Have you ever unraveled a project only to end up with a pile of crimped, ramen-like yarn? Whether it's a product that didn't work out, or one you simply fell out of love with, frogging your hard work can feel disheartening.
But don't worry! Unraveled yarn is far from wasted! With a little care, you can restore it and breathe new life into your stash.
Today, I'll walk you through the steps to prepare recycled yarn for reuse, along with tips, tools, and creative ideas for giving it a second chance. Plus, I'll answer some commonly asked questions about reusing yarn, from tackling stubborn kinks to deciding which projects are best for reclaimed fibers.
Let's turn your upcycled yarn into something amazing!
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1. Unravel Carefully
Gently unravel the project to avoid additional stress or knots in the yarn. If the yarn is fuzzy or delicate, take extra care.
2. Make a Hank
Wrap the yarn loosely around an object like a yarn swift. I just used the back of my chair. You can also use a large book. This forms a "hank" (a large loop of yarn).
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| Credit: WeCrochet |
Secure the hank in a few places with loose ties of scrap yarn to prevent tangling.
3. Soak the Yarn
Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Optionally, you can add a small amount of wool wash or gentle detergent.
Submerge the hank and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. This relaxes the fibers and helps smooth out the kinks.
4. Remove Excess Water
Carefully lift the yarn from the water and gently squeeze (don't wring) to remove excess water. You don't want to agitate the yarn, especially if it's animal-based fibers because this could cause the wool to felt.
Roll the hank in a towel and press to remove even more moisture.
5. Hang to Dry
Hang the hank to dry in a well-ventilated area. If the yarn is very crimped, you can lightly weigh the bottom of the hank with a clothes hanger or a small object to help straighten it. Don't overdo it though, as it might stretch the yarn.
6. Rewind the Yarn
Once the yarn is completely dry, use a ball winder to wrap it by hand into a ball or cake, ready for your next project. I used the back of the chair to hang the hank of yarn and wound it up by hand.
Additional Tips
If the yarn has lost its elasticity or looks worn, pair it with another yarn or use it for a smaller, less tension-critical project.
You can also steam the yarn while it's in a hank if extra help is needed to straighten it out. Hold the hank over the steam (from a kettle or a steamer) while keeping it taut.
FAQ for using Reusing Unraveled Yarn
Do I really need to wet the wool after unraveling before reusing it?
Make sure that you inspect your yarn for signs of strength, wear, and smell. Gently tug the yarn at various points, if it breaks easily, it may not be suitable for most projects. Look for fuzzing, pilling, or thinning areas. Heavily worn yarn may lose its structure or appearance. And finally, ensure there's no mildew, chemical, or musty smell. Washing can help, but deeply ingrained odors might not come out.
Does unraveling weaken the yarn?
Yes, unraveling yarn can weaken the yarn, especially if it has been frogged multiple times or was tightly stitched in its former project. To avoid this, wash and relax the yarn to restore its elasticity. Test a swatch before starting a new project to see how it performs.
Can I reuse yarn with knots in it?
Yes, just cut and rejoin the yarn by snipping the knots and then rejoining the yarn using a secure method like the Russian join or magic knot so the knot is not as apparent. If the knot is tight and small enough, you can even leave it in without noticing it in your finished project.
How do I store recycled yarn if I'm not ready to use it?
You can wind it into balls or cakes by using a ball winder or hand-wind it to keep them all tidy. Use a ziplock back or storage bin to keep it clean and dry and avoid dust. Make sure you label it so you know its fiber content (and yardage if you have that information) later on.
Can I mix repurposed yarn with new yarn in a project?
Yes, but consider the dye lot differences. Unraveled yarn tends to look slightly more faded in comparison to new yarn. You can use it for colorwork stripes, or sections where this won't be as noticeable. You might also notice some texture variance in repurposed yarn. So make a small swatch to ensure it works well together.
What projects are best for recycled yarn?
Small projects like hats, mittens, or amigurumi use less yarn and can easily hide imperfections in your yarn. Rustic projects like baskets or rugs also don't require pristine yarn. Upcycled yarn is also great for testing or practicing new techniques or stitch patterns.
What if the yarn still looks crinkly after washing and drying?
You can try to steam the yarn using a handheld steamer or steam from an iron (without touching the yarn). You can also repeat the soaking method by giving the yarn another soak in lukewarm water to further relax the fibers.
Does recycling yarn affect its gauge or stitch definition?
Yes, recycled yarn can have less elasticity and may slightly alter the gauge as compared to new and unused yarn of the same yarn. Always swatch with upcycled yarn to check its behavior before starting a project.
How do I deal with color fading or uneven dye in frogged yarn?
There's not much you can do about that other than embrace it! Use it for rustic or multicolor projects where unevenness can add charm. You can consider re-dying it using fabric dye to refresh the color. You can also consider blending it with another yarn for a gradient or marled effect.
What are eco-friendly ways to use yarn I can't reuse for crocheting or knitting?
- Weaving: Great for wall hangings or small looms.
- Crafts: Use for tassels, pompoms, or wrapping gifts.
- Stuffing: I use scrap yarn to stuff my amigurumi toys all the time!
- Donate: Offer to school or community for crafting projects.
Have you ever used this method after unraveling yarn? Do you have any other tips that you'd like to share with me? Share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag. Or send me an email!
This is an original tutorial written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this tutorial as your own. If you wish to share this tutorial, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute the tutorial.
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