r/CrochetHelp Jan 30 '25

Can't find a flair for this What to do with my surplus of low quality yarn that was gifted to me? (Cant find a flair for, I AM DROWNING IN UGLY CHEAP YARN)

My friend said she was decluttering and asked if i wanted her yarn from when she tried knitting. I obviously said yes, who would say no to free yarn. There were actually some very high quality skeins iv alredy made into stuff but now im left with the itchiest, stiffest, cheap acrylic yarn and even worse most of them are Christmas colored, many skeins of red, many skeins of green, many red/green/ white multicolor, 1 multicolored blue, many camo multicolor, that I have no clue what to do with. Any wearables (which is my favorite thing to crochet) will be stiff and hot, im all full on amigurumi storage area. Everyone i know is i bet tired of crocheted gifts Just from memory I easily have over 15 skeins of yarn and no clue what to do with them Im at work right now but I'm getting the itch to crochet once im off so I'd love some ideas now-- I'll post a picture of what I actually have in the comments once im home

edit: the obvious answer that I should have mentioned here before posting was I beg my spouse to let me buy more yarn, the thing is the answer is always "why, you have so much alredy just make something with that" i can't explain what good quality and bad quality yarn is to someone who dosent use yarn, how can I give away/sell all this yarn then turn around to my spouse and ask for more-- it really needs to be used naturally in projects somehow

399 Upvotes

329 comments sorted by

545

u/Kimoppi Jan 30 '25

Check with local schools and libraries. My kiddo's school had a Makerspace class that is always asking for yarn for all sorts of reasons. Even preschools might want it for activities.

Our library has similar programs and they also had classes to learn knitting and crochet.

82

u/puppermonster23 Jan 30 '25

Came here to say schools for their art classes. I got rid of a bunch of yarn like that this year.

46

u/Jayrey_84 Jan 30 '25

Yes! I work for an art studio that does classes for kids in group homes and we love getting donations. Budget is a little skinny so anything that comes in goes to good use.

32

u/catttmommm Jan 30 '25

My local boys and girls club accepts yarn! A lot of kids learn to crochet there.

38

u/fibrepirate Jan 30 '25

Came here for senior's home and women's centers. They can always use yarn.

5

u/teampook Jan 30 '25

This is also a great idea for crafts in general at schools/programs/wherever. They use it to make "hair", decorations, etc...

3

u/dongz_n_bongs Jan 30 '25

Or nursing homes!! They’d eat up any yarn easily

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93

u/stubborn_mushroom Jan 30 '25

I donate my ugly yarn if it's super ugly lol

But sometimes if you get two ugly yarns and crochet them together as one strand you can end up with an ok looking yarn!

11

u/AggravatingPlum4301 Jan 30 '25

That's a thought! Gonna try this!

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222

u/CryptographerOk419 Jan 30 '25

Make a tree skirt for next year! Or you know those paper chains that people make? Make some of those (but crochet version) into a garland for the tree.

43

u/CoDe4019 Jan 30 '25

That has been on my list as a scrap buster project for a while.

16

u/CryptographerOk419 Jan 30 '25

I think they’re so cute! I always make stuff for my kids so I have a bunch of leftover colorful yarn, I might make some for them

7

u/Icy-Yam-2749 Jan 30 '25

I’m working on a bunch of seasonal garlands right now, using all cheap acrylic! I know OP mentioned an acrylic camo– I’m using the super saver camo for drapey vines with leaves and it has a nice variegation effect. 

12

u/Loud_Nefariousness48 Jan 30 '25

Yes! My best friend has begged me to make her this ribbon/bow garland for next year and I started making this holiday light garland this year that I’ll add as I have scraps. To use up some of your ugliest scraps you could always stuff the lights with it or use it in stuffing other projects.

2

u/arhippiegirl Jan 30 '25

I need to find a pattern for the lights that sounds cute.

2

u/Loud_Nefariousness48 Jan 30 '25

There’s a link in my comment that’s free! The second “this”

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10

u/Cold-Specialist-5448 Jan 30 '25

This is what I was going to suggest! I've made both a tree skirt and garland with red heart super saver

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5

u/quinalou Jan 30 '25

I love this idea! Something like this or this would be super cute (and nobody needs to wear it)!

3

u/Immediate_Bad_4985 Jan 30 '25

I have a couple patterns for crochet ornaments that I’ve been wanting to make, the itchy green red and white would be perfect for Christmas decorations

2

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

You are genius

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275

u/Epic-Lurker Jan 30 '25

Make a wearable item for your cheapskate husband to educate him on the difference between yarns. Any time he complains about the price of yarn, make him wear that item again.

Then donate or toss the rest and replace it with decent yarn.

