your Own Scrap Revolution:

1. Sort by weight, not color – Group scraps by yarn weight so you can easily grab compatible pieces for projects
2. Keep a scrap journal – Note what colours and textures you accumulate most. It might inform your future purchasing decisions
3. Embrace imperfection – Some of the most beautiful pieces come from “mistakes” or unexpected colour combinations
4. Think small – Coasters, bookmarks, and small toys are perfect scrap-busters
5. Plan for scraps – When starting larger projects, consider how you might use the inevitable leftovers

The Bigger Picture

In a world of fast fashion and disposable everything, choosing to honour every strand of yarn feels like a small act of rebellion. When we create something beautiful from what others might discard, we’re not just making craft projects – we’re making statements about value, creativity, and care for our planet.

Every time someone picks up one of our scrap-born creations at the market, they’re holding proof that waste is just a failure of imagination. That tiny dishcloth made from rainbow remnants? It’s going to outlast dozens of store-bought alternatives while adding joy to someone’s daily routine.

Ready to start your own zero-waste crochet journey? Check out our selection of eco-friendly crocheted goods at upcoming markets, or send us a message about custom pieces that incorporate your own yarn scraps – because at Tied Up in Knots, we believe every thread deserves its moment to shine.

What’s your favorite way to use yarn scraps? Share your creative solutions in the comments – we’re always learning new tricks from fellow fiber artists!