Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Using Up Scraps

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I bet you’re like me and have a lot of partial skeins of yarn hiding in your stash.  I’ve been given a lot of partial skeins, too.  Some of these I’m able to pass along to a couple of friends who crochet more than I do, who make things for their grandchildren and for charity.  But, there are some scraps I keep, thinking that one day I’ll find just the right project for them.  So, the search is on.  I’ve found several that I really like.

lionbrand.com Alchemy Afghan

I think my new favorite scrap afghan is the LB Alchemy Afghan.  It makes a beautiful stitch pattern that lends itself to a variety of yarn weights and any color.  (Too bad there’s no detail picture of the stitch.  Try out a few rows to see the full effect of the stitch pattern.  It would be especially attractive in a colorway for autumn as it reminds me of falling leaves.

If, like me, you’re a fan of tunisian crochet (afghan stitch), you’ll like this one designed by the Ruling Queen of Tunisian, Arnie from chezcrochet.com and crochetcoalition.blogspot.com. This one has no picture, but the name pretty much tells the whole story:

Scrap Crochet Along

Another obvious example of a good way to use up scraps and partial skeins is granny squares.  Oops!  I hate joining squares, so maybe not.

Also, be aware that a baby or toddler cap will not use a whole skein.  I can make up a beanie or similar cap in about an hour.  Scraps work well for these too.  Same for those fingerless mitts.  If you have a bag of scraps or partial skeins, measure them out and use half of each color for one mitt, reserving the other half for the second mitt.  If there’s still some yarn left over, make a cap!

Barbie clothes and other tiny items like amigurumi and potholders will make good use of your scraps as will headbands, triangle head scarves, and strip-ey winter scarves.  Make them as long as you like.  You’ll like the color balance better if you don’t use up all of one color in one spot.  Use some, then add the rest in later.  The resulting color bands are more pleasing to the eye.

And, now, the rest is up to my readers.  Check the post for Monday, April 12, 2010 to post a link to your favorite scrap project and enter my April giveaway.

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Comments

  2. If you make a baby hat make one for their doll or favorite stuffed animal and they will try to keep theirs and their litttle friends on their head rather than pull them off.

  3. I like to use my scraps for many things such as cat toys, coffee cup cozies, crochet flowers later to be used for appliques.

Have you read?

Pattern Review: Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.