Braided Yarn Crafts

So much yarn, so many crafts.

Knitters and crocheters working with yarn tend to wind up at loose ends. That is; as they finish projects, extra pieces of yarn (too short to be made into things like blankets or mittens) fill up their yarn baskets. But there's no reason to throw away these remnants when they lend themselves so well to simple, quick crafts that can be played with, worn or used for decoration.

Bookmarks

Keep the braid flat to protect the book.

You can purchase or make cardboard blanks for bookmarks. Punch a hole in the top and secure a braid of yarn for an easy placeholder. Or you can create bookmarks completely out of yarn. Choose a variety of colors to braid together into a long strip with knots at either end; make a loop at one end and secure short yarn strands through it for a tassle look; you can even braid together thinner braids.

Toys

Use different colors for bright, fun toys.

The essential parts of a braided yarn toy are the interior stuffing and the exterior yarn braids. For a doll this can be as simple as braiding groups of yarn to make hair, securing them with glue, or sewing them to a cloth doll head. Other crafts, such as a yarn octopus, involve wrapping pieces of yarn around a soft middle, such as cotton balls, securing them with more yarn, then braiding the remaining lengths into legs.

Jewelry

Measure wrists and ankles to make jewelry for them.

Also called wearable art, it's easy to make necklaces, bracelets, ankle bracelets and even rings out of braided yarn. The simplest form is to braid together the colors you like and knot them together at the end. However; you can embellish them with beads or charms, and even use jump rings to attach them to each other, or to pieces of chain or a clasp for added security and a different look.

Decor

Decorate plant hangers with braided yarn.

Braided yarn makes a variety of home decor crafts. Using a thick, absorbent yarn, make a braid and coil it around itself, securing it with thread to make a colorful drink coaster. Braid two colors of yarn around a wire hanger to keep your clothing from slipping to the floor. Use thick braids, along with large jump rings and beads, to make a holder for a potted plant. Braid a new handle for your knitting or crocheting bag.

References

• FreeKidsCrafts.com: Braided Bookmarks
• Kaboose: Yarn Octopus
• Craftzine; How-To Tuesdays: Fabric Scrap Necklace; Jenny Ryan; June 2009
• The Crafty Gardener: Braided Covered Coathangers

Resources

• Cyberseams: How to Braid
• Provocraft: Braided Tube Scarf
• Carolyn's Homework: Upcycling: T-Shirt Yarn Braided Coasters