Making Your Own Yarn – 6 Great Tutorials

Going to the yarn store is always fun and exciting – so much potential in all those beautiful skeins. But you aren’t limited to what’s in the store. You can make your own – no spinning required! I’ve scoured the web this morning to bring you 6 great tutorials for making your own yarn:

1. Tear up old sheets (via creativejewishmom.com): You have to take care around the corners, but the result is worth it! Perfect for rugs or pillow covers. I haven’t tried this yet, but given the state of some of the sheets around here, it’s on the agenda!
2. Make Plarn (via petalstopicots.com): I’ve done this myself, and with a great big hook I made a giant waterproof bag that my family has been taking to the pool for years. It doesn’t get much greener than that! Even if you always remember your totes at the store, ask your friends – I’m sure they’ll be happy to hand you their plastic bags! Three tips: don’t use an expensive hook or needles, as the ink from the bags can sometimes leave marks; work loosely; and take breaks – plarn is fun but tiring to work with! 
3. Recycle a sweater (via handspunartyarn.com): This one isn’t so much making yarn as it is reclaiming it, but this is hands down the best tutorial for unraveling a sweater I’ve ever seen, so I had to share it. Read this before you head to all the summer garage sales!
4. Turn Old T-shirts into Yarn (via letbirdzfly.blogspot.com):I’ve been dying to try this, but somehow most of our old tshirts end up in the garage as rags. I’m hoping to snag a few in the next closet cleanup and make some pretty trivets! Or maybe I’ll just stop by Goodwill on 25¢ day.
5. Blue Jean Yarn (via plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com): Fuzzy and funky, yarn made from denim jeans (or skirts!) is sure to be durable and lend a unique vibe to your home furnishings. Pair it with florals for a shabby chic look, go modern with a room full of shades of blue, or add some rustic or western flair – just like jeans, jean yarn goes with everything!
6. Pantyhose become Harn? (via plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com): This is one of the most unique ideas I’ve seen! I don’t wear pantyhose, but for those who do (or who used to and now have have a bunch laying around), here’s a great way to recycle your hosiery!

What unusual “yarns” have you created? What about unspooling old VCR tapes? What will you make with the yarn you create?

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