Giving old garments a new lease on life through recycling is becoming increasingly popular. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s also a cost-effective and creative way to expand your knitting supplies.
Finding a Garment
According to Earth.org, 1.92m tonnes of textile waste is produced every year. To reduce waste, the first step is to find a suitable garment to unravel. Old sweaters made from natural fibres like wool are a great starting point. Blankets are also ideal, but it is best to avoid any with intricate patterns as these can be tricky to unpick.
How to Disassemble a Garment
Once you have found a suitable garment, carefully cut the seams using a sharp pair of scissors. Separate the individual pieces and lay them on a flat surface. Starting from an edge, gently unravel the yarn by pulling on the strands. Patience is vital and you must avoid pulling the yarn as this can cause damage.
Preparing Recycled Yarn
Once you’ve unravelled the yarn, it’s time to prepare it for knitting. If the yarn is dirty or has a lingering odour, it can be washed gently by hand with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Allow the yarn to dry naturally, then wind it into skeins or balls for easy storage and use.
Creative Projects
Recycled yarn can be used for a variety of projects, from scarves and hats to complex sweaters and blankets. It’s also a great material for macrame projects. If you are thinking about macrame, a macrame kit is a good place to start, as they come complete with instructions and materials. Specialists such as www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/macrame-kits can be helpful with project ideas.
With a little patience and creativity, you can transform old garments into beautiful, functional knitted items.
