It’s finally happened. I’ve run out of space to Stash more yarn. I’ve completely filled a huge 5 drawer unit, I’ve got a huge box under my desk filled with it, I’ve got boxes stacked up on top of my unit filled with cakes and lace weight threads. Then there are the organza bags stashed behind my computer monitor and 2 big skeins of t-shirt yarn randomly perched on a table. I’m in serious need of some yarn stash busting crochet patterns!

All of the stuff mentioned above and there is still the numerous wips I have stashed down the side of the couch and my upstairs projects by the side of my bed to add to the list.

I have all different brands including Rico, Stylecraft, Sirdar, Caron, Scheepjes, Patons and so many more. I have chunky yarns, worsted weight, dk, 3 ply and threads. There are cakes, cones, balls, skeins and hanks stuffed into my collection. It’s a very random yarn stash and a lot of it is just single or part balls of each.

Writing it all down, it’s a bit embarrassing 😳 but I suppose a good yarn collection is required for any self respecting crochet business owner, especially a pattern writer – or at least that’s what I’m telling myself!

I’ve collected it all over several years. Some of it is left over from previous projects, some of it was bought during sale events or closing down sales. A fair amount was just me wanting to try out a new brand of yarn, but never quite finding the right project for it and of course there was the allure of a mystery box or two to see if there was anything new or fabulous in there.

Well, it’s time to do something about it, the overflow is unbelievable and it is completely out of control. I’m determined that I won’t be buying more yarn until I’ve used up a good portion of my stash. I at least need to be able to fit everything in the 5 drawer unit that I have. That is my mission for 2024.

Which means I need some yarn stash busting crochet patterns

The Yarn Stash Busting Challenge

Of course being a crochet pattern designer, that means I’ll be creating my own patterns. This should be an interesting challenge. I’ve got yarns of all different weights, colours and fibres to use up.

I’ve got several balls of some yarns, others just single skeins. So I’m going to have to really think about what type of patterns I choose for each yarn if I’m going to be able to avoid buying more yarn to complete a project – an extra challenge in this stash busting exercise.

The first task is to find out what I’ve actually got. So it’s time to unpack everything and make an inventory of all my yarn – thank goodness for my yarn stash tracker!

Let’s not go into how everything does not go back once its out. I swear yarn breeds when ignored for several years. Taking it out to make an inventory means its going to spread more, there’s no chance it can all go back once I’ve rummaged around in it – all the more reason to get cracking sooner rather than later with the new patterns.

So now it’s time to get down to business.

Stash Busting Crochet Patterns

I’ll be creating new patterns all through the year (and probably beyond), and will update the list below when I’ve completed a new yarn stash busting crochet pattern.

These will be made from all different types of yarn, but I’ll include all the details of how much I used and what brand it is within each pattern. The biggest challenge is going to be figuring out what I can make with the limited amount of yarn that can be matched together in a single pattern.

Have you ever had to go on a yarn stash busting exercise like this? I’d love to know what your go to yarn stash busting projects are. Come on over to our Facebook group and let us know. 

I hope you enjoy the patterns listed below. I’d love to know if they’re helping you bring down your own stash and of course if you enjoy making them.

Happy Stash Busting!

The FrankenScrap Crochet Along

The FrankenScrap blanket is the ultimate stash buster. A double bed size spread, it is made with 53 pieces, each made with a different crochet stitch. The crochet along started on the 14th of January and will run for 49 weeks and is free to access.

It uses dk / light worsted yarn to make and a lot of it’s stitches are suitable for multicolour yarn too.

Join in the scrappy fun here

The BiColour Rainbow Cowl

This pretty double wrapped cowl uses 1 main colour and scraps of 12 other colours of DK / light worsted weight yarn to create this unique looking accessory. The Bistitch uses 2 different colours of yarn to create the stitch so I chose a main colour to use throughout and changed my 2nd colour each row. Perfect for stash busting.

Get your pattern here

The Ring O’Bunting

This cute reusable wall decoration is perfect for parties or just to brighten up your kids room. You can make it with any colours of your choosing, and since each ring only uses a small amount of yarn, it’s perfect for busting through that stash 

I used DK / light worsted weight yarn, but you could use a lighter weight yarn too.

The pattern is free, and you can access it here

Easy Soap Saver

If you have some dk or light worsted cotton in your stash, then these easy soap savers are a quick and practical little crochet pattern. They make great gifts when paired up with a bar of lovely hand made soap

You can get the pattern here