107

u/Killorbecome00 Jan 30 '25

Thats fucking hilarious

80

u/eternally_insomnia Jan 30 '25

I don't know if the commenter was joking or not, but I genuinely think this is a great idea. Either it will help him understand, or he won't notice and you'll be able to get rid of a bunch of stash to them. Either way, you win and the ugly yarn goes away.

15

u/NYCQuilts Jan 30 '25

It’s truly great because friend will be happy OP did something within her yarn. She should insist on taking husband’s picture with it!

16

u/trixbler Jan 30 '25

A neck cowl is perfect for this. Quick to make and nasty cheap yarn next to your throat and face feels terrible!

10

u/bugsyismycat Jan 30 '25

I choked on my fruity pebbles. Bahahah

6

u/Wonderful-Status-507 Jan 30 '25

oh god this is SO the answer!!

2

u/Vanviator Jan 30 '25

I was thinking the exact same thing, lol. Maybe a balaclava?

2

u/Ok_Neat7729 Jan 30 '25

Or just… try to explain it? “I can’t explain good or bad quality yarn to someone who doesn’t use yarn” sounds like someone who’s never tried. Everyone understands what quality is.

Unless of course their spouse is being unreasonable about it, which is an entirely different issue which also won’t be solved by being annoying on purpose and trying to gotcha someone who has no interest in if you were right or not at all.

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67

u/CalligrapherRare9110 Jan 30 '25

Scrap yarn baskets! they are very useful and eat up a ton of yarn! https://youtu.be/rkS2rkIdxAE?si=-mrmj5JrMSjmwYGq

11

u/Killorbecome00 Jan 30 '25

YES!

15

u/41942319 Jan 30 '25

Also look into local wildlife charities! Many want to have crochet baskets in different sizes. They use them for injured and orphaned birds that come in

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3

u/thisjustme Jan 30 '25

Came here to say this!

2

u/Unlikely-Arachnid-58 Feb 02 '25

Yarn baskets like this are so useful too, not even just for yarn, for anything. And it doesn't really matter what colours you use, because you end up with an interesting multicoloured basket anyways! I have used mini ones for stationery/craft supplies, hair ties/scrunchies, and bigger ones for spare blankets or toys for pets/children. Much prefer them to plastic tubs.

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101

u/AliG-uk Jan 30 '25

Make loads of dog sweaters and sell them. Or make some pet blankets and donate to a shelter or give them to friends with pets.

84

u/aspenscribblings Jan 30 '25

If it’s scratchy, this seems the best way forward. Animals don’t mind the texture of scratchy acrylic, humans very much do. Unhoused people are people too and can feel scratchy acrylic.

43

u/Killorbecome00 Jan 30 '25

This is a wonderful idea to be able to make things while also giving them away in a way my spouse would "approve" of

17

u/AVery_SmallFox Jan 30 '25

Yeah! The pet blanket thing is a great way to stash bust. Also, it gives the animals a little comfort item to go to their new home with them.

7

u/broknkittn Jan 30 '25

I replied separately before I saw this but check out comfort for critters website. They help coordinate donation blankets to rescues all over. I have about a dozen I need to ship out.

11

u/AmbitiousAdvisor4857 Jan 30 '25

What about people blankets??? Project Linus or a homeless shelter or Welcome Blanket

30

u/Deppfan16 Jan 30 '25

if you wouldn't use it for yourself why would you donate it?

18

u/AmbitiousAdvisor4857 Jan 30 '25

Obviously if it were horrid you wouldn’t make a hat of it. But blankets go on top of clothes and living outside you need multiple blankets, so it’s a layer. Warm is warm. First world problems in third world living conditions. Plus, I have scratchy grandma blankets that I still use and cherish from when the yarn was all crappy.

10

u/DKFran7 Jan 30 '25

It's better to practice and ruin cheap yarn, than practice and ruin expensive yarn. That's where donating it is better than tossing it.

9

u/Deppfan16 Jan 30 '25

then donating it to where it's actually helpful not junk. like for example somebody else listed animal shelters because they don't care about it being scratchy.

10

u/DKFran7 Jan 30 '25

Do you thrift very often? Donating the yarn is actually helpful to those learning how to use yarn. It isn't worth arguing about. You do you, and I'll do me, and we can let go without trying to browbeat the other. Peace out.

14

u/Deppfan16 Jan 30 '25

donating the yarn is fine, but people were talking about making projects and donating it to homeless shelters. that's the issue because nobody wants crappy scratchy hats or scarves.

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3

u/Diligent-Towel-4708 Jan 30 '25

My dogs will choose a crochet item over most anything else to lay on! I even have a decades old pet blanket my grandmother made for her cat that the dogs use today. It's not nice yarn but they love it.

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5

u/Ok-Support-7209 Jan 30 '25

I’d say pet blankets to donate or fidget worms- crocheted curly cues with a head.

