Have leftover yarn sitting in your yarn stash? These free scrap yarn crochet patterns are a great way to turn those smaller amounts of yarn into something cute, useful or giftable instead of letting them go to waste.
Small crochet projects are perfect when you want something quick to make between larger projects. They’re also a great opportunity to experiment with different colour combinations and use those odd balls of yarn that aren’t quite big enough for a blanket, garment or larger amigurumi project.
I’ve collected some of my favourite small crochet projects from MummaJ Crochet below. You’ll find amigurumi, appliqués, crochet cat toys, bookmarks, Christmas decorations and other quick crochet ideas.
Each project links to the full free crochet pattern, and many also have a step-by-step video tutorial.
Important: The amount of leftover yarn you’ll need will depend on the yarn weight, hook size, colours and project you choose. Make sure you have enough yarn before starting if you’re working with a particularly small leftover amount.
Small Amigurumi Scrap Yarn Projects
Small amigurumi is one of my favourite ways to use leftover yarn. You can combine different colours from your stash, and many little crochet creations don’t require the amount of yarn needed for a larger toy.
Mini Crochet Mushroom
Mini Crochet Mushroom
Turn a small amount of leftover yarn into an adorable little mushroom. This quick amigurumi project is a fun way to experiment with different cap colours, so you don’t have to stick to traditional red and white.
Get the Free Mini Crochet Mushroom Pattern Here
Crochet Heart Mushroom
Crochet Heart Mushroom
Use your leftover yarn to make a cute mushroom with a heart-shaped cap. Try different colour combinations from your yarn stash to make each heart mushroom a little different.
Get the Free Crochet Heart Mushroom Pattern Here
Crochet Plum
Crochet Plum
Small crochet fruit can be another fun way to use leftover yarn. This amigurumi plum is a quick little project and can be added to a collection of handmade crochet play food.
Get the Free Crochet Plum Pattern Here
Crochet Strawberry
Crochet Strawberry
Have some red and green yarn left over? Turn it into a cute crochet strawberry. It’s a small amigurumi project that’s great for adding to a collection of crochet fruit or play food.
Get the Free Crochet Strawberry Pattern Here
Crochet Apple
Crochet Apple
This little crochet apple is another way to turn leftover yarn into something fun. Make one on its own or use several different scrap-yarn colours to start your own collection of crochet fruit.
Get the Free Crochet Apple Pattern Here
Scrap Yarn Crochet Appliqué Patterns
Crochet appliqués are a great choice when you only have small amounts of yarn left. They are quick to make and can be used to decorate blankets, bags, clothing, hats, cards and other crochet projects.
They’re also a fun way to experiment with colours without committing to a large project.
Crochet Butterfly Appliqué
Use a few colourful yarn scraps to make this cute crochet butterfly. Try making several butterflies in different colour combinations and use them as embellishments on other crochet projects.
Get the Free Crochet Butterfly Appliqué Pattern Here
Crochet Heart Appliqué
A small crochet heart is a simple project for leftover yarn. Make them in traditional reds and pinks for Valentine’s Day or use whatever colours you have in your yarn stash.
Get the Free Crochet Heart Appliqué Pattern Here
Crochet Bunny Appliqué
Turn a small amount of leftover yarn into a cute bunny appliqué. This little project is especially fun for Easter, but it can also be used to decorate baby and children’s crochet projects.
Get the Free Crochet Bunny Appliqué Pattern Here
Crochet Cloud Appliqué
This little crochet cloud is another easy way to use up smaller yarn scraps. Add it to blankets, nursery projects or other handmade creations that need a cute finishing touch.
Get the Free Crochet Cloud Appliqué Pattern Here
Free Crochet Cat Toys Using Leftover Yarn
If you have leftover yarn from other projects, why not turn some of it into a handmade toy for your cat?
I have several free crochet cat toy patterns, including mice, fish, balls and other small toys. These projects can be a fun way to use smaller amounts of yarn while making something your cat can enjoy.
Safety note: Always supervise your cat when playing with handmade toys. Check toys regularly for loose yarn, damaged stitches or stuffing that could be pulled out, and remove damaged toys.
Crochet Mouse Cat Toy
Use leftover yarn to crochet a cute little mouse for your cat. This is one of my small crochet cat toy projects and a fun choice when you have yarn remaining from another project.
Get the Free Crochet Mouse Cat Toy Pattern Here
Crochet Fish Cat Toy
Turn some leftover yarn into a handmade crochet fish for your cat. It’s a small project that’s easy to add to your list of scrap-yarn crochet ideas.
