We knitters hate to throw away yarn so our stash is full of leftover oddballs and scraps of yarn too small for most projects. Here are some clever stash busting ideas to de-stash those yarn remnants. These make great quick gifts, too! Updated 11/3/24
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Follow me for more patterns:
Free Patterns
Colorful Play Ball
This ball is perfect for using up leftover scrap yarn and knit flat mostly in garter stitch. Samples are in DK weight yarn but you can use any weight, especially to change the size of the ball. Designed by Betsy Lowery.
DPNS Sleeping Bag
Cute pouches to store double pointed needles that are perfect for using up leftover scrap yarn and also a great way to learn to use dpns. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kiki Geiger.
Fadewalker Fingerless Mitts
Easy fingerless mitts designed for fading 5 colorways into each other so it's great for using up leftover yarn. You can also use self-striping yarn or single color. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Elizabeth Abate.
Book Cover
Designed by Julie Picard for Mollie Makes, this two stitch cover for good reads or notebooks come with a handy pocket for highlighter, pen, or other tools.
Ruched Sleep Eye Mask
Designed by Sarah Core, this sleep mask covers the eyes without laying heavy on the face. The pattern also provides instructions for turning your mask into a eye sachet, with a detailed pattern included for making a mask backing. Pictured project by martyporteous
Doddy
Soft ball created from pentagons that are joined as you knit to form a dodecahedron. Perfect toy for babies and children and a great stashbuster! Options for creating different increase/decrease effects. Designed by Carol Feller for Knitty. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured projects by wbotelho and Majtessa
Freezer Pop Cozy
This easy and quick ice pop sleeve will keep little fingers from getting cold. Beginner level pattern and a great project to teach kids to knit with the incentive that they can use it with a treat after they’re done! Crochet version also available.
Muff
This cozy convenient alternative to mittens and gloves is made with scraps and oddballs of yarn. The muff keeps you nice and toasty, yet you can take your hands in and out quickly. Great for car rides and strolls. Designed by Stephanie Shiman
Dream a Little Dream
Katie Mack designed this easily customizable dream catcher that’s a great use for scrap yarn.
Luggage Finders
You’ll always be able to find your suitcase when you give it the personal touch of knitted tags designed by Kathy Sasser for Skacel.
More Free Patterns
Yoga Socks
Designed by Yarnspirations, these socks give you warmth and comfort while still leaving your heal and toes free to grip and stabilize.
Ear Savers for Masks
This Knitted Ear Saver will help ease the discomfort for those who wear protective face masks for long periods. Fasten each mask strap to a button on the Knitted Ear Saver at the back of the head and give your ears a break! Uses 7 - 8 yards (6 - 7 m) of yarn. Any yarn weight, gauge, and button size will work. Designed by Kimberly Nichols.
Braided Ball
Marleen Hartog’s toy ball can be knit in a few hours in any size you want with any scraps of yarn you have.
Crayon Bookmarks
Designed by Twins Knitting, these easy bookmarks are knitting flat and seamed.
Lace Jewelry Holder
Laylock designed this quick project that only requires a small frame, some thumbtacks, and some lace in the pattern she provides or your own. Then hang your earrings on the lace or use s-hooks to hang other jewelry. Great quick gift! Also great for leftover swatches!
Sweater Key Chain Covers
This set of miniature sweaters will keep your keys from scratching up your purse contents, designed by Berroco. Although it’s a great use of scrap yarn, these were knit in Berroco Sox which is a variegated sock yarn works up into faux Fair Isle and self-striping patterns.
Earbud Pouch
Mary Keenan designed this pouch that keeps earbuds safe and untangled and looks great too! Knit in the round, you can make this in the time it takes to watch a movie. Great use for leftover yarn and multi-color yarn!
Cottage Case
Amanda Berry designed this cute zippered case that can be used to hold pens and pencils, cosmetics, and more. Approximately 18.5cm wide and 14cm high. Great quick gift!
Protect-Your-Floor Socks
Jodi Lewanda came up with these clever furniture leg socks for Red Heart. Cute, practical, and a great use for scrap yarn!
Dream Catcher for Leah
Erica Harbin created this great use for leftover thread, lace, or even fingering weight yarn. The frame is the rim of plastic cup. Three styles to chose from. Pictured project by Disneyette
Mini Key Ring Purses
Kathy Sasser designed these cute key ring fobs for Red Heart. Perfect for scrap yarn and multi-color yarn!
Patterns for Purchase
Patchwork Baby Dress
This baby dress is designed to use up oddments of leftover yarn. The skirt is knitted in faux patchwork with a picot edging hem. Sizes 14″ chest for premature/Newborn, 16″ chest for newborn/3 months, 18″ for 3/6 month old babies and 20″ chest for 6/12 months old.
Aurora the Unicorn Toy
Colorful unicorn is 22 cm tall (sitting). All pieces are knitted flat (back and forth) on a pair of straight single-pointed knitting needles. You will not need more than 50g of any color, so it's a great stashbuster! Designed by Amanda Berry
Jacob the Poseable Puppy
Adorable puppy dog toy softie with a multi-colored coat. He is completely poseable having legs and head which can be turned into different positions. You will not need more than 30g for any part of Jacob, for most you will need no more than scraps, so it's a great stashbuster! Knit flat in DK weight yarn. Designed by Phoenixknits
Baby Doll in Crib
This cute Baby Doll measures 9 inches/23 cms from head to toe. Perfect for stash busting because you use different yarns for different pieces. Pattern includes instructions for Crib, Baby Doll, Hat, Sleepsuit, Nappy/Diaper, Pillow and Blanket
Razor Cover
This razor cover is designed to protect from razor cuts when your razor is packed in your luggage, gym bag, or purse. It easily slips on and off your razor head. And slipping it on when the razor is wet serves to block the cover to the razor shape. This knitting pattern is seamless and works up very quickly. Great for scrap yarn and last minute gifts.
Mini Skein Knits
25 patterns to use up leftover yarn and scraps a woman’s pullover, cardigan, slouchy beanie, shawl, mitts, boot cuff, scarf, pillow, clutch, and more.
