7 Projects You Can Start Today: With Yarn You Already Own

Plus Free printable Scrap Yarn Project Planner Just for You

First of all — thank you for the amazing feedback on my recent post about creating an organised yarn stash. It’s been so nice to hear that it helped you feel a little more in control of those yarn baskets, cupboards and “I’ll deal with that later” piles.

If you haven’t read it yet, you might want to start here [Ways to Keep Your Yarn Stash Tidy (Without Killing Your Crochet Mojo] — this post builds right on from that one.

Because once your yarn is sorted (even loosely!), something magical happens…

Suddenly you can see what you have.
Suddenly projects feel possible again.
And suddenly the urge to buy more yarn quietens just a little

And if you’re reading this thinking, “I still haven’t sorted my stash…” — that’s okay too. This post might be the motivation you need to finally start.

Once your yarn is grouped by weight, fibre, or rough colour families, you’re no longer guessing. You’re choosing with confidence.


From Sorted Stash → Finished Projects

Instead of:

“I want to make something… but I don’t know where to start.”

You can now say:

“I’ve got plenty of DK scraps — what can I make with those?”

This is where productivity (and enjoyment!) really kicks in.


7 Projects You Can Start Today Using Yarn You Already Own

This post contains affiliate links, which help to support this blog at no extra cost to you

If you’ve ever sat down to crochet and felt stuck because you didn’t know what to make — even with a cupboard full of yarn — you’re not alone. This post shares 7 crochet projects you can start today using yarn you already own, perfect for stash-busting, using leftover yarn, and getting back into the rhythm of making without buying anything new.

happy ripple in progress

1. Scrap-Friendly Blankets

If your stash sorting revealed lots of half skeins or leftovers, this is your sign. Stripe them, square them, mix them — scrap blankets are forgiving, cosy, and incredibly satisfying.

Crochet Robins Nest Square motif in cotton yarn, perfect for lightweight summer crochet projects
The Robins Nest Square crochet motif, worked in breathable cotton yarn

2. Granny Squares (Decide Later!)

One of my favourite low-pressure options. Make squares now, decide later whether they become:

  • A blanket
  • A bag
  • A cardigan
  • Cushion covers

Future-you will thank you.

Crochet hat pattern

3. Hats & Beanies

Single skeins, odd balls, quick finishes — hats are ideal if you want that “I actually finished something!” feeling. Plus they make great gifts. Check out my hat patterns here

Crochet zebra

4. Small Plushies & Amigurumi

Sorted scraps are perfect for details, stripes and tiny characters. No colour matching required — just creativity. You can find lots of pattern inspiration right here.

Small Crochet bee with rosy cheeks made from cotton
Crochet bag charm patterns

5. Easy Accessories

Headbands, wrist warmers, mitts, bag charms, pouches…
These are brilliant for using yarn that isn’t quite enough for a bigger project. They are also great filler items if you are a finished piece seller and you have a market coming up.

crochet tea cosy free pattern
Grandma Dot Tea Cosy free pattern

6. Practical Home Decor

Coasters, dishcloths, plant pot covers, bunting — small, useful makes that quietly chip away at your stash.

7. Swatches That Actually Have a Purpose

Crochet scrap yarn squares and textured motifs laid on a white table, showing small colourful crochet projects made from leftover yarn

If you’re unsure what to make, try experimenting. Test stitches, colours, textures — and keep them. Today’s swatch could be tomorrow’s blanket plan.

Gently Breaking the “Buy More Yarn” Habit 💛

Once your stash is sorted and visible, it becomes much easier to break the cycle — without guilt.

A kind rule I like is:

Finish one stash project before buying more yarn.

Not as a restriction… but as a reminder that you already have so much potential waiting to be used.

Crochet scrubies
crochet scrubbie pattern

Want to Make This Even Easier?

If you enjoy a little structure (without pressure), this FREE printable pairs perfectly with a sorted stash.

Final Thought

Chances are, your next finished project is already sitting at home — just waiting for you to pick it up…what are you waiting for?

If you have enjoyed this pattern you can help support what I do by

• leave me a like or a comment below

• Pin the image below for later on your Pinterest board

• tag me in your makes using @yarnyrobin

• Join me here and hit follow so you don’t miss new free patterns and all the crochet goodness I share along the way.

📌pin this post for later

Happy crocheting,
Niki 🤍