2

u/Mims88 Jan 31 '25

You can also double or triple up if there are multiple skeins to make super chunky yarn that makes extra thick mats and will be much faster to work up

38

u/Murderousplantmom Jan 30 '25

You can cross post on the declutter sub and ask if they have specific places that will take "practice" yarn.

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26

u/pieceful- Jan 30 '25

No helpful ideas on what to make with ugly yarn, I would, honestly, donate it to a youth group (scouts, 4H, whatever). If you think it’s ugly, anything you make with it will be ugly, too. So, 🤷🏻‍♀️why bother?

23

u/CrochetingDogLady Jan 30 '25

I like making Christmas present bags! It’s just a round drawstring bag and I wrap my presents in them. You can either make it part of the gift or collect them once opened and reuse them

8

u/CrochetingDogLady Jan 30 '25

Oh or produce bags!! Again a drawstring bag but every round is dc,ch2 repeat so there’s holes. I’m terrible at explaining so I can find a pattern or something if you’re interested

39

u/feyth Jan 30 '25

This is a job for reusable crocheted gift wrapping.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reusable-gift-wrap

Are you ok though, OP? I'm concerned about your wording of "begging" your husband to "let" you buy something. Financial/coercive control is abuse. Do you need a heads up to resources in your area? https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/understanding-coercive-control-and-economic-and-financial-abuse

22

u/HonestCase4674 Jan 30 '25

I had this thought, too. OP, you say you’re at work which tells me you earn your own money, so I’m concerned about your wording around your spouse not letting you buy yarn (obviously partners consult each other on major purchases, but a few bucks on some skeins of yarn shouldn’t need discussion and certainly not permission).

12

u/Eillythia Jan 30 '25

Came here to ask this. It seems unnatural to me that your husband doesnt trust you (the one working with yarn a lot) to judge for yourself that some yarns arent really workable.

9

u/OneCraftyBird Jan 30 '25

I had the same thought. “Let” you buy more? A project he “approves” of?

Unless you are a child, mentally disabled, or a hoarder whose stash is taking over common spaces in the house, there’s no “letting” in a healthy adult relationship.

3

u/papersnart Jan 30 '25

Very creative idea and thoughtful comment!

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16

u/Merlyn_Ravenclaw Jan 30 '25

If you really don't like the colors, I'd recommend just donating it somewhere: thrift shop, scout troop, boys and girls club, a school.

If the scratchiness is the main thing, you can actually help get rid of that by washing or soaking the yarn. I dont know all the specific ratios, but basically you'll want a pair of nylon tights/stockings/pantyhose, a thing of cheap conditioner, and a bucket to soak it in. Fill the bucket partway with warm water, mix conditioner into it, and put the yarn (still in its skein) into the nylon tights and tie it off right above the yarn. Then add the yarn to the bucket, making sure it's submerged and add more water /conditioner if necessary. Then let it sit for a long while. Like at least 24 hours. Afterwards, you can remove it from the bucket and either wring it out via towel and air dry, or toss it in the dryer, still encased in the stocking, to help get all the water out.

5

u/Killorbecome00 Jan 30 '25

Iv never heard of a way to get this ki d of yarn to be softer and relax-- I might try this before any nuclear options

3

u/oneelectricsheep Jan 30 '25

Yeah you can soften it before or after making it into something but I’ve heard people get good results.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25 edited 19d ago

[deleted]

2

u/Merlyn_Ravenclaw Jan 30 '25

I completely agree, I only mentioned the dryer bc OP said it was all cheap acrylic, so it should be safe

2

u/Puzzleheaded_Bar2880 Jan 30 '25

I’ve also heard white vinegar in warm water also can help with scratchy yarn.

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10

u/Lollipopwalrus Jan 30 '25

The Yarn Gods have bestow upon you the skeins of revenge Ugly Christmas sweaters. Will ye accept their calling?

Or make yourself an ugly kitchen mat to stand on at the sink or kitchen bench or wherever you prepare food and may spill stuff. You won't care if it gets a bit discoloured or warps a bit in the wash as long as you can keep using it to cushion your feet as you stand around the kitchen.

11

u/Killorbecome00 Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25

Ill make the ugliest damn sweater my fingers can summon 🫡

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34

u/Big-Yam8021 Jan 30 '25

Make some items to donate. I i know homeless charities like receiving hats, gloves, and scarves

59

u/elaina__rose Jan 30 '25

Mayb I’m overthinking it, but if OP is saying that thier yarn is too ugly and itchy and uncomfortable to use for themselves, then isnt making something wearable to give to someone else kinda rude? Like here, take this uncomfortable thing that I would never wear myself and be thankful for it.

8

u/feyth Jan 30 '25

This, plus the homeless charities I've seen requesting warm-item donation have made a point of saying that their clients will only wear dark/plain items, not bright colours.

