With Earth Day right around the corner, we thought it’d be awesome to talk about how we can make our knitting and crocheting a bit more earth-friendly. No complex patterns here, just simple, cool ideas on using natural fibers like organic cotton or wool, and getting creative with recycling yarn or scraps. It’s all about making something beautiful in a way that’s good for our planet too.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: this age-old adage can still find a place among your yarn shelves! Here are some ways you can reduce waste:
- Save your scraps…and use them! Aside from the scrappy patterns provided, you can use scraps as filler for stuffed projects or repurpose the fiber for felting or making one-of-a-kind handspun yarn like this.
- Reclaim yarn from thrifted items. You can occasionally find clothing made from high-quality yarn (think 100% linen, wool or wool blends, or even cashmere) that can be unraveled and made into something new. Check out this article from Interweave for a how-to.
- This might be controversial, but you can also frog your old and disliked projects (we’ve all been there) and turn them into something new that you’ll love.
- Use Natural Materials:
- Animal yarns, especially those sourced from ethical, sustainable farms, support biodiversity and traditional farming practices that can be gentler on the environment compared to synthetic fiber production.
- Yarn made from plant-based fibers are another great choice because they are not only cruelty-free but often more sustainable, reducing the carbon footprint and water use associated with traditional yarn production.
Eco-Friendly Patterns
Color Block Market Bag by Jenn Palmer
Contemporary colors in a classic style.
Day at the Market Bag
This sturdy bag can hold all your market staples and more.
Boho Bag Saver by Dana Hogan
Keep your plastic bags close at hand in this stylish holder.
Sakura Market Bag by K.A.M.E. Crochet
Reusable bags are even better when they're beautiful.
Basket Rib Hand Towel by Traci Heiner
Simple yet beautiful towels with a touch of texture.
Gramma's Dishcloth by PJ Allen
Grandmas always get it right. These quick dishcloths are great for using up leftover yarn while reducing waste.
Solid Scrappy Granny Pillow
I can't get over how gorgeous these are! Tiny granny squares are great for on-the-go crocheting.
LOSY Hat by Barb Engelking
LOSY stands for "Left Over Sock Yarn" - this hat is a fantastic small project!
Simply Scrappy Cowl
For all the leftover yarn you have laying around (or maybe even some reclaimed yarn)!
Dog Sweater (Easy Knit Striped Coat)
A great stash-busting pattern for your best friend! Multiple sizes available.
Linen Stitch Scrap Rug
Five strands held together make this rug thick and squishy!
The F**-It Bucket by TashaLouiza MC
A bucket for all your yarn? Or your kid's toys? Perhaps a laundry basket, or the catch-all bucket you leave by the front door.
We hope you’re inspired to take that treasure trove of leftover yarn and transform it into something amazing! And if you’re on the hunt for natural or organic yarn, look no further. Here are just a few of our customer favorites:
