Yarn wrapping allows children to create projects accented with fun novelty yarns without having to know how to either knit or crochet. Although some of the projects here will require a skein of yarn, the majority need only scraps. If parents and children work at creating a yarn stash, then they will have a variety of yarns in small quantities to use whenever they want to decorate an item.
Yarn Wrap Hair Holders
Get a hair elastic for thick hair. Select two or three different yarns that will look good together and cut strands approximately two-feet long. If possible, use yarns with different textures as that will add interest to the finished piece.
Hold the strands of yarn together and knot around the hair elastic. Wrap the yarn around the elastic, pushing the strands close together. Avoid pulling or stretching the elastic. Every ten or so wraps, knot the yarn so if it ever unravels from use, it won’t be necessary to rewrap the entire hair elastic.
Yarn Wrapped Bracelet
Follow the directions given for the hair elastic, but wear the results around the wrist.
Yarn Wrapped Flip Flops
Select a pair of undecorated flip-flop sandals. Choose a full skein of a lightweight but fuzzy, fluffy, or furry yarn. Tie the yarn around the strap, where the strap and sole meet, knotting the yarn three or so times. Wrap the yarn around the strap, keeping the strands as close together as possible. If the child can see the strap of the sandal, the yarn isn’t wrapped densely enough. Avoid bunching up the yarn, which will create uncomfortable lumps.
Continue across the strap to the opposite side of the shoe. Knot three or more times and cut the yarn. Repeat on the other flip-flop. For additional decoration, hot glue a decorative button, flower, or appliqué onto the center of the yarn-covered strap.
Yarn Wrapped Photo Frame
Find or make an oval or circular picture frame from cardboard. Cut the photo to go in the frame to the size of the frame or a bit smaller. Set the photo to the side.
Tie the end of a skein of yarn around the frame and knot a few times. Wrap a cardboard frame with a lightweight fuzzy, fluffy, or furry yarn. Make certain the strands are as close together as possible. The texture of the yarn will hide narrow gaps or spots where the yarn overlaps. When the child has wrapped the yarn around the circumference of the frame, knot it in place three times.
A parent, or an older child with supervision, can hot glue the photo to the back of the frame. Hot glue a magnet or two to the back so the frame can be hung inside a locker. Hot glue silk flowers, bows, or jeweled accents to the front of the frame, if desired.
Yarn Wrapped Pen or Pencil
Spread a thin layer of glue over a pencil or pen and wrap with a smooth yarn. Children should wrap the yarn along the top half or third of the pencil, to allow for sharpening. When decorating a pen, children should leave space for the cap to be replaced, if desired. Create a desk set of yarn wrapped items.
Yarn wrapped crafts are a fun and easy way to use small amounts of textured yarns to accent objects such as ponytail elastics, picture frames, and pencils.
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