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OMG! I’M SWIMMING IN YARN……

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I’ve just learned that my beloved mother in law is coming to stay for several months.  Have to make room for her.  Seriously.  What to do with all the yarn/books/hooks/magazines/print outs/etc in the ‘yarn room’ that will be her bedroom?  I’ve spent the past TWO days – no kidding, hours and hours – organizing, boxing, winding, cutting, sorting, etc this mess.

yarn-mess-1-0809

Does it help to know that I have ADD?  Does it help to know that I’m a rotten housekeeper?  Does it help to know that I’ve been working way more hours lately than my supposedly part time job usually calls for?  Does it help to know that much of the stuff in this room was given to me?

No!  None of that knowledge is either an excuse or a solution to this mess.  So far, I’ve sorted and boxed many skeins of yarn, way too many computer print outs of patterns, and an astonishing number of UFO’s that have simply been abandoned.

The ADD part for an adult who is supposed to be the main housekeeper is this:  If I can’t see it, I don’t know I own it!  Well, I know in a vague way that I own lots of yarn, patterns, hooks, etc.  And, I may recall in a more specific way that I have lots of red and black RH yarn.  But, for the life of me, I cannot tell you -even having recently culled through this mess – if I have enough of anything to crochet a sweater or if I have a G hook in rosewood or even if I have a pattern for a Christmas doily.  I’m sure I have all of the above, but I don’t KNOW it.

So, forgive my mess and know that it will be to the advantage of my readers that there will be lots Lots lots of contests soon to receive the overflow of my yarn trove, hooks that I’ll never use, and duplicate pattern mags and books.  Don’t go far.  I’m gonna unload these things over the next few months and you’ll ALL have a good shot at winning some.

Note:  In the interest of full disclosure, the picture above is from an LB blog.  I CANNOT find my camera in all this mess.  Surprised??

Comments

  1. Holy cow. I could have written this post a few weeks ago!!!! I just cleaned out my room for my MIL and discovered the same situation. I don’t know what I have without it being out in the open. And I certainly don’t have enough of anything to finish a project of significance. And now that everything’s clean, I’m almost frozen with fear to let it all explode again. But I have to dig things out somehow and pack a few knit/crochet projects to take on the go for traveling and don’t even know where to begin.

  2. I’m in a similar state as we’re converting my office/craft room into the nursery for our first baby – due in early Nov. – I know I have some time yet, but we started tackling it this weekend and- whew! where do I move it?! Good luck to you and keep your head … above the yarn!

  4. My yarn collecting obsession has become so huge! The first thing that came to mind as I was rushing home the other day (after an ADD episode where I left the oven on with sculpey clay in it and left the house for 3 hours) was, what if the house is on fire? How will I replace all of that yarn?? My goal now is to use up what I’ve got and try to resist collecting for a while. 🙂

  5. Me too! I’m the same way–if I cant see it it doesn’t exist. The house is always a little messy–not gross, just messy. Yard and minivan too because I have to have everything out where I can see it.
    I even took the doors off the kitchen cupboards so I could find things when I cook (it looks a little weird but it works for me). I didn’t know this was a symptom of ADD and I really didn’t know anyone else had the same problem (I’m an enigma in my family). Thank you for sharing and please dont let me win any of your contests–you know why : )
    Jill

  6. Are you my twin?? I do have the yarn semi-contained, but it is stuffed in nooks and crannies everywhere the bags (and boxes) will fit. Plus loosely contained WIP bags…

    I also have about the same volume of beading “stuff”…. A patio full of those containers, etc., and WIPs on the dining table… my dresser… bookcases……

  10. Don’t feel you’re alone. I finally got my yarn stash organized – and now I won’t allow a yarn to go into my closet until it’s on the list. It’s the only way to keep track.
    Now as for patterns and books … um, that’s a whole ‘nuther situation.

