How to Make a Throw With Leftover Yarn

Use the skills you already have to make a scrap blanket.

If you have a stash of leftover yarn, you likely already know how to crochet or knit. Using up your leftovers by making a throw is a good way to create an extra project without incurring any supply costs. Since you are using leftover yarns, you should hand wash the throw you make. Different yarns have different care requirements, and while some can be machine washed, others cannot. Hand washing will keep your finished throw looking its best year after year.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Knitting needles or crochet hook
• Scissors

Instructions

Knitting

1. Sort the yarns by color. Choose a color layout you like and put the balls in order.

2. Choose a pair of knitting needles that will work with the yarns you have on hand.

3. Pick your first yarn and cast on 125 stitches using your favorite method.

4. Knit each row until you use up one ball of yarn. Attach the next ball in the pile and continue knitting.

5. Stop knitting and cast off when the throw is as large as you would like, or when you run out of yarn. If you don't have enough yarn to complete a full-sized throw, continue to add leftovers as you complete other projects.

Crocheting

1. Sort out your yarns and arrange them however you like. You can group like colors together, sort by brightness or alternate light and dark colors.

2. Choose a hook that works with the majority of the yarn.

3. Chain 127 stitches using the first color.

4. Single Crochet (SC) in the third chain from the hook and then single crochet across to the end and turn.

5. Change to the next yarn and single crochet the next row across. Continue crocheting one row at a time, using a new yarn for each row, until the throw is the size you want, or until you run out of yarn. Fasten off and use or display the finished throw as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Sort your yarns by color or use them randomly. Each method will produce a different end result.

• If you have a yarn that is much thinner than the rest, use it double stranded to bulk it up and match the weight of the remaining yarns.

• Cast on more or fewer stitches to alter the size of the throw.

• You'll need about 32 ounces of yarn to complete a throw; if you have significantly less than this in leftovers, wait until you accumulate more or buy extra yarn for the project.

References

• "The Knitter's Book of Wool"; Clara Parkes; 2009
• "Craftcycle: 100+ Earth-Friendly Projects and Ideas for Everyday Living"; Heidi Boyd; 2009