We’re all feeling the pinch at the moment, with energy costs through the roof and inflation doing its level best to burn a hole in our pockets. But there’s no way we’re going to let that stop us crafting! Read on for our genius tips and tricks for crafting on a budget, from toy stuffing swaps to online shopping hacks, plus a special treat on page 33 to save you plenty of pennies... you can thank us later!
Don’t cut your tension square! Make the most of your yarn by unravelling it and using it again.
2
Repurpose your long-abandoned UFOs. If you’d forgotten you had it, you’re probably not going to finish it. Frog it and use the yarn for something new!
3
Store your yarn safely. Don’t let it get tangled and end up having to cut it free from knots – wasting yarn this way is the worst!
4
Swap your stash. Get together with a friend and trade your unwanted yarn for theirs – new yarn, no cost! There are also plenty of Facebook groups you can join that enable yarn swaps with other crafters, such as Yarn Exchange UK.
5
If you’re a prolific toymaker, consider buying cheap cushion inserts instead of actual toy stuffing. Cut them open and use the filler inside – it’s the same stuff, and you’ll be able to get more for your money this way. You can find a 41cm square cushion inner for £2.50 from wilko.com
6
Take a look in charity shops, car boot sales, and secondhand shopping apps like Vinted for cheap knitted jumpers and blankets – then repurpose the yarn. Un-pick any seams, then unravel each piece before winding the yarn into a hank and letting it soak in lukewarm water with some washing detergent. This will both clean the yarn and remove any kinks so that it’s easier to knit with. Leave to dry, then cast on!
If you’ve fallen in love with a pattern but it uses a super pricey yarn, yarnsub.com is your friend. This handy website compares the texture, gauge, fibre content, colour styles and other qualities of similar yarns, and recommends the best substitutes for you, so you can choose one within your own budget.
Air your woollen knits rather than machine washing them where you can. Wool is naturally antibacterial so doesn’t actually need washing as often as you might think. In fact, frequent washing wears clothing out quicker, so you’ll protect your favourite jumper for longer as well as saving on energy costs.
Visit your local yarn shop rather than shopping online. Not only will you avoid postage fees, but having a good feel of the yarn and chatting with the experts in store will help you walk away with exactly what you need, with no nasty surprises. For example,
