It is so easy to get swept up in all of the boutique yarns, fancy hooks, and pricey project bags- they are hard to resist! But it is important to remember that we can make gorgeous crochet projects without spending hardly any money at all! (In some cases, for absolutely nothing!).
Last year I wrote an article that focused on saving money by using your stash. Since crocheters spend more money on yarn than any other aspect of this hobby, this is the easiest and simplest way to save money. But what if you don’t have a large stash to choose from? Maybe you are looking for a specific kind of yarn for a specific project, or you just want to find some good deals. In this article, I will share some ideas for acquiring new yarn without breaking the bank!
1. Organize a yarn swap
If you have yarn, tools, or pattern books you are willing to part with, consider organizing a trade with other crafters! This could be done in person at a local coffee shop or public space like a library, or if it is with a group of friends you could meet at someone’s house and you could make it a party!
An organized yarn-swap could also be done through the mail. Facebook and Ravelry both have groups dedicated specifically for this.
On Ravelry there is a very popular group called Karma Yarn Swap, where you can claim yarn that another group member posts, and then you have a certain amount of time to offer up something that you are willing to part with. This offering goes to the group as a whole- it does not necessarily go to the person who is going to send their yarn to you. This works really well because these are so many different people with different tastes and yarn needs, and it makes it easy for your yarn to go to someone who will appreciate it!
There is another Ravelry group called “Will work for yarn” where you crochet, knit, or weave something for someone else and in return, they give you extra yarn as payment.
2. Ask in neighborhood buy-nothing groups for un-wanted yarn
If you are only willing to take certain kinds of yarn, then be upfront and specific when asking. This also works for hooks, books, etc. People often are willing to part with things they aren’t using when they know it is going to a home where it will be used and appreciated!
3. Shop for yarn at the thrift store
Look for yarn in skein form but also in sweater form! Many sweaters can be taken apart and re-used! This is great for your pocketbook as well as for the planet. For more information on this, check out this article: Tips for Using Thrifted Yarn
You can also shop for yarn online on Goodwill’s website.
There are some thrift stores that specifically cater to crafters such as:
Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse
Make & Mend Secondhand Art and Craft Supplies
Hello Art Hatchery
4. Check for yarn at discount stores
Dollar tree has been selling some good quality yarn in its stores lately. You also have the option to buy in bulk on their website as well.
5. Shop for clearance/discount yarn in online stores
Look for sales in the following online yarn retailers:
Drops
LindeHobby
WEBS
Crochet.com
Knitpicks
hobbii
Love Crafts
Consider signing up for a newsletter as some of these companies will send out discount codes or coupons.
Some yarn companies offer value packs, or kits where you can save money. Keep in mind that you can use the yarn in the kits for whatever you want- you don’t have to make the intended project!
6. Look for mill end yarn
Mill end yarn is “leftovers” from the textile Industry. This is a great way to keep yarn from ending up in a landfill, and can save you some money too!
This company has some lovely yarn, although much of it is lighter weight yarn (thin), so check carefully before you buy. It is described in weaving terms, which are different than our usual craft yarn council standards. If you need help understanding what these classifications mean, here a helpful article: Yarn Weights Charts – A Helpful Explanation
7. Don’t overlook your local yarn store!
Often when people think of local yarn stores, boutique, hand dyed yarns come to mind first. Although these yarns are incredibly tempting, they may not be realistic for every budget. Keep in mind that yarn stores offer much more budget friendly yarns too! Yarn stores carry some very lovely commercial yarns which are a much more affordable option compared to the indie yarns. Shop the clearance section, and look in the more out-of-the-way sections in the store. Also ask clerk for some suggestions for finding more economical choices.
Bring along a list of typical amounts of yarn needed in your size for sweater, hats, socks, etc (or whatever projects you are interested in making). Do this for different yarn weights too. This will help you avoid buying too much.
“Staying on Budget” means something different to everyone. Knowing how much you can afford to spend is the most important thing. After you figure that out, you can use the options above to help you find yarn at the right cost for your own budget!
Interested in finding more ways to save money on your favorite craft? Check out this live event: Crochet on a Budget. All of Creative Crochet Corner’s live events and tutorials are recorded so you can watch the replay at any time!
Here’s what I say to my wife, “want to save money on yarn?, don’t buy more yarn” we all know how that works out…
I have made a lot of hats in color block and striped patterns when I didn’t have enough yarn for the whole hat.