How can I reuse or recycle … old wool?

WoolHad an email from Cadan ap Tomos:

My mother is a knitting fanatic. She knits all the time. Yesterday she had a bag full of wool she didn’t want anymore. She was about to throw them away, until I came and said: “We can recycle that!” and grabbed it out of her hands. Well, actually, she gave it
to me to put in the bin, but i snuck it up to my bedroom instead! So I went to your wonderful website, to find that the item was not there! So, here is the suggestion: How can I reuse or recycle: old wool?

So any suggestions for Cadan? I’m guessing they’re not full balls of wool so ideas for scraps as well as long lengths would be helpful.

(Photo by Noche)

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21 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle … old wool?”


  1. Ruth says:

    People who do cross stiches often use small peices of wool for that – so they might want them? You could also use them for rag rugs

  2. Yes Louisa, there are scraps but there are also quite a few full balls as well! Thanks for putting it on.

  3. When I was a kid I loved making pompoms from short bits of wool, then I joined them up to make crazy scarves or toys or whatever came to mind. You could also use them as trimming on kids sweaters or on handbags. Another thing I used to do was crochet flowers in all the different colours, then join them into bigger pieces as ponchos or hats – it all depends how creative you can be. Just be prepared to be bold with your colours!

  4. Victoria says:

    If you’re not into rug making/pompoms etc. I’m sure someone on your local freecycle group will be.

  5. Paulalala says:

    Most hospitals with a maternity ward have connections to groups of volunteers who will use old wool to knit clothes for preemies. Given then size of the babies, they don’t usually need that much wool to make mittens or hats.

  6. cmbycreative says:

    Knitting groups are springing up all over, and some are collecting wool for charity projects like the preemie clothes or finger puppets for young hospital patients. There’s bound to be one in your area. Check in your local yarn store for notices or ask them.

  7. cheryl says:

    hiya,

    i am on the look out for scrap wool, as i am making small corsages and would like a wide selection to inspire me. if you have any left i would be happy to take it off your hands for a small fee :)

    cherylfranklin@blueyonder.co.uk

  8. Diana says:

    scrap afghans can be crocheted or knitted, there are loads of patterns on the internet for crocheted squares using more than one colour. Granny square blankets can be made from a anything, the more colours the better.
    There is a project called Afghans for Afghanistan so finished items can be donated.

  9. Anonymous says:

    The wool can be used to wrap pens – including making designs!

    (Assuming the pen user isn’t allergic to wool like I am)

    Wool that’s really old and has lost the ability to withstand stretching can be used as stuffing in stuffed toys.

  10. fishcake_random says:

    Making bracelets and scoobie things.

  11. steve says:

    My lovely old mum used to make granny square blankets & everybody wanted one ( I have several) now that she has passed away we can all still get a nice granny mummy blanket hug.

  12. Pat says:

    Donate the scraps to an elementary/primary school for children’s art projects.

  13. Anonamous says:

    You could go to a wedding and use it as grafiti

  14. Anonamous says:

    give it to ollie an emily they can use it in the car to make something on the way to school.

  15. Anonamous says:

    Yo,Yo dudes!! Make your garden more colourful by sprinkling it all over it will look really pretty if you use different colours or you could give it to emily and ollie again they said they need more wool now!!

  16. Anonymous says:

    Make a felted Rug

    See – http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=233971.0
    which is felt balls that look like pebbles or make cat toys
    http://thriftyknitter.com/?p=275
    Though you can probably use the stocking Idea from the cat toy how-to to make the felted balls for your felt pebbles.

  17. Pat says:

    There is a lady at our local farmer’s market who makes felted potholders, they won’t flame if left near the burner on the cookstove.

  18. poopy bum!! says:

    ollie is me m8 so giv 2 him nd he will use it 2 sat hello!! ledgend poop! xx

  19. Anonymous says:

    