  11. If you really want to hang on to some of that “stuff” then try underbed storage boxes for every bed in the house. And bed skirts ( a simple 10-12in. strip of fabric pleated and pinned to the box spring) work wonders. Then there are the slyly disguised double stack sofa table (4 bins) and the end tables from those nice storage boxes. Of course they’re covered with a lovely coordinating drapery/upholstry remnants or clearance fabrics from JoAnne Fabrics. Those bigger bins also fit nicely under your hanging clothes in the closet and as a bonus you can put your shoes on top so you don’t have to bend over so far! : ) If it were fall I’d suggest the attic. Who needs a linen closet? Turn it into an organized stash space by putting the towels under the bathroom sink and giveing everybody the sheets that fit their bed to put in a drawer in their room. I have lots more ideas! Ever seen a boys room that had a train shelf running the perimeter of the room. Then what’s wrong with a lovely collection of the same size plastic shoe or photo boxes bordering a room? Makes sense to me. Ok, Ok, I’ll stop. Can you tell I’ve been through this a few times? : )

  12. Well gal this really makes my day here.. we too had company the last two months and I really cleaned up things too and found stuff I didn’t know I even started… I do have two of those unfinished projects done now and another one to be done soon… then I have one more that a friend started and her eyes got bad so will work on that after the one afghan I have going for myself… then not sure what after that… so I truly think we are all alike in so many ways… so when I read stories like this one.. I dearly love it and it really makes my day… Nancy

  14. I’ve just moved and have finally put all the yarn in one place! Since I am a stasher I seriously didn’t know how much I had since it was under every bed, in cabinets, closets – the car! It’s out of control. My mom had yarn that was twenty years old in the back of her stash (nice stuff too!) Nice to know the rest of the knitting world has this stash problem!

Have you read?

14 Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns for Yarn Scraps and Handmade Gifts

There is something lovely about unpacking a Christmas ornament and remembering who made it. A slightly wonky bow, a tiny crocheted hat, a little snowman with more personality than his size should allow. Those are the decorations that earn their place on the tree year after year.

These free crochet Christmas ornament patterns include miniature trees, wreaths, baubles, woodland decorations, candy cane holders and nostalgic little keepsakes. Some are easy projects for crocheters who know the basics, while others offer a little more detail for anyone who enjoys thread crochet or miniature amigurumi.

They are also a very good excuse to investigate the leftover yarn basket. You know, the one containing several almost-finished balls you have been saving for “something small”. This is something small.

Each link below takes you to the designer’s pattern page. Many offer free instructions online alongside an optional paid printable PDF, so check the page before heading straight to the shop button.

Which Crochet Christmas Ornament Should You Make First?

Here are a few starting points to help narrow down the festive temptation.

What you want to makeStart with
An easy ornament using very little yarnWhitefield Wreath
A small project without stuffingMini Santa Hat
A tiny stuffed Christmas decorationTiny Christmas Tree
An ornament that holds a treatGingerbread or Reindeer Candy Cane Holder
A textured cover for a plain baubleHopscotch Bauble
A detailed thread crochet keepsakePoinsettia Flower
A project for using odd buttonsCrochet Button Angel

Small does not always mean beginner friendly. Fine thread, tiny stitches and fiddly finishing can take more concentration than a larger project, so choose by construction as well as appearance.

Easy Crochet Ornaments and Small Yarn Projects

1. Whitefield Wreath Ornament

A little green wreath with a red bow is hard to beat for traditional Christmas charm. Banana Moon Studio’s design uses bobble stitches to create texture, giving the wreath a lovely rounded appearance.

The designer rates it easy and lists approximately 12 yards of worsted weight yarn, plus yarn or ribbon for the finishing details. The finished wreath measures about 3½ inches across.

This is a particularly useful choice when you have a small amount of green yarn left over. Make a matching group, or try cream wreaths with burgundy bows for a softer colour scheme.

Find the free crochet wreath ornament pattern at Banana Moon Studio.

2. Mini Santa Hat Ornament

GoldenLucyCrafts’ little Santa hat delivers plenty of Christmas cheer without needing a stuffed body or lots of separate pieces.

The pattern is rated easy and uses medium weight yarn with a 3.5 mm hook. The finished hat is approximately 2 inches tall after folding.

Classic red and white is an obvious choice, but a collection in pink, sage and cream would be lovely too. Keep any added decorations small so they do not overwhelm the hat.

Follow the free mini Santa hat crochet pattern at GoldenLucyCrafts.

3. Flat Crochet Christmas Bell

Hookfully’s cheerful bell has a face, rosy cheeks and a little bow. It is a good option if you like character ornaments but would rather make a flat decoration than a stuffed figure.

The designer rates the pattern easy. It uses DK weight yarn, with approximately 27 yards listed, and measures around 9.5 cm square.

For beginners, a smooth yarn will generally make the stitches easier to see than a fluffy or velvet yarn. Choose the texture you will enjoy working with, rather than struggling through something simply because it looks lovely in the photograph.

