Have you tried making crocheted projects out of fabric yarn? This can be a fun way to use up some of your scraps of fabric you have and create some fun projects! You do not need to have a lot of crocheting skills since you can do this with just a few basic stitches.

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I want to than the Fabric Wholesale Direct for sending me the fabric that I will be featuring in this blog post. I will be using their Ottertex® Water-Repellent Nylon Ripstop fabric for this project because of it’s water repellent feature.

How to Make Fabric Yarn

Did you know that there are actually a couple of different ways to make fabric yarn? One way involves using tubular fabric, or sewing the fabric you have into a tube and then cutting it so that the tube becomes one contiuous piece. I found a great step by step tutorial for this proces on a site called Look What I Made.

The other way to make fabric yarn would be to cut your fabric into strips and then join those strips together. You could sew the strips together, or you could just tie them to join them. The tying option is the option I decided to go with so that you can make this project even if you do not want to get the sewing machine out, or do not own a sewing machine.

First I marked the Ottertex® Water-Repellent Nylon Ripstop fabric with chalk into sections that were a little less than one inch wide. I like using chalk for marking my fabric since you can wipe it off or for clothing it will come off the first time you wash it. Next I got out my fabric scissors and cut the strips. You could also use a rotary tool for cutting the fabric.

I was starting my cuts at the folded edge of the fabric so that I could get long straight strips quickly and easily. This will make my fabric yarn come together faster!

Next I starting tying the long strips together. I didn’t worry about the ends of the fabric around the knots since I knew those could get woven into the finished project. I did have to use an extra large crochet hook, size L, for this project. By the way, what I am making will be coasters!

I started with a simple chain, and then went back and forth using a single crochet stitch all the way across. Normally I would just chain one when turning for the next row, but I did two chains for my turn in this project due to how thick the fabrick yarn was. I did not use a pattern or anything. I just continued back and forth until I felt like the square was a good size.

And now I have fabric coasters! I figured that these would be great for using outdoors since if they get left out in the elements I do not have to worry that the fabric will get ruined. The frayed fabric gives them a rustic, shabby feel.

If you do not want that look, make sure to choose a fabric that will not fray, like a cotton that you would typically use for a t-shirt or sports material would be nice too. You could even cut up old t-shirts to create your fabric yarn. Be creative!

Why Use Fabric Yarn?

You might be wondering why you should use fabric yarn instead of traditional yarn, so I made a list of reasons for you.

• Eco-friendly and Sustainable: Whjen made from old t-shirts, sheets, or other upcycled fabrics, is an excellent way to reduce waste and repurpose textiles that would otherwise be discarded. Additionally you could make the yarn from fabrics that have a sentimental meaning to you such as ties your father used to wear, or the fabric from clothing you wore as a child.
• Unique Textures and Colors: Fabric yarn often has a distinct texture and can create a different visual effect compared to traditional yarn, offering unique colors, patterns, and thicknesses depending on the fabric used.
• Durability: Fabric yarn, especially from cotton or polyester, tends to be thicker and more durable than traditional yarn, making it ideal for projects that require sturdiness, like rugs, baskets, and bags. Additionally you can use fabrics specifically made for outdoor use like I did in some of my project examples.
• Versatile Projects: Because of its thickness and durability, fabric yarn is well-suited for creating home decor items such as floor mats, plant hangers, and pillows, which may require sturdier materials than regular yarn.
• Quick to Work With: Since fabric yarn is generally thicker, projects using it often work up faster, making it a great option for larger projects or those who want quicker results.
• Budget-Friendly: Creating yarn from old clothing or linens is an affordable alternative to buying yarn, especially for large projects or when using specialty yarn might be cost-prohibitive.
• Customizable Thickness: Fabric yarn can be cut to different widths, allowing crafters to customize the thickness of the yarn for specific projects, something not as easily achieved with traditional yarn.
• Creative and Fun: The process of making fabric yarn can be a fun, creative project in itself, allowing crafters to experiment with different materials, colors, and combinations.
• Stretchiness: Many fabrics, especially those with some elastane or stretch, result in fabric yarn that has more give than traditional yarn, making it ideal for projects where a little stretch is useful, such as headbands or fitted items.

Fabric yarn offers versatility, creativity, and eco-consciousness, making it an attractive alternative to traditional yarn for many crafters.

Fabric Yarn Project Ideas

Here’s a list of project ideas using fabric yarn:

• Crochet or knit baskets for storage or decor
• Chunky floor rugs for a cozy touch
• Handmade tote bags for shopping or beach days
• Plant hangers to display indoor greenery
• Cushion covers or throw pillows for home decor
• Durable, washable placemats or table runners
• Bath mats that are soft yet sturdy
• Coasters for a rustic, handcrafted feel
• Wall hangings or macramé art for bohemian-style decor
• Fashion accessories like scarves, headbands, or bracelets
• Pet beds or toys for a cozy touch
• Reusable market bags or produce bags for an eco-friendly lifestyle
• Chunky blankets for a quick and satisfying project
• Chair pads or seat cushions for added comfort
• Potholders or trivets for the kitchen

These fabric yarn projects are perfect for adding a handmade, sustainable touch to any space.