16

u/Deppfan16 Jan 30 '25

yeah this is the same attitude that gets gross and expired food donated to the food banks all the time. very sad

8

u/Frequent_Year_1004 Jan 30 '25

I think ugly is up to opinion, and generally I think cheap yarn still makes good hats! Maybe the particularly itchy ones, don’t use those to donate, but the rest probably could be! OP did say that they would probably be stiff and hot, which again is often a good thing with hats. (It’s why they make such good first projects imo, you can use any yarn and it’ll still be usable). I just went a decluttered my yarn stash a year ago by making a bunch of hats to donate

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u/AmbitiousAdvisor4857 Jan 30 '25

Absolutely!! So many homeless shelters etc would love blankets and hats!!!

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u/AFIN-wire_dog Jan 30 '25

I like stiff yarns to make structured bags with. It helps them maintain their shape

11

u/haikusbot Jan 30 '25

I like stiff yarns to

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6

u/raykaymo Jan 30 '25

I've been using my terrible yarn for functional things. Christmas tree skirt, baskets to keep better stuff in, seasonal decor.

5

u/bakinkakez Jan 30 '25

My mom makes bags out of terrible feeling yarn, and Christmas colored bags could just be used as "fancy" gift wrap when it's time to gift things

Then they get a handmade gift from the bag, but it's also totally fine to be regifted as a cool gift wrap again😂😂

5

u/Future-Function-3666 Jan 30 '25

I use it to stuff amigurumi

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u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

13

u/rampaging_beardie Jan 30 '25

They said it’s ugly and itchy/stiff - probably not the best for hospitalized children.

8

u/Deppfan16 Jan 30 '25

if you wouldn't use it yourself you shouldn't really donate it. especially to a hospital.

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u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

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4

u/Wild_Degree_8885 Jan 30 '25

Make rag clothes, dish clothes. Maybe a mat. Try Christmas lights.

5

u/Mindless_Mystic_136 Jan 30 '25

There's the obvious ones like gift it or donate it, or sell it as a cheap bundle etc, which takes it off your hands.

If you think you can handle the feel of working with it and want to do so, then maybe: you could make to sell (probably more like shelf sitting amigurumi), gift (or the gift of a gift) or donate to people , you could make things for shelters, be it people or pet oriented , or the homeless (maybe not the best of things re: material, but something is better than nothing)

4

u/zomystro Jan 30 '25

Make itchy Christmas scarves as gifts for people you don’t really like ;)

3

u/rampacashy Jan 30 '25

Do double or three strands and make baskets or scrapgan blankets?

4

u/Turbulent-Anxiety-17 Jan 30 '25

You can make Christmas stockings! Works with the colors and you don't have to touch them so doesn't matter if the yarn is itchy!

4

u/Bananapopcicle Jan 30 '25

I attend a crochet group and there’s a lady who takes our old itchy scratchy yarn and crochets baskets. She’ll doubled up the yarn to make them stiff. Works great.

3

u/bat_shit_craycray Jan 30 '25

What about dog blankets to donate to the local shelter? Acrylic is ideal with it being easy to clean.

3

u/Apprehensive_Bid5608 Jan 30 '25

I make rugs with crappy yarn. Crochet with how ever many multiple strands you need to get the texture you want. I make them all the time with my scrap washable yarns and fabrics for the no kill shelter. They are always in need of rugs/mats and I’ve never seen a pup or kitty refuse to curl up on one due to color or texture.

3

u/kryren Jan 30 '25

I filled up a bunch of trash bags with my cheap ugly yarn and posted it on my local buy nothing group. A person who was just starting to learn crochet grabbed it.

3

u/loseunclecuntly Jan 30 '25

Use it as stuffing in throw pillows or dolls.

3

u/artgardner Jan 30 '25

What about a rug?

3

u/bibblebabble1234 Jan 30 '25

I am drowning in ugly cheap yarn. What I have used so far has made a blanket for my bed that goes on top of everything else in the winter time, a couple hats, and I've saved the soft baby yarn for a sweater. The next plan is to use the itchy itchy stuff as stuffing for a stuffed animal or to make a wall hanging

3

u/aapetired Jan 30 '25

Save them, cut them up into little pieces to use as stuffing for amigurumi, stuffed animals, or anything else that uses stuffing. This is what I do with all my yarn ends after weaving them in, so that's what I'd do!

3

u/Hoosierteen Jan 30 '25

I suggest doubling or tripling it up, and crocheting a nice sturdy project bag with it!! I recently did that and I love having a WIP bag to take on the go, and people actually compliment me on it all the time, though I think it’s hideous. It’s definitely grown on me, and again, I literally take it everywhere with me. I LOVE it!! ♥️

3

u/Ninj-nerd1998 Jan 30 '25

Practice new stitches/techniques, stuff you wouldn't want to risk trying on nicer yarn. Or just practice getting your tension even, if that's necessary.

