Summer Stashbusters: Fun & Creative Ways to Use Up That Yarn Stash!

Breathe new life into your leftover yarn balls this summer with creative stashbuster projects.

We all have one—that overflowing bin (or closet... or entire room) full of leftover yarn. And while it may look like chaos, it’s actually a treasure chest of creative potential! In this blog post, we're diving deep into how you can turn those yarn scraps and single skeins into beautiful, useful projects this summer. Let’s turn "too much yarn" into "just enough inspiration."

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Stashbust

Image From Summer Yarns: Lana Grossa Primavera

Summer projects tend to be smaller, lighter, and quicker—the perfect combo for using up leftover yarn. Plus, the slower pace of the season means you might have a bit more time to tackle those "someday" ideas. Stashbusting now also makes room for new fall yarns coming out soon (yes, it’s totally okay to plan ahead!).

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Quick & Easy Project Ideas Using Leftover Yarn

Here are some stashbuster projects perfect for warm-weather crafting:

• Granny Squares – Use a mix of colors for unique blankets or join-as-you-go project

  • Easy Basic Granny Square - https://youtu.be/4R_sC3ZbUz4

  • Easy Circle To Square Granny Square - https://youtu.be/59UehtL4K8s

  • Easy Closed Granny Square - https://youtu.be/Ii1UPH4JNDs

• Soap Sacks – Great for gifting or charity projects

  • Easy Seed Stitch Soap Sack - https://youtu.be/-kVY03xHLnw

  • Easy Ribbed Stitch Soap Sack - https://youtu.be/mtySYWnVX3U

  • Easy Puff V-Stitch Soap Sack - https://youtu.be/YR4s2eJ5LW0

• Crochet Bookmarks – Use mercerized cotton or thinner yarns for a quick win

  • Easy Granny Square Bookmark - https://youtu.be/87sOtU71KDQ

  • Easy Sunflower Bookmark - https://youtu.be/f9Adc-TMNHE

• Scrunchies & Hair Ties – Only take a few yards and make fun gifts

  • Caron Soft Scrunchies - https://youtu.be/rgRLFn25w9Q?si=_Gg02GLO9CYdbg1f

  • 3 Minute Scrunchie - https://youtu.be/DcU_ZTu4RKQ?si=6HKt0mipQS8pIzNw

  • How To: Crochet Scrunchie Tutorial - https://youtu.be/ieT61KZU9mg?si=2PrHl4g91FCnFW1H

• Mug Rugs or Coasters – Great way to experiment with color combos

  • Cat Butt Coaster - https://youtu.be/kHF2SMSP_Ko

  • How To Crochet The Cottage Mug Rug - https://youtu.be/-uYcwOqnX50?si=7K4XdSvb2UAsqo5Q

  • Mosaic Mug Rug - https://youtu.be/vwDMM3NU3jM?si=6ujAOMRXElrVvKxi

• Amigurumi Accents – Small creatures or details using minimal yarn

  • Teeny Weeny Giraffe - https://youtu.be/uI04GPqo-LE

  • How To Crochet A Popcorn Flower - https://youtu.be/jZU1CRQanIQ?si=zHYXbCJKCCrx8Qj1

  • Crochet A Tortoise With Me - https://youtu.be/onQZDH5ANhQ?si=Qhr0k1zKjCeRZBPM

• Keychains & Bag Charms – Quick, fun, and sellable at markets

  • Ice Cream Cone Keychain - https://youtu.be/qBAlWDk0hG0

  • Simple No-Sew Fish Keychain - https://youtu.be/a2CQZNbydwY?si=oQmo_6MQOB1h6v6N

  • Crochet Lanyard Tutorial - https://youtu.be/-3BHEXBIrGk?si=HkAO15ncasHbKVVH

Creative projects to make with leftover yarn: granny squares, soap sacks, crochet bookmarks, scrunchies, mug rugs, amigurumi accents, and keychain bag charms.

Tip: Make a "stashbuster bin" by sorting small balls by color families. It makes reaching for the right scrap way easier!

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Tips for Mixing Colors & Textures

Creative Tips for Blending Scrap Yarns: Achieve Beautiful Projects by Mixing Colors and Textures with Expert Techniques.

Combining yarns can be intimidating, but here are some tips:

• Stick with similar weights (DK with DK, worsted with worsted)

• Use a neutral yarn to tie together multiple bold colors

• Try planned striping or a fade effect to make transitions smoother

• Use the Russian Join or Magic Knot to reduce bulk when switching yarns

• Add texture intentionally—mixing cotton and acrylic can actually look great if done with purpose

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How to Organize & Store Your Yarn Stash

Tips For Organizing Your Scrap Yarn So You Know What You Have And The Details Of That Yarn

A little organization goes a long way. Here are a few stash-friendly systems:

• Color-Coded Bins – Separate by color family

• Weight-Based Drawers – Group yarn by thickness

• Clear Jars or Containers – Pretty and functional

• "Use First" Basket – Keep it beside your crochet chair with small skeins ready to grab

• Label Remnants – Use tags or clips to mark brand/fiber/content if you might need that info later

Also, don’t forget to cake or rewind messy skeins—they’ll be much more tempting to use!

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Fun Community Challenge Ideas

Want to make stashbusting a group effort? Here are some lighthearted ideas:

• Stashbuster Bingo – Make a bingo card with different small projects

• Color Combo Challenge – Draw two yarns at random and create something using both

• Scrap Swap – Exchange leftover yarn balls with another member

• Weekly WIP Feature – Share your stashbuster makes in the group each week

  
  

These ideas build connection and help everyone feel motivated to use what they have!

Final Thought: Every Scrap Counts

Why Summer Is A Great Time To Go Through Your Yarn

Remember, stashbusting isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about rediscovering your yarn and your creativity. Those small leftovers can become beautiful gifts, thoughtful donations, or even your next bestselling market item. And the best part? You already have everything you need to get started.

So go grab that tangled mess of colors and let’s make magic out of it!

Have a favorite stashbuster project idea? Share it in the Crochet Club community and inspire someone else!