There are lots of things you can make with yarn that don’t require you to crochet or knit. Which is great because I’m not very good at either, but I love yarn crafts. Yarn is a great craft item because it’s super easy to work with and doesn’t cost that much (unless you’re buying skein after skein, instead of just one). Yarn is a great thing for kids to mess around with too because they can make some pretty spectacular stuff without making a gigantic mess. So, without further ado, here is my list of things you can make with yarn. Let it inspire you and get you started, but feel free to come up with your own cool stuff too.
1 Yarn Dolls
I was completely enchanted when I was a kid and my mom taught me to make yarn dolls. That’s why they top my list of fun things you can make with yarn. To make one, cut about 35 lengths of yarn of equal lengths, about 1 ½ feet long. Remove five strings and set them aside. Fold the entire bundle of yarn in half and tie one of the strings around the entire bundle about an inch or so from the fold. This is the doll’s head. Next separate out two arms and two legs of about eight strings each. Use your remaining strings to tie the ends of the arms and legs. For a girl doll, you can skip the legs and leave the bottom to look like a dress.
Frequently asked questions
2 Bracelets
I’m a huge fan of unique jewelry that isn’t the same as what everyone else is wearing. I’m not a fan of spending a ton of money on it though. To make a simple but beautiful bracelet, cut 21 lengths of yarns of the same length. Tie the top of one end and braid the yarn to the end, tying it off there too while connecting it to the other end. Embellish your bracelet with charms or a bow if you want.
3 Landscapes
Instead of using paint to create a stunning landscape, try using yarn. Sketch the image you want to create on a canvas. Working in small sections by color, use a paintbrush to sweep glue across each portion of the landscape. Fill them in with small pieces of yarn. You can also swirl a longer piece of yarn to fill in the space. Let the glue dry before hanging your masterpiece.
***
Instead of using paint to create a stunning landscape, try using yarn. Sketch the image you want to create on a canvas. Working in small sections by color, use a paintbrush to sweep glue across each portion of the landscape. Fill them in with small pieces of yarn. You can also swirl a longer piece of yarn to fill in the space. Let the glue dry before hanging your masterpiece. Enhance the scene by combining different textures and yarn thicknesses to add depth. Experiment with blending colors to achieve a seamless look and bring your yarn landscape to life with a unique touch.
4 Wreath
There’s nothing I love more than a wreath and yarn is a great medium for creating one. Grab a Styrofoam wreath from the craft store. Use a dab of hot glue to adhere the end of a skein of yarn to the back of the wreath. Wrap the yarn around the wreath, making sure to cover every bit of Styrofoam as you go. When you get to the end, cut the yarn and glue it to the back of the wreath. Add some faux flowers or the numbers of your address and you have a beautiful new item to hang on your front door.
5 Christmas Trees
This is a fun holiday craft that only takes a small amount of time, but results in something fabulous. Start with a couple of cardboard cones, which you can find at any craft store. Use your favorite holiday colored yarn and glue the end underneath on the inside of the cone. Wrap it around the cone from bottom to top, gluing where necessary to hold the yarn in place. Embellish the trees with craft puffballs, small Christmas ornaments or even some jingle bells. Use one color of yarn, or mix and match for a colorful decoration you’ll love.
6 Coasters
These totally remind me of my great-grandma. I was lucky enough to have her until I was a mother myself, but she had a home filled with yarn crafts. Go to the craft store and buy some thick plastic mesh in small square shapes. You’ll find them where the yarn is sold. Then, thread a large needle with your yarn and weave it in and out of the holes in the mesh. Knot the ends to hold them in place.
7 Scarf
Don’t worry – I’m not going back on my word. This craft involves zero knitting or crocheting. Cut some very long pieces of yarn. I’d start with nine strands at about 10 feet each. Line them up and tie off one end with a small piece of yarn. Braid the strands down to the end and tie that one off the same way. Loop the scarf several times around your neck to give it some depth (that’s why you made it so long). True, it’s more decorative than functional, but that’s fun, right?
What do you do with yarn? Will you try any of these projects? Let me know how they turn out!