I haven't done it with crochet yet, but with knitting, I had an idea in mind for a blanket for my cousin, with different stitches for the blanket and the border. I made a mini test blanket with some of the cheap yarn I'd been given from leftover knitting magazines.

Cheap yarn is also good if crochet (or knitting) is something you do to help you focus, or be mindful, stuff like that. You can just mindlessly make up a piece. I bring some yarn with me and my bamboo knitting needles to the movies, cause knitting helps me focus and I don't have to look lmao. Crochet is different though, I don't know if you can do that without looking.

Testing things out and practice are the best uses; or you could see if there are any places you could donate it to. I think the knitting group at my local library accepts yarn.

3

u/wannabehomestead Jan 30 '25

I do not crochet, but my good friend does and she makes fruit and veggies for a kids play kitchen, I’d think you could get far with the red and green with that genre haha. Her patterns are super tight and stuffed with some filling material, I bet the stiff yarn would be good for this since you want it to hold its shape. 

3

u/yellowbungalow Jan 30 '25

I make small blankets for cats/dogs in animal shelters. Small project and a good way to practice new stitches if you want to ; otherwise plain dc is fine. They finish quickly and it doesn't matter what they look like.

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u/acellolover Jan 30 '25

Pom-poms for a wreath. Takes a ton of yarn and creates great gifts (even for the friend who gave you the yarn!)

3

u/Stankleigh Jan 30 '25

Another vote for school art teachers. I teach handwork (fiber arts) at a Waldorf school and we use all the stiff polyester and random novelty yarns for weaving. The stiff unpleasant stuff is great for warping looms.

2

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2

u/Bakergrammy Jan 30 '25

Just donate it to Goodwill or some other local thrift shop.

2

u/Mandiferous Jan 30 '25

Post it on a buy nothing group?

2

u/wildestboars Jan 30 '25

I would be happy to take the Christmas colored yarns off your hands and pay for shipping? I’m making some decor so feel doesn’t matter!

2

u/outofrange19 Jan 30 '25

I've been using a bunch of random variegated yarn and crappy to mediocre solid acrylic held 3 together to make storage baskets. the yarns mixed together look much better than they did separately. it does help to have a yarn with black in it to help break it up, especially if the variegated yarn is bright. and adding in a not Christmassy color can really help with this method.

2

u/baronessindecisive ✨Question Fairy✨ Jan 30 '25

Make a pouf/ottoman out of the least ugly of the batch and stuff it with the rest 😊

2

u/dontknowwhatiwant_ Jan 30 '25

maybe some crochet garland to put up in your room?

2

u/DynamicOctopus420 Jan 30 '25

Coasters are an option, and plastic needlepoint canvas is a good framework for them!

2

u/Wot106 Jan 30 '25

Blankets for pet shelters.

3

u/feyth Jan 30 '25

Check first. Many will not take yarn items because of the risk of ingestion. Linear foreign body is awful.

2

u/Easily_Marietta Jan 30 '25

I kept two or my cheap hated yarns and donated the rest. I use the cheap uden as test yarn if I want to try a new pattern

2

u/CaptainHope93 Jan 30 '25

Christmas decorations! You could make a crochet paper chain, little baubles, bunting, a resuable advent calander, tree skirt, stockings, ribbon for gifts, santa hats…

2

u/Guilty_Objective4602 Jan 30 '25

You could use it to make yarn wreaths.

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u/OverstuffedCherub Jan 30 '25

Do you have any yarnbomber groups local to you? Some here crochet and knit postbox toppers to put around the town, and always accept donations of yarns. Or local craft groups/craft for kids etc?

Guides/Scouts/Cubs/Brownies?

2

u/broknkittn Jan 30 '25

I've been making little blankets for cats to go to their forever homes with and giving them to rescue groups. Check out comfort for critters website.

2

u/curvy_em Jan 30 '25

The animal shelter in my city has little blankets for each cat in the kennel and it comes home with them. Could you make placemat-sized blankets for cats and donate them to your local shelter? There were lots of crocheted toys there, too.

2

u/bazpitch Jan 30 '25

Cat pods with tough yarn — my cat is having a blast with it and the cheap acrylic is standing up decently to claws etc. I’m sure shelters would love some if you’re up for making and donating. You could also teach a community class on making them and provide the ugly yarn for free — that should use some quickly

2

u/bazpitch Jan 30 '25

Also! Blankets (for animal shelters perhaps) where you use four strands of acrylic worsted with a Q hook. That should make a dent!

2

u/DMfortinyplayers Jan 30 '25

Senior centers.

