Knitting projects require yarn—there’s no way around it. But does this mean you have to forgo knitting altogether if you’re on a budget?
Thankfully, no!
There are ways to get free yarn, and it’s easier than you might think.
We’ll share our tips on how to get yarn for free so you can stock up, whether you’re working on knitting, crocheting, weaving, embroidery, sewing, or even ropemaking projects.
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How to Get Free Yarn
Here are some of the easiest ways to get free and cheap yarn:
1. Search for Free Yarn on Facebook Marketplace
While Facebook Marketplace is mostly known for buying and selling items locally, it’s also a great place to find free stuff, including yarn.
Check out the free items section on Facebook Marketplace, which I’ve linked to in the heading above.
You might find people giving away yarn near you. Just use the search bar to look for the term “yarn.” This should help you find if anyone nearby is giving away yarn.
2. Thrift for Yarn
While this tip doesn’t provide entirely free yarn, it can save you a lot of money. I came across this idea on Reddit, where several people mentioned it.
Visit your local thrift store, buy some inexpensive sweaters, and unravel them to repurpose the yarn. Often, the cost of the sweater is less than buying yarn new.
3. Repurpose Your Closet
This tip builds on the previous one. The idea is similar—you’re unraveling clothing to obtain yarn.
Instead of going to a thrift store and spending money, even if it’s a small amount, you can use clothing you already have in your closet and dressers.
If you have sweaters, sweater dresses, or other knitwear in your wardrobe that you no longer wear—and let’s face it, most of us have items we rarely use—you can unravel these garments and turn them into free yarn.
4. Join a Local Knitting Club
Knitting clubs often have yarn supplies acquired through donations from local retailers and manufacturers looking to promote their products. They might also have leftover yarn from larger projects.
These supplies are often given away to members. It’s worth checking out local knitting clubs to see if there’s one you can join. They might also offer free knitting patterns and other resources.
5. Browse Free Stuff on Craigslist
Craigslist is a real treasure trove of freebies. If you’re looking for free yarn nearby, take a look at the site. You might find someone giving away a few skeins.
You can find free yarn by checking the “Free” section on your city’s Craigslist. Go to the “For Sale” section, then click on “Free.” This will show if anyone nearby is giving away free yarn.
6. Repurpose Yarn from Old Projects
Another option is to repurpose yarn from old projects. If you enjoy hobbies like knitting and crocheting, you likely have leftover yarn from previous projects.
Check your supplies to see if you have yarn that could be used for a new project. This can save you money by avoiding the need to buy new yarn.
7. Get Free Samples from Brands
Check the websites of specialty yarn brands, as some offer free samples to customers. This can be a great way to obtain high-quality, premium yarns without cost.
Some of the top yarn brands include:
- Red Heart
- Bernat
- Caron
- Patons
- Lily Sugar’n Cream
- Aunt Lydia’s
- KnitPicks
- Isager Yarn
There are many more options available. You can find them by googling “top yarn brands” or “top yarn manufacturers“.
Look for a page on the brand’s website where you can request a sample, or find the company’s contact page and ask if they have any samples available.
Some yarn brands provide samples to encourage customers to make a purchase if they like the free sample.
Consider following these brands on social media to stay updated on potential giveaways, special promotions, and coupon codes.
8. Trade Yarn on r/Yarnswap
The subreddit r/Yarnswap is another option if you’re looking for free yarn. It’s a place where you can trade yarn with others.
You can create a post to find someone interested in trading yarn or other items like patterns and books. It’s a great way to exchange supplies you don’t need for yarn you’ll actually use.
9. Ask Friends and Family
Friends and family can be excellent resources for free yarn.
If you have any family members or friends who knit or do other hobbies that involve using yarn, ask them if they have any spare yarn they’d be willing to give you.
They might have some yarn they’d be happy to pass along.
10. Shop for Cheap Yarn
If you need to buy yarn, look for stores where you can get a good deal.
Fortunately, many stores offer affordable yarn options.
This includes:
- Dollar Tree: Prices are always low.
- Michaels: Check the store’s sale section and use coupons when available.
- JOANN Fabrics: Look for coupons and savings in the store’s weekly ad, and explore the clearance section.
- Hobby Lobby: Shop the clearance section and check the store’s weekly ad for deals.
Using coupons at these stores can help you save a significant amount on yarn.
Start Crafting with Free Yarn!
Ready to fill your crafting stash without spending a cent?
Getting yarn for your projects doesn’t have to be expensive. With these tips and tricks, you can easily obtain yarn for free or at a discount.
