Stitches

What could I use yarn for other than knitting?

I tried knitting, but it didn't go to well. I have a beautiful multi-color ball of yarn, but don't know what to do with it. Anybody have any ideas? I don't tie quilts usually although that is one option. Thanks, Lynn33

Public Comments

1. plant hangers, pot holders (although the yarn needs to not be nylon or acrylic only cotton or wool)
2. Well, you could try crocheting. I use scrap yarn to tie up presents and such.
3. my friend told me that crochting is easier than knitting... maybe try a scarf?
4. it isn't true that you can't use acrylics for potholders or hot mats. I have used acrylic and other synthetic yarns for many many years. That is what Red Heart is! Ok, there are many many things to do with yarn other than to knit. There is crochet, weaving, embroidery, and just putting the ball of yarn on the shelf with the knitting needles in it for a decoration. My fireplace wall is currently decorated with skeins of handspun home dyed yarns! It is really a good conversation starter. Here in the office I have balls of interesting yarns interspersed in the books and knick knacks. Very rarely are there any 2 alike. Get some more balls of interesting yarns and put them in a fancy bowl in the middle of the dining room table for a centerpiece.
5. While you can make pot holders out of acrylic yarn, it is well to remember that acrylic is a form of plastic and it does not extinguish itself when removed from the source of a flame and as it burns it melts and can cause some very serious burns (this is why people sued a fast food company when they spilled hot coffee on polyester slacks, due to the 3rd degree burns that resulted). It can be used for hot pads. However, depending on how much yarn you have, if you are not inclined to learn to crochet with it, consider weaving something on a simple loom (a cereal box works). Give it to an elementary school teacher for a class art project. Many schools do not have supply budgets for this any more and every bit helps. Use it on packages instead of ribbon, or save it to tie up garden plants in the spring.
6. Get a knifty knitter loom. Its so much easier than knitting. All you do is make loops around a loom and it comes together. Definitely invest in one. It comes with instructions that are really easy and you can find all kinds of things you can make on the internet with it. Its about $12-15 for a round loom set (it has four sizes of looms for different projects) and the straight loom costs $8-10 (for making scarfs). You can also buy a straight loom set that costs around $20 and it has a large size where you can make afghans! I love mine and use it all the time. I can regular knit, as you know, but knifty knitter is much easier on my hands since I have carpal tunnel.
7. Crochet is much easier than knitting, as far as I've figured.