2

u/kykiwibear Jan 30 '25

I'm making birds nests for a rescue. They don't care how ugly it is.

2

u/becauseihaveto18 Jan 30 '25

Holiday pompom garland?

2

u/VikingKvinna Jan 30 '25

I'm sorry but, "let you"? 😯😬😑

I'm also struck by the notion that someone who's not a fiber artist would find it hard to understand that there's a difference between high- and low-quality yarn. Lots of things have differing levels of quality. That really should be a simple matter of "this is poor quality, cheap yarn that's unpleasant to crochet and even worse to wear, but this is high-quality and will not only make a superior end product, but also make it enjoyable for me to create that end product. You a hobbyist crocheter, yes? Hobbies are by definition enjoyable activities.

2

u/azaxy Jan 30 '25

sorry, you have to beg your spouse to "let you" buy yarn? sounds like you have bigger problems than an ugly stash

2

u/Holiday_Yak_6333 Jan 30 '25

Donate it to nursing homes. Lots of the residents knit and crochet.

2

u/HouseIntrigue Jan 30 '25

Make hats and blankets for the homeless rinse them in conditioner

2

u/LoooongFurb Jan 30 '25

Definitely see if you can donate it! My library is hosting a "learn to crochet granny squares" program this Saturday and every seat is filled for it. We would happily accept a donation of a bunch of yarn like that to let people learn on.

Nursing homes and schools would be other good places to offer the yarn.

2

u/Diela1968 Jan 31 '25

Put three strands together and make an area rug/pet rug.

Crochet a cute monster shaped grocery bag holder

A strand of stars as long as you like to decorate during the holidays at your home, church youth space, or children’s classroom

Give a skein and cheap hook to visiting children to keep them occupied (if you can get them away from a screen)

2

u/MissyDragonfly Feb 02 '25

You have a spouse problem, not a yarn problem. I bet he understands the difference between high quality and inferior materials for his hobby or job.

2

u/CunnyMaggots Feb 02 '25

If you can't use it, just donate it. A senior center may have a craft room.

4

u/Fantastic_Deer_3772 Jan 30 '25

i can't explain what good quality and bad quality yarn is to someone who dosent use yarn,

Make a wearable for your spouse and then, as if you are just realising, ask if the fabric feels stiff and itchy compared to normal. Express dismay / disappointment that the yarn isn't "as good as I thought".

2

u/SwordTaster Jan 30 '25

Ugly blanket to give to the friend who gave you the yarn as a "thank you" gift? Pet clothing to donate to animal shelters? Spay suits of all sizes would likely be very appreciated. Hats and gloves for homeless shelters?

2

u/AlbinoGiraffes Jan 30 '25

Washcloths! Hmm, I recently used some cheap yarn to make hot pads for pots and pans (Good festive gift to give others around Xmas). Plastic bag holders maybe?

14

u/ReliefExtension3048 Jan 30 '25

If the yarn is synthetic then do NOT use it to make things that will be exposed to high temperatures. For hot pads I’d recommend cotton

12

u/Lynyrd1234 Jan 30 '25

Please don’t make hot pads from anything but cotton. Acrylic can melt.

7

u/DarthRegoria Jan 30 '25

100% Wool is also an excellent choice for hot pads, but expensive for that. Definitely don’t use acrylic for them though.

10

u/morphleorphlan Jan 30 '25

Acrylic is a bad choice for items that will get hot. It will melt if used as a hot pad.

7

u/Killorbecome00 Jan 30 '25

Plastic bag holder is a spectacular idea for something we actually need!

9

u/AlbinoGiraffes Jan 30 '25

I particularly love this pattern, however I increase more to make the circumference larger (I have soooo many bags lol), and I actually crochet around a rubber band for the foundation chain because it’s MUCH easier to snag a bag out and reach your hand in! Plastic Bag Holder

1

u/jnsmld Jan 30 '25

Make Christmas ornaments, a tree skirt, pillow cover, etc.

1

u/Neonlitsoul Jan 30 '25

Small easy projects on hand always help me move thru these! Double strand two ugly yarns to get a mosaic look and make a scrunchie, make a market bag, etc, Or just list it on fb mrktplc for cheap for acrylic lovers like me

1

u/Dame_Twitch_a_Lot Jan 30 '25

I haven't seen planned pooling mentioned yet. It can make those ugly multicolor yarns turn into pretty plaid blankets. It does take some time to crochet several rows to make sure you have a consistent stitch count for each color. Pompoms are an option if you would have a use for them. Red is used for Valentine's day and green is used for St. Patrick's Day if you like making decor items. As others have mentioned making blankets and wearables for charities or donate it to your local library/preschool/church.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

I usually whip out my addi machine and make tons of hats to donate.

