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Knitting projects for scrap yarn can be challenging to find. Free knitting patterns for scrap yarn are even more difficult to find. But I know that every knitter has a pile of scrap yarn that we hold onto, hoping that the perfect project will come along to help us use up our scraps.
I'm guilty of holding onto yarn scraps forever, hoping that one day I'll stumble on the perfect project to use them all up. Unfortunately, I never found the perfect pattern. That's exactly why I created the Scrappy Scrunchy Pattern. My scrap pile was out of control! I couldn't find any projects for scrap yarn that I was interested in making, so I created my own. The Scrappy Scrunchy is the perfect free pattern for stash busting.
This scrunchy is a stranded colorwork pattern. Stranded colorwork knitting, or Fair Isle knitting, is my favorite knitting technique. Fair Isle knitting uses two strands of yarn simultaneously to create a lovely colorwork design. The colorwork chart shows which color of yarn you will use for each stitch. The other strand of yarn is carried along the back out of sight.
The colorwork chart for the Scrappy Scrunchy is very simple to follow, making it perfect for beginners. It's a simple repeat and works up very quickly. The simple design of the colorwork chart lets the scrap yarn shine through without being too visually distracting.
This knit scrunchy pattern has two versions: Slightly Scrappy and Super Scrappy. As the names suggest, the slightly scrappy scrunchy uses less scrap yarn than the super scrappy scrunchy. One is made with one ball of scrap yarn and one ball of solid yarn, while the other uses two balls of scrap yarn. The Slightly Scrappy Scrunchy is more subtle, while the Super Scrappy Scrunchy is more colorful. Both versions look beautiful, so it's entirely up to you which version you make. If you're looking to use up your scrap yarn quickly, I recommend the Super Scrappy Scrunchy.
The Scrappy Scrunchy makes the perfect handmade knit gift. Knowing what people will like as a knit gift is challenging. The Scrappy Scrunchy is a simple accessory, so it will appeal to many people. It's also very quick to knit, so it's great as a last-minute gift idea. My favorite part is that it uses yarn you already have at home. If you're anything like me, your scrap yarn pile is begging to be used. The Scrappy Scrunchy is a great way to make gifts for little to no money using yarn you already have at home. Each scrunchy also turns out completely unique, so you can mass produce these, and each scrunchy will look completely customized to the recipient! The Scrappy Scrunchy really solves all of your knitting gift needs.
Scrappy Scrunchy - Free Knitting Pattern
This pattern includes two versions of the same scrunchy pattern. You can use all scrap yarn to create a Super Scrappy Scrunchy or a mix of solid-colored and scrap yarn to create a Slightly Scrappy Scrunchy. Both versions are stunning; the only difference is how much scrap yarn you use. Whichever version you choose, it will turn your scrap pile into an adorable accessory. No one has to know that it's made out of leftover yarn!
Follow the step-by-step knitting pattern below, and use the colorwork chart to knit your very own scrappy scrunchy.
Skills
Ability to follow colorwork chart
Knowledge of knitting in the round
Tips
Keep tension consistent and not too tight
Manage floats to help keep the tension loose.
Follow instructions on making a ball of yarn using the Russian join method, or tuck in ends as you go.
If you are making a super scrappy scrunchy, make sure to remember which ball of scrap yarn is color A, and which is color B. You can add a stitch marker to one strand if you find that helpful.
Finished Size
6.5 inches across
Gauge
20 stitches & 18 rows in 4 inches
Materials
Yarn:
Slightly Scrappy Scrunchy: 25 grams/ 45 yards of solid color worsted weight yarn & 25 grams/45 yards of scrap worsted weight yarn.
Super Scrappy Scrunchy: 50 grams/90 yards of scrappy worsted weight yarn
US 9/ 5.5mm circular needles.
Tapestry needle for sewing
Elastic hair tie
Instructions
Gather Your Scrap Yarn
Step one is organizing your scrap yarn. This is my favorite part because it involves going through your scrap pile and rediscovering hidden gems that have long been forgotten.
I created scrap yarn balls using the Russian join method. The Russian join yarn ball involves connecting the strands of yarn together to create one long strand of yarn. This method helps avoid sewing in ends later. I have a tutorial on the Russian join method linked below to show you step-by-step instructions on creating your own scrap yarn ball.
I like the Russian join method because it lets me plan out my color combinations before I start knitting, but you can choose to grab yarn as you go. Sometimes, I try to avoid putting colors next to each other that "clash," but other times, I keep it completely random.
I like the look of frequent color changes for the Scrappy Scrunchy, so I cut some of my larger scraps into smaller pieces. If you want to add more variety to your scraps, you can cut small pieces off of full yarn balls you have on hand and mix those into your existing scrap pile.
For the Super Scrappy Scrunchy, make two balls of scrap yarn. You will alternate between the two balls of scrap yarn for the Super Scrappy Scrunchy. The Slightly Scrappy Scrunchy only requires one ball of scrap yarn and a solid-colored yarn.
Follow my free tutorial for using the Russian Join method:
For Super Scrappy Scrunchy, use scrap yarn
For Slightly Scrappy Scrunchy, use solid color yarn
Cast on 88 stitches
Join in the round
Rounds 1-28: Follow the attached color chart
For Super Scrappy Scrunchy, use scrap yarn
For Slightly Scrappy Scrunchy, use solid color yarn
Bind off, leaving a very long tail for sewing (long enough to sew up the outside of the scrunchy).
With the wrong side facing out, wrap the hair tie around the work so that the open ends are at the top and bottom (see image below).
Fold the work around the hair tie so that the right side is facing out and the outside edges are lined up (see image below). You can also pin the two sides together to make sewing easier.
Sew the edges together and weave in remaining yarn (see image below).
You could also use any seamless join of choice to attach the sides together.
Colorwork Chart
Follow this color chart for both versions of the scrappy scrunchy
For the slightly scrappy scrunchy, the white squares indicate using solid colored yarn, and the pink squares indicate using scrap yarn
For the super scrappy scrunchy, the white squares indicate using scrap color A and the pink squares indicate using scrap color B.
Repeat columns 1-2 44 times total to equal the 88-stitch cast-on length. Repeat rows 1-4 7 times total to equal 28 rows in total.
Congratulations!
You have completed your Scrappy Scrunchy Free Knitting Pattern! I would love to see your finished scrunchy. Every Scrappy Scrunchy looks completely different, and I would love to see your unique knit scrunchy! Tag me on Instagram @thecrafteemanatee if you choose to share your masterpiece.
Check out my other free patterns and my Ravelry, Etsy, and Ribblr stores, including more fun colorwork knitting patterns.