Learn how to transform yarn scraps into DIY scrappy yarn you can use for fun, eco‑friendly crochet projects.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a little pile (or… ahem… a basket) of yarn tails left over from past crochet projects. They’re too short to use on their own, too cute to throw away, and just begging for a second life.
So today I’m showing you how to turn those leftover bits into a brand‑new scrappy skein of yarn.
This method is simple, beginner‑friendly, and surprisingly satisfying. Fair warning, each piece of yarn is strategically knotted together, so there are a bunch of knots throughout the skein. Don’t worry, I’m going to share some crochet project ideas in this post.
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DIY Scrappy Yarn: How to Securely Join Yarn Tails
Using this method to join yarn tails together is super simple but it does take some practice. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do it without thinking.
Before You Start: Helpful Tips
- Use yarn scraps of the same weight for the smoothest joins.
- Avoid slippery yarns.
- Sticking to a color family creates a more cohesive scrappy skein.
Last thing before we get started, this is much easier to understand via video, here is an Instagram reel I made showing this process.
Step 1: Line up the ends of the 2 tails you will be joining together and hold them between your pointer finger and your thumb.
Step 2: Wrap one of your yarn scraps around your thumb, being sure to go over both yarn scraps and under your pointer finger.
Step 3: Wrap the same yarn scrap around one more time, this time going over the tails but under both your thumb and pointer finger. Hold everything together between your two fingers.
Step 4: Tuck your tail ends over the 3rd wrap and under your thumb. I like to use my middle finger here to hold down the 3rd wrap.
Step 5: This is the tricky part so be patient with yourself. Gently pull your wrapped yarn scrap so all the loops you created slowly tighten around your two tail ends.
That’s it! Now you have very securely joined two yarn scraps together and are well on your way to creating a beautiful new ball of scrappy yarn.
Scrappy Yarn in Action: Three Crochet Swatches Compared
After I posted this tutorial on Instagram, lots of folks were asking if I would show how the yarn works up when crocheted.
Since crochet can look very different, depending on the stitches, I made 3 different swatches. For science.
Pro Tip: I like to work the yarn in a way that keeps all the knots on the same side of my work. Keeping the knots on one side makes the finished piece look cleaner.
Half Double Crochet Swatch
For the first swatch I made a few rows of half double crochet stitches.
This swatch turned out super funky and gives a real “color block” vibe. Of course, it would look much different the more stitches used in each row.
If you made a scrappy yarn ball of all cotton yarn this would make a very neat crochet wash cloth! Then you’re DOUBLE eco-friendly.
Single Crochet in the Round Swatch
Next up, I created a swatch working single crochet stitches in the round. This method would be perfect for crocheting little plushies. My Bubble Bug crochet pattern came to mind while crocheting this swatch.
Two‑Strand Thick & Textured Swatch
Last, I created a swatch holding two strands of yarn, the scrappy yarn and white yarn.
Holding these two yarns together created a very thick swatch and I love it. This one was my favorite. I think it would be perfect for crocheting Nesting Baskets or Hanging Baskets.
I hope you liked this tutorial and enjoy making your own DIY scrappy yarn! This is a great way to use up those beautiful scraps you can’t bring yourself to throw away, plus it’s good for the environment! Who doesn’t love a good eco-friendly crochet project?
Be sure to check out our free crochet pattern library for all the project inspiration.
Happy Crocheting!
🩷 Ashley