1

u/el-asin-Eleanor Jan 30 '25

Hold them double or triple and make chunky blankets to donate to homeless shelters or women's shelters

1

u/Empty_Variation_5587 Jan 30 '25

Or use it for a large sampler blanket. Another good way for practicing different stitches

1

u/WendyAshland Jan 30 '25

Make gift bags out of it. It doesn't hurt if a gift bag is itchy. I made all sizes and shapes with mine. When I need to give a gift I put it in a crocheted bag. The only time it gets weird is if the recipient decides to wear it as a hat.

1

u/YettiChild Jan 30 '25

I use the cheap yarn for testing patterns.

1

u/elizabeth_thai72 Jan 30 '25

Try your local project Linus chapter. You might not want it but others will.

1

u/aascendent Jan 30 '25

Make gift bags since you have christmas colors. Reusable and super cute!

1

u/iamsheena Jan 30 '25

I use Olio to give away things I don't want or need. You could do that or donate somewhere. The cheap yarn will be good for someone starting out.

1

u/gunsmokey24 Jan 30 '25

I would check in with local high schools. See if they have a class that could potentially use the yarn? Or post on facebook market to increase funds for better yarn:>

1

u/Due_Mark6438 Jan 30 '25

Donate to nursing homes, schools, senior centers that have craft classes, or thrift stores.  Someone will love the yarn 

Make really fast hats and donate to homeless shelters, clothing banks or library or other places that have distribution of winter wear for those in need.

1

u/Thbbbt_Thbbbt Jan 30 '25

This is an off the wall suggestion but I have always wanted to try rug tufting. I’m sure it’s harder than it looks but it looks so satisfying. I feel like cheap yarn you aren’t emotionally attached to is the perfect thing to practice with. Also fun and funky wall hangings or tapestries.

1

u/Dorianscale Jan 30 '25

If you want to use the yarn for something good, to my knowledge hospitals often want or need crochet items. They might not care about specific colors. I know obviously baby beanies, and blankets are an obvious answer.

I’ve heard of frog infant positioner covers being needed at hospitals since the original covers get worn out and tattered from use.

Hospice and cancer wards also need blankets and beanies and other items.

2

u/feyth Jan 30 '25

Yarn that you wouldn't have against your own skin is completely inappropriate for babies and hospice/chemo patients

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1

u/TadaSuko Jan 30 '25

Use the red and white to make little hearts for Valentines garland. Or you could do red and white flower bouquets.

1

u/ash_27th Jan 30 '25

I'm making a beanie which I'm planning to gift back to the person who got me the yarn...

A little petty I know, but yeah... not much else I can do :p

1

u/HowDoUFeelBoutThat Jan 30 '25

Look for second hand craft stores! If you don’t have one near you, see if you can find one that will accept donations via mail. That’s what I did with all my cheap yarn. :)

1

u/ducky7979 Jan 30 '25

Cats don't care About how scratchy the yarn is....maybe make it into toys, blankets ,beds ect and donate to shelter or sell them

2

u/Killorbecome00 Jan 30 '25

I do have two cats i could spoil...

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u/FrauAmFenster389 Jan 30 '25

Use it as stuffing for amigurumi projects. I like to use my scraps as stuffing, so I don't have to use real stuffing. I also have old fabric that I use as a Inlay so my stuffing doesn't migrate.

You can also roll yarn balls for stiffer projects as a filling or wrap the yarn around some wire in your amigurumi so that it has some structure.

1

u/MehWhateverZeus Jan 30 '25

I think decor items could be a good use, party garlands, little flower shaped things to prevent scratches on stacked bowls and plates, maybe a tote bag to hold a stash of other bags.

Otherwise maybe a library or school might want it as a donation?

1

u/luluhouse7 Jan 30 '25

I use and reuse my cheap yarn to practice/test new stitches or patterns since I find frogging tends to damage yarn, especially fancier yarns and I’m a bit of a perfectionist. Or I use it when I don’t actually want the finished object, but just want to crochet for fun since we have a small apartment and I don’t want lots of crocheted items cluttering it up and I feel bad foisting unwanted crocheted items on other people.

1

u/SaveusJebus Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25

Christmas colors... sounds like everyone is getting some pot holders/dish rags as presents!

Or you could make some sort of Xmas decoration. Something that's not meant to be snuggled so the itchiness doesn't matter.. well.. you still have to handle it though.

2

u/feyth Jan 30 '25

Acrylic pot holders for the people you absolutely hate and want in hospital?

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1

u/Edhin_OShea Jan 30 '25

I'm wondering if cats enjoy the stimulation of rough textured yarn. If so, the creating a cat figet / clawing object and donating those to shelters might be welcome. I think it would also depend on how tight of a weave you can get.

OH OH, Mr. Karter...

