Knitting with yarn scraps is not really that different from “regular” knitting.

You use the same principles – you just do it more creatively, more freely, and often more sustainably.

But when the yarn band is missing and you're left with a basket full of small balls of various thicknesses, it can be hard to know where to start.

Here's a simple (and hopefully useful) guide to choosing the right yarn – whether you're starting with a pattern or your yarn scraps.

There are two natural entry points into scrap knitting.

1. Start with your yarn scraps

You can start with the yarn you already have – and find a pattern that fits.

Pay particular attention to:

  • number of stitches per 10 cm
  • recommended needle size

If you know your yarn is typically knitted on 3mm needles, it might be difficult to use a pattern designed for 8mm needles.

Unless you work some magic – and we'll get to that in a moment.

2. Start with a recipe

The other option is to start with a pattern and adapt your leftover yarn to the pattern.

You can do this by, for example:

✔ knitting with multiple strands at once
✔ changing needle size
✔ adding a carrying yarn

If you want to use thin yarn with thicker needles, you can use a carrying yarn.

Especially effective here are:

  • blow yarn
  • brushed alpaca
  • silk mohair

But a thin mohair or similar can also be sufficient.

The most important thing is not exactly which yarn you use.

The most important thing is that you achieve the gauge required by the pattern.

That's what ensures you get a size that actually fits.

See my recipes here

Gauge – your most important guide

Gauge isn't just a technical number.

It's what determines whether your sweater will be:

  • too small
  • too wide
  • or exactly as you hoped.

If you have too many stitches per 10 cm
→ the stitches are too small
→ go up a needle size or use thicker yarn

If you have too few stitches per 10 cm
→ the stitches are too large
→ go down a needle size or use thinner yarn

And remember:

It's completely normal to change needle size.

It's not about knitting "correctly".

It's about hitting the target.

A small experience from me

I have also found that the thicker the needles you use, the easier it is to achieve the correct gauge when working with yarn scraps.

Thick needles make the stitches larger.

I can make almost any yarn produce 10 stitches per 10 cm on 10 mm needles.

See recipes for large needles here

Are you knitting with multiple strands?

If you're knitting with multiple strands, it can be a good idea to stick to:

  • a maximum of 3 strands at a time

4 strands can also work, if one of them is an accompanying thread, such as silk mohair.

This often results in a more stable and harmonious look than combining many thin strands.

Choose yarn carefully

The material the yarn is made of matters more than one might think.

Different fibers have different:

  • elasticity
  • weight
  • drape
  • warmth

If you want a consistent result, it can be beneficial to choose yarns with similar properties.

For example:

✔ cotton, linen, and silk work well together
✔ wool, alpaca, and mohair blend beautifully

It's not wrong to mix.

But it's a good idea to be aware of how it affects the look and fit.

A cotton sweater drapes differently from a wool sweater.

That might be exactly what you want – as long as it's a conscious choice.

Yarn alternatives – remember the three most important things

When substituting yarn in a pattern, there are three things you should always check.

1. Swatch

The gauge must match the pattern.

Many skip the swatch because they don't quite know what to do if it doesn't match.

But the solution is almost always:

  • change needle size
  • change yarn
  • or knit with multiple strands

2. Needle size

Needle size is always advisory.

That's precisely why it's important to make a swatch.

3. Material

If you switch from mohair to cotton, the look changes.

If you switch from firm wool to fluffy yarn, the texture changes.

This can be perfectly fine.

But it's also where one can be disappointed if they imagined something fluffy – but forgot to use fluffy yarn.

How to calculate yarn quantity

Personally, I keep it quite simple.

I take the pattern's specified grams – and add 100 grams on top.

If I end up needing more yarn for the last 15 cm of a sleeve, I just find another suitable scrap and finish knitting with that.

Calculate yarn in meters

If you know the yardage of your yarn, you can also calculate in meters.

Step by step:

  1. Find the pattern's total meters
    number of balls × meters per ball
  2. Divide by the yardage of your new yarn
  3. Round up

Example:

Pattern requires
6 balls × 120 m = 720 m

Alternative yarn
105 m per ball

720 ÷ 105 = 6.9

Therefore, you will need 7 balls.

Scrap knitting is not about perfection

Scrap knitting is not about being perfect.

It's about navigating wisely – and giving the yarn you already have new life.

Once you master these principles, choosing yarn will not be difficult.

It becomes part of the fun.

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