Even if you neither knit nor crochet, there are a lot of interesting and creative ways to craft with yarn. Especially if you have leftover yarn from other projects or thrift partial skeins on the cheap. So if you’ve been looking for some yarn crafts and project inspiration, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. And none of them require knitting or crocheting expertise!
Pom Poms on Pillows
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are a lot of tutorials out there for upcycled sweater pillows, but this one’s my favorite. Not only are the pillows bright, colorful, and take advantage of fun sweater designs, but check out the corners. They’ve been embellished with fun pom poms made with regular old yarn in a coordinating color.
Modern Wall Hanging
Image credit: DIY Candy.
It’s modern, it’s bohemian, and it doesn’t require any macrame skills. And yet it’s still gorgeous and full of texture as wall decor. This modern wall hanging is a great way to create something impactful without needing any special fiber craft skills.
Yarn Crafts for the Planet
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
By now, we’ve all learned just how toxic our beloved dryer sheets can be. So, if you’re trying to break the habit of using them, these DIY wool dryer balls may be a great alternative. Made from 100% wool yarn, these help fluff up your laundry as it dries, as well as combat static at the same time.
Christmas Tree Collar
Image credit: The Crafty Lumberjacks.
Christmas tree collars have become “the thing” these days and this upcycled version uses yarn to create a plaid pattern. Would you believe that this DIY tree collar also started off as an old lampshade?
Weaving on a…Pizza Pan?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This woven wall hanging started out as a pizza pan on a thrift store shelf, believe it or not. But, the results are contemporary and surprisingly stylish for a Boho or eclectically-styled home.
Leftover Yarn Crafts
Image credit: Dukes and Duchesses.
Some of these yarn crafts require more effort than others, but this yarn ball garland isn’t one of them. Fresh and colorful, this garland is an absolutely perfect craft project for anyone who’s amassed lots of leftover yarn in a rainbow of colors.
Jumbo Cross Stitch
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If traditional cross stitch intimidates you or your eyesight can’t handle those dainty stitches, then this is the perfect solution. Oversized cross stitch on pressed cane is easy to do AND easy on the eyes- and since this one uses chunky yarn, it comes together very quickly.
Shaggy Yarn Crafts
Image credit: The Crafty Lumberjacks.
Throw pillows have been a staple of home decorating for decades, but they’ve gotten awfully expensive in recent years. So, making your own pillow covers is a great way to change up the look without breaking the bank. And this shag version is a fabulous yarn craft that anyone can do (AND stay on budget).
Yarn Woven Planters
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
Speaking of home decor trends that are having a moment, can we talk about houseplants for a second? All of mine may be of the faux variety, but they’d still look amazing in one of these woven planters! Guess I’ll be gathering some yarn for this project, as well…
Yarn Crafts with Baskets
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
Sometimes large, flat baskets have an open weave- and when they do, some basic stitching with yarn is an easy way to embellish them! Whether seasonal or just decorative, this is a yarn craft that even a beginner can master.
Traditional Weaving on an Unorthodox Loom
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once upon a time, glass casserole dishes came with wooden racks that made them easy to carry from the kitchen to the table for family style dinners. But those wooden racks are mostly obsolete in today’s home, so why not turn one into a standing loom for a modern weaving project like this?
Fun and Fluffy Wreath
Image credit: Girl, Just DIY.
I never know if it’s pompom or pom pom, but I do know that they can come together to make the cheeriest, fluffiest wreath ever! Not only does this pompom wreath look fabulous, but it’s such a terrific way to use up all sorts of leftover yarn, too.
Ghost Pillow
Image credit: Our Crafty Mom.
If you can snip yarn and use a hot glue gun, then this adorable ghost pillow should definitely be on your Halloween crafting radar. It looks so fresh and trendy, no one will ever guess that you made it yourself.
Rainbow Yarn Crafts
Image credit: The Crafty Lumberjacks.
Don’t you love yarn crafts that are easy to make and look wonderful when you’re done? This DIY rainbow wall hanging checks all those boxes and more.
Tennis Racket Cross Stitch
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
No one plays with wooden tennis rackets anymore, which means they are ideal for upcycling projects. And the large, rigid grid formed by the racket strings is just begging for jumbo cross stitch like this. Of course, you could create any simple design you want- it definitely doesn’t have to be Christmas-inspired at all!
Color Block Wall Decor
Image credit: Artsy Pretty Plants.
I’ve always been partial to unique wall decor projects, so this DIY ring and yarn project really caught my eye. What an impactful way to cover a lot of vertical real estate without breaking the bank in the process…
Yarn Pumpkins
Image credit: The Navage Patch.
There are a lot of DIY pumpkin crafts out there. But I gotta say, these yarn pumpkins are particularly cute. And as someone who loves yarn crafts and Fall, this little project is right up my alley.
Cane Furniture Cross Stitch
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are a LOT of vintage cane furniture pieces out there, some of which aren’t in great condition. But if the pressed cane is intact (which is surprising, given where I found this table), it is a fantastic canvas for jumbo cross stitch projects with yarn.
Yarn Crafts on Canvas
Image credit: The Crafty Lumberjacks.
Using yarn on canvas is another fun way to create unique and modern wall art. And like this, it makes me think of Mola pieces from Panama. Yet another one of those yarn crafts that doesn’t require needlework or knotting techniques to create it, either.
Yarn Crafts and Project Ideas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
As much as I love and admire anyone who can knit or crochet with ease, it’s nice to know there are other yarn crafts out there. And I hope these craft projects have inspired you to take advantage how just how diverse yarn crafts can be! Keep your eyes out for partial skeins at thrift stores and DEFINITELY check to see if there’s a Creative Reuse Center or store in your area, too. You’ll be non-knitting and non-crocheting in no time with these fun and easy crafts using yarn, that’s for sure.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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