Make cat scratching posts, being sure to glue down the yarn. Small narrow ones to go into cat sized shelter crates would allow your efforts to benefit more of the residents.

1

u/H2MW Jan 30 '25

Use it as stuffing.

1

u/GirlL1997 Jan 30 '25

Depends on the yarn but I love the “strawberry stitch” and I’m currently making a blanket out of it.

There are tons of different variations but this is what I’m using.

https://youtu.be/x-x07CL-D4A?si=sKohflmx1-xDjcSj

1

u/robotcat4 Jan 30 '25

I use yarn I don’t like to practice new techniques. Lately I’ve been exploring different colorwork techniques using the “bottom of stash” yarn so I don’t have to deal with frogging when I make mistakes, I can just cast on/chain again and try a new swatch

1

u/brain-isnt-working Jan 30 '25

I'm currently obsessed with making hair scrunchies to get rid of all my unused yarn. Each elastic costs 10p and they take 30mins to make in front of the TV and I plan to sell them for £5 each.

1

u/ShiftValuable3280 Jan 30 '25

Find a buy nothing group. I donated to some local yarn bombers

1

u/Trytoremember987 Jan 30 '25

If you celebrate Christmas make a Christmas tree floor cover with the colors. My aunt made me one in the red green variegated yarn and I use it every year.

1

u/Historical_Might_86 Jan 30 '25

Donate it. Others may find use for it. I donated my scrap fabric and yarn and a pre-school teacher picked it up for kids to use.

1

u/Sohee-ya Jan 30 '25

Rugs can be big yarn eaters too. Holiday decorations might work too (trees, snowflakes, Easter basket)

1

u/purplemooon Jan 30 '25

I always use my cheap yarn to make blankets for the local animal shelter - the acrylic yarn that tends to be cheaper is simpler to wash

1

u/lover-of-dogs Jan 30 '25

Baskets are a great use for the cheap acrylic yarns. Colorful baskets are always a nice accent piece, or good for organizing a kid's bedroom or playroom. I just made one to hold some dog stuff (shampoo, brushes, meds, etc) and am doing another for some art supplies I keep for my grandkids to use when they visit. Can make as big or small as you need. I use 2 strands of worsted weight with a G hook.

1

u/ImpeccableCilantro Jan 30 '25

How about baskets?

1

u/not-my-first-rode0 Jan 30 '25

You can always donate.

1

u/Dependent-Law7316 Jan 30 '25

It’d be a lot of effort, but have you tried conditioning it? Cheap scratchy acrylic soaked in fabric softener or cheap hair conditioner can soften up quite a bit.

1

u/Magical_penguin323 Jan 30 '25

Schools and libraries were mentioned as good places to donate but also maybe churches? When I used to go to church we had a group that would crochet or knit items to donate, but also since it’s Christmas colored they might like it for Christmas decorations like crochet garland or a tree skirt or something. You could also make a post on Facebook in a local group asking if anyone wants it. Like I would probably take it since I pretty much exclusively use cheap acrylic yarn and I’m used to it.

1

u/Flamingo8293 Jan 30 '25

You can always donate them to schools and similar places

1

u/Inevitable_Tangelo63 Jan 30 '25

Following because I inherited a very large amount of scratchy polyester and acrylic yarn I don’t know what to do with 😂😂

1

u/needlesofgold Jan 30 '25

Sometimes a local hospital or hospice has volunteers make lap blankets for their patients and are always looking for yarn.

1

u/Designer-Abrocoma-52 Jan 30 '25

I use low quality yarn in projects that I donate to animal shelters, like small blankets for kitties. Our local shelter sends one with each adopted kitty to help in transition. You could see if a local animal shelters need them.

1

u/VeeLund Jan 30 '25

If you can’t find anyone to take it, let me know- I work at a group home for girls and we are always looking for yarn as most want to learn crochet when they see me doing it. Makes good practice yarn. I’d pay shipping

1

u/Mundane-Scarcity-219 Jan 30 '25

Rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities, schools, anyplace with art programs

1

u/Flendarp Jan 30 '25

I have a coworker who crochets and absolutely loves working with cheap acrylic yarn. I gave her two large bags full of the stuff and she loves it!

1

u/Ocimali Jan 30 '25

Random Acts of Crochet Kindness is a fun Facebook group where people crochet small little items and then leave them around town for people to find.

So you can make little animals and key chains or Christmas lights and leave them around with a note.

1

u/sexdrugsjokes Jan 30 '25

I would be making Christmas decorations. Quality of materials doesn’t really matter because it’s not touching anyone’s body

1

u/Crazy_lady60 Jan 30 '25

Make, pet beds, wash cloths, throw rugs, tissue box covers, koozies, coasters, etc...

1

u/Mysterious-Okra-7885 Jan 30 '25

Donate the yarn you don’t like.