There’s so much more you can do with yarn than knit a scarf or crochet an afghan. In fact, many yarn art projects don’t require knitting or crocheting skills at all! From pom poms and tassels to garlands and wall hangings, we found 8 DIY crafts that use yarn in creative ways.
This vintage-inspired yarn hanging is the perfect alternative for the crafter who loves the bohemian look of woven wall hangings but doesn’t know how to weave. Simply loop long strands of yarn around a metal ring and trim the bottom into your desired shape. Then spray paint the ends and an assortment of wooden beads to match your decor.
(Photo Source: Oleander and Palm)
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A modern take on a summer camp craft, this DIY re-imagines uninspiring baskets as practical works of art. Embroidered with neon yarn, your woven baskets can serve as colorful containers for small items or hang on the wall to add unexpected texture to a space. If you don’t have any unused baskets hiding in your basement or garage, you can pick some up for a bargain at your nearest secondhand store.
(Photo Source: Design Improvised)
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Stash away your knitting needles and start stretching your hands because you’ll be using your fingers to knit the letters in this yarn art project. Spell out a name or an inspiring word by hiding floral wire inside simple fishtail chains and then using a hot glue gun to adhere the letters to a canvas. This personalized word art is extra fun to make with the assistance of an older child.
(Photo Source: Lasso the Moon)
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Perfect for parties or playful decor, this colorful garland can literally be created in three steps: fold yarn over string, tie yarn to form tassels, snip ends to desired length. Choose from a variety of baker’s twine to coordinate with the colors of your tassels or try jute cording for a more natural look.
(Photo Source: I Try DIY)
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Stands of ice creamed-colored pom poms take shape around a ribbon-wrapped embroidery hoop to form a boho-chic chandelier that looks just as good over a dining room table as it does in a nursery. Described as a “labor of love,” this DIY is a slightly more advanced and also somewhat time consuming — you’ll need to make 54 plush pom poms for this yarn art project.
(Photo Source: Small for Big)
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Thought to bring good luck and protection, a God’s Eye is a Mexican talisman and an easy craft project that’ll bring you back to your summer camp days. Simply wrap yarn in various colors around wooden dowels to form the diamond-shaped weaving, which is eye-catching on its own (ahem, pun intended) or in multiples on a wall. Although typically fashioned with vibrant yarn, this example puts a modern spin on a traditional craft with an unexpected muted color palette.
(Photo Source: Almost Makes Perfect)
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Silk flowers may look more realistic, but yarn flowers are so much interesting, especially when they’re inexpensive knock-offs of designer home decor. This bouquet of pomdelions — aka pom pom dandelions — is easy to make with supplies you probably already have in your craft closet: orange-yellow yarn, floral wire, green crepe paper, and hot glue. Then, with the money you saved by DIY-ing, you can splurge on a new vase to display them.
(Photo Source: The Casual Craftlete)
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A combination of everything shagadelic about the 70s — pom poms, tassels, and, of course, shag — this retro-inspired wall hanging only looks complicated thanks to its plush layers. In reality, it’s simply an accessory hanger adorned with oversize pom poms and tassel-like fringe. Best of all, mixing and matching your leftover yarn is totally encouraged because it adds lush dimension and texture.
(Photo Source: We Are Scout)
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