The Source of all Yarn

Sourcing yarn is something that every crocheter needs to do. There are many ways we can do this.

There is an obvious way of going to a physical or on-line store and buying some of the latest yarn. This is perfect for a project of any size, but can be expensive.

If you are on a budget, another way is to buy yarn from the op shop (thrift store). Here you can usually get older unused yarn or recycled yarn. Op shops can have some awesome finds with yarn that you might not find anywhere else. This can have its drawbacks if there is not enough yarn to finish the project you want it for. However, that does mean you can add it to your stash till the perfect project comes along.

One of the things that I do with op shop yarn is to make larger balls from scraps and small amounts of yarn and use them to make blankets. I really do like endy bits and scraps. If I find crochet cotton, I will often make balls with three or more strands of yarn held together and make the compact market bag with them. Using the crochet cotton this way gives your project a unique look.

Recycling yarn is another option if you have an old jersey or blanket lying around that just doesn’t get any love any more. Simply unravel and create a project that will make sure the yarn gets all the love it can.

If none of these methods of acquiring yarn is for you, then making your own yarn is an option.

To make your own yarn, you can spin it from wool or alpaca fleece. This is something that I do as I have a spinning wheel, a drop spindle, and a support spindle. With spinning your own yarn, you can make exactly what you want and adds an extra layer of satisfaction into the project. If this is not an option for you, there are places where you can buy hand-spun yarn, but again, buying hand spun yarn can be expensive.

If texture and added dimension are something that you are after in your crochet then you can use wire, twine, plastic ties etc. This type of “yarn” will make firm, rigid items like bowls and baskets, and add a new textural dimension to your crochet and is fun to use.

You can also make your own yarn from old clothes and material scraps. This type of yarn makes your projects unique and gives them a Bohemian and funky look. I like to use this yarn for great bags, rugs, bowls, etc.

The last way of making yarn, and is one I am rather partial to, is to make a ball of yarn from all your ends and leftovers. I will often add this to a ball made from op shop bits ‘n bobs. The fibre content of these balls determines what they are used for. If the ball is made of cotton or cotton blends the ball generally becomes a bag, and if the ball is made of wool and synthetic then it generally becomes a blanket, or at least part of one.

Where ever you get your yarn from, enjoy it and make it into something awesome for yourself or someone else.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to chatting with you again soon.

Charlie