Get the Free Crochet Fish Cat Toy Pattern Here
Crochet Cat Ball
A simple crochet ball is another small project you can make with leftover yarn. Choose a colour from your stash and turn it into an easy handmade cat toy.
Get the Free Crochet Cat Ball Pattern Here
Crochet Carrot Cat Toy
Got some orange and green yarn left over? Use it to make this fun crochet carrot cat toy. It’s a cute way to turn yarn scraps into something useful instead of throwing them away.
Get the Free Crochet Carrot Cat Toy Pattern Here
Crochet Octopus Cat Toy
Use leftover yarn to make a quirky little octopus toy for your cat. It’s another fun option if you’re looking for small crochet projects that don’t require the amount of yarn needed for a larger amigurumi toy.
Get the Free Crochet Octopus Cat Toy Pattern Here
Want More Crochet Cat Toys?
Looking for more ideas? See all of my free crochet cat toy patterns in one place, including mice, fish and other handmade toys for cats.
See All Free Crochet Cat Toy Patterns → Here
Quick Crochet Projects for Leftover Yarn
Not every scrap yarn project has to be amigurumi. Smaller practical projects are another great way to use leftover yarn, especially when you want something quick to crochet.
These little projects can also make lovely handmade gifts without requiring enough yarn for a larger project.
Crochet Heart Bookmark
Use some leftover yarn to make a cute heart bookmark. Choose traditional Valentine’s colours or simply use whatever colours you already have in your yarn stash.
Get the Free Crochet Heart Bookmark Pattern Here
Christmas Scrap Yarn Crochet Patterns
Christmas decorations are another useful way to work through a yarn stash. Small ornaments let you use different colours and make several projects without needing the amount of yarn required for larger Christmas crochet patterns.
You can hang the finished decorations on your Christmas tree, add them to gifts or make a collection of handmade ornaments.
Crochet Candy Cane Ornament
Use red and white yarn left over from other projects to make a classic crochet candy cane decoration for your Christmas tree.
Get the Free Crochet Candy Cane Pattern Here
Mini Crochet Santa Hat
This tiny Santa hat is a fun Christmas project for smaller amounts of red and white yarn. Make one as an ornament or create several for your handmade Christmas decorations.
Get the Free Mini Santa Hat Crochet Pattern Here
Crochet Icicle Ornament
Turn some leftover yarn into a simple crochet icicle for your Christmas tree. These small decorations are quick projects when you want to add more handmade ornaments without starting something large.
Get the Free Crochet Icicle Pattern Here
Tips for Crocheting With Scrap Yarn
Before throwing away those leftover balls of yarn, keep them together in a scrap-yarn basket or container. Even pieces that aren’t enough for a larger project may be useful later for small details, appliqués or amigurumi.
Try grouping your scraps by yarn weight. Using yarns of a similar weight makes it much easier to choose scraps that will work together in the same project.
For amigurumi, remember that changing the yarn weight or hook size can also change the finished size of your project.
Most importantly, don’t feel that you need to match the colours shown in my finished projects. Scrap yarn projects are a great excuse to use the colours you already have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Yarn Crochet
What can I crochet with leftover yarn?
There are lots of small projects you can crochet with leftover yarn, including appliqués, amigurumi, bookmarks, cat toys, Christmas ornaments, bows and other small accessories. The best project will depend on how much yarn you have and its weight.
What can I crochet with very small amounts of yarn?
For very small scraps, look for projects with tiny individual pieces or details. Small appliqués and embellishments can be particularly useful because they often require less yarn than complete amigurumi projects.
Can I mix different leftover yarns in one crochet project?
Yes, but check the yarn weights and fibres first. Yarns that are very different in thickness can change the shape and appearance of the finished project. For many small decorative projects, combining different colours of similar yarn can work well.
Are scrap yarn crochet projects good for beginners?
Many small projects can be beginner-friendly, but small doesn’t always mean easy. Check the stitches and techniques required by each pattern before starting. I’ve linked to the full free patterns above so you can choose a project that suits your crochet experience.
More Free Crochet Patterns
Finished working through your yarn scraps?
There are plenty more free crochet patterns to explore on MummaJ Crochet, including amigurumi, baby patterns, crochet toys, appliqués, seasonal projects and more.
Browse All Free Crochet Patterns → Here
Put Your Leftover Yarn to Good Use
Hopefully these free scrap yarn crochet patterns have given you some inspiration for those smaller balls of yarn hiding in your stash.
Whether you make a tiny amigurumi mushroom, a cat toy, an appliqué, a bookmark or a Christmas ornament, using leftover yarn is a great way to get another project out of yarn you’ve already bought.
Choose one of the free patterns above, grab some yarn from your stash and start your next little crochet project.
