Crochet Makes From Scrap Cakes: Turn your scrap yarn into colourful crochet projects

If you’re a yarn lover with a growing stash of scrap yarn, Crochet Makes From Scrap Cakes by Naomi Vincent is a must-have addition to your crochet library. This unique guide takes a fun, creative approach to using leftover yarn, transforming small remnants into beautiful, multicolored yarn cakes that are perfect for your next crochet project.

One of the highlights of this book is how it addresses the common problem of “scrap yarn” – those leftover bits and pieces that often get tossed aside. Naomi Vincent’s clear instructions show you how to turn these scraps into chunky, bespoke yarn cakes that can be used for a wide variety of crochet projects. By winding up your leftovers into scrap cakes, you can create color palettes that are both intentional and whimsical. The book even offers tips on sorting your scraps into tonal groups to achieve just the right color contrast, making each project feel cohesive, despite using multiple leftover yarns.

What sets this book apart is the emphasis on creating scrap cakes in a thoughtful way. Whether you’re using a yarn winder or winding by hand, Naomi ensures that the process is simple and accessible. She also introduces the “magic knot” technique for joining yarns, which is invaluable when working with scrap yarns of varying lengths. This technique ensures your projects look polished and professional, no matter how scrappy the yarn might be.

The 15 projects featured in this book are as charming as they are practical. From shawls and scarves to hats, bags, and blankets, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced crocheter, the projects include fun and creative stitches like mini bean stitch and cluster stitch, as well as classic techniques such as granny squares and corner-to-corner crochet. All the necessary instructions for these stitches are provided at the back of the book, ensuring you feel confident in your crochet skills no matter your level.

The book not only offers a solution to reducing yarn waste but also encourages crafters to embrace color play and personal expression through the yarn scraps they already have. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy blanket, a fashionable scarf, or a stylish crochet bag, Naomi’s instructions help you make the most of every bit of yarn, turning what would be waste into a beautiful piece of art.

Crochet Makes From Scrap Cakes is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to make the most of their yarn stash. With its creative approach to scrap yarn and its clear, approachable instructions, this book is perfect for both beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. If you’re ready to transform your scrap yarn into something special, this guide will inspire you every step of the way.

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Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

Crochet mug cosies
Ear warmers and headbands
Fingerless gloves
Cushion covers
Tote bags
Baby rompers
Crochet cardigans
Lap blankets
Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.

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