Free Recycled Yarn Projects and Techniques

Weavers for generations have recycled old cloth and other items into fun and functional yarn. This free eBook will teach you how to weave up sturdy tote bags from your stash of plastic bags and ways to turn old T-shirts into colorful rugs.

You don’t need much yarn at all for these projects: it’s all about upcycling here. Take a pile of old t-shirts, add a pair of scissors and some elbow grease to the mix and you have yourself almost all the yarn you’ll need.

• Tote from Recycled Plastic Bags by Anne McKenzie - In this project Anne shares how rewarding it is to take her handwoven totes to the grocery store, especially now that we are all being encouraged to bring our own bags. These totes are sturdy and washable, and it's always fun to see what sort of pattern the plastic strips create!

• A Dressed-Up Recycled Bag by Virginia Balch - Recycled materials—especially plastic bags—are finding their ways to weavers' looms! This version is perfect for everyday runs to the grocery store.

• Perfect Marriage T-Shirt Yarn Rug by Amanda Robinette - Learn new t-shirt weaving techniques to apply to other t-shirt yarn projects when you take on this rag rug. You'll start by making t-shirt yarn that's sturdy and simple, then you'll learn how to turn the jersey into a DIY t-shirt rug.

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