Visit Hookfully for the free flat crochet Christmas bell pattern.

4. Crochet Button Angel

Our CraftBits button angel combines crocheted pieces with ribbon, buttons and a sparkling halo. It has that lovely craft-box Christmas feeling, especially if you use a button with a little family history.

The wings begin as a small crocheted rectangle that is gathered in the middle. A separate crocheted body and the decorative pieces complete the angel.

This is a mixed craft project, so allow time for assembly as well as crochet. It is a lovely way to turn an odd button and a few yarn scraps into a keepsake.

Make your own with our crochet button angel ornament tutorial.

Tiny Amigurumi Christmas Tree Decorations

5. Tiny Crochet Christmas Tree

The Nicole Chase’s miniature tree is approximately 2 inches tall using the suggested worsted weight yarn and 4 mm hook.

This is a stuffed, three-dimensional tree worked in the round. The materials list calls for small amounts of green, brown and red yarn, making it a useful project for coordinated leftovers.

I would make a small collection in different greens, then keep the hanging loops the same colour to bring the group together. These would also look sweet tied onto wrapped gifts.

Get the free Tiny Christmas Tree crochet pattern from The Nicole Chase.

6. Tiny Snowman Ornament

A miniature snowman wearing a little hat is exactly the sort of decoration that makes people lean closer to the tree.

This design from The Nicole Chase measures approximately 2 inches and uses worsted weight yarn with a 4 mm hook. Small amounts of contrasting yarn provide the colourful details.

Choose this one if you enjoy working in the round, shaping a stuffed piece and adding finishing touches. Making several with different hat colours would give you a coordinated set without every ornament looking identical.

Find the free Tiny Snowman ornament crochet pattern.

7. Crochet Mouse Ornament

Stitch by Fay’s little mouse makes a charming addition to a woodland Christmas tree.

The pattern uses DK cotton yarn with a 2.5 mm hook, and the finished ornament measures approximately 2½ inches square, including the ears. The rounded body is worked in continuous rounds, with separate ears and decorative details.

This is a good choice for someone comfortable with small amigurumi stitches. Keep the fabric firm enough to contain the stuffing without pulling every stitch so tightly that your hands complain.

Visit Stitch by Fay for the free crochet mouse ornament pattern.

8. Crochet Mushroom Ornament

A little mushroom is a lovely alternative to the usual Santa-and-snowman selection, especially if you enjoy woodland Christmas decorations.

Yarnspirations offers this Bernat design as a free downloadable pattern, with an easy skill rating. The finished mushroom measures approximately 4 inches high and 3 inches across.

It uses Bernat Super Value yarn and stuffing. Check those measurements before planning a miniature tree, as this ornament is larger than some of the tiny projects in this collection.

Download the free Bernat crochet mushroom ornament pattern at Yarnspirations.

Crochet Candy Cane Holder Ornaments

9. Gingerbread Man Candy Cane Holder

This gingerbread decoration from A Crocheted Simplicity doubles as a candy cane holder, making it a lovely little gift with a treat attached.

The designer provides single-layer and double-layer options, so you can choose the construction that suits your project. The pattern is rated easy and uses worsted weight yarn with a 4 mm hook.

At approximately 5½ inches high, excluding the hanging loop, it is a substantial ornament rather than a tiny motif. Allow time for the face and icing details, because those are what give the gingerbread its character.

Find the free gingerbread man candy cane holder crochet pattern.

10. Reindeer Candy Cane Holder

The reindeer version from A Crocheted Simplicity is another useful option for combining a handmade ornament with a small Christmas treat.

The pattern is rated easy and uses worsted weight yarn and a 4 mm hook. The finished decoration measures approximately 4½ inches high and 2½ inches wide, excluding the hanging loop.

Instructions include an embroidered-eye option. Brown, cream and a small amount of red create the familiar festive look without requiring a large yarn purchase.

Make the free crochet reindeer candy cane holder ornament.

Detailed Crochet Christmas Ornaments and Keepsakes

11. Hopscotch Christmas Bauble

If you want to give plain baubles a handmade finish, the Hopscotch ornament from Green Fox Farms Designs adds an interesting textured cover.

The designer specifies worsted weight yarn, a 5 mm hook and a 67–70 mm plastic ornament. Allow approximately 40–50 yards of yarn.

This pattern is rated intermediate. It is a better choice for someone ready to explore the stitch pattern than for a complete beginner. Check the size of your bauble before starting, as the cover needs to fit its supporting form.

Follow the free Hopscotch bauble crochet pattern.

12. Mini Crochet Sweater Ornament

A tiny Christmas sweater is wonderfully cheerful, whether you decorate it tastefully or embrace the full ugly-sweater spirit.

Zamiguz’s design begins at the ribbed turtleneck, with the sleeves worked afterwards. The designer rates it intermediate and recommends fine or DK yarn.

The DK sample uses approximately 50 yards and measures around 3½ inches high. Embroidery offers plenty of room for personalisation, but plain stripes can be just as effective when working at this scale.

Get the free mini crochet sweater ornament pattern at Zamiguz.

13. Poinsettia Flower Ornament

Kirsten Holloway Designs’ poinsettia is a beautiful choice if you enjoy delicate thread crochet and traditional Christmas flowers.

This intermediate pattern uses size 10 crochet thread and a 1.4 mm steel hook. The finished flower measures approximately 4¼ inches across.

The materials include a blocking board and starching spray, so plan for finishing time as well as crochet. A poinsettia like this would make a lovely reusable gift topper before earning its place on the tree.

Find the free poinsettia flower ornament crochet pattern.

14. Vintage Puffy Crochet Christmas Tree

Our CraftBits puffy Christmas tree is another option for crocheters who enjoy working with thread.

The pattern lists size 10 crochet cotton and a finished height of approximately 3¼ inches. Its tiered construction creates a different look from a simple flat triangle.

Read the instructions through before starting, particularly the sections worked into the remaining loops of earlier rounds. This is one to choose when you fancy a little detail rather than a quick first crochet project.

Find the free vintage puffy crochet Christmas tree pattern on CraftBits.

Choosing Yarn for Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Start with the yarn weight specified in your chosen pattern. A small substitution can change the finished size, and that matters when a cover must fit a particular bauble.

For projects made from leftovers, sort your yarn by thickness before sorting it by colour. Two yarns that look perfect together in the basket may behave quite differently once crocheted.

If you need a few colours to pull a collection together, browse the yarn selection at Mary Maxim and match the yarn weight to your pattern. A shared cream, red or green can help a mixture of leftover colours feel intentional.

For more ideas on combining nostalgic ornaments, woodland details and festive crochet around the home, explore our Christmas crochet trends and free patterns.

Little Finishing Details That Make a Difference

Test the hanging loop before fastening it permanently. Hold the ornament up and check that it faces forwards instead of tipping sideways.

Keep stuffed ornaments light. Add enough filling to support the shape, then check how the ornament hangs.

Finish the back as carefully as the front. Tree decorations turn, and gift toppers often get inspected from every angle.

Plan for blocking. Flat shapes and thread crochet flowers may need shaping before they look their best. Follow the designer’s finishing instructions and check that any stiffening product suits your fibre.

Choose embellishments for the recipient. For decorations likely to be handled by very young children, avoid detachable small parts and use embroidered details instead.

Questions About Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns

What is a good crochet Christmas ornament for beginners?

The Whitefield Wreath and Mini Santa Hat are good patterns to consider if you already know basic crochet stitches. Read the stitch list first and choose a project whose construction feels manageable.

Can I use scrap yarn for Christmas ornaments?

Yes. Many small ornaments need only modest amounts of yarn, although some use more than their size suggests. Keep enough matching yarn for repeated pieces, such as ears, sleeves or both sides of a decoration.

Do crochet ornaments need stuffing?

Some do. The tiny tree, snowman, mouse and mushroom are stuffed designs. Other projects use flat construction, an open shape or a separate supporting ornament.

Do all crochet Christmas ornaments need stiffening?

No. A stuffed figure or bauble cover generally gets its shape from its construction. Delicate thread crochet and some flat motifs may benefit from blocking or stiffening, depending on the designer’s instructions.

Can these ornaments be used as handmade gifts?

Absolutely. Tie one onto a parcel, add it to a Christmas card or make a small coordinated set. Include a note explaining that the decoration can be untied and kept.

You do not need to crochet enough ornaments for an entire tree to make something special. Start with one little wreath, one mouse or one snowman, and see where the yarn basket takes you.

A handful of handmade decorations can become the pieces everyone looks for when the Christmas boxes come out. Slightly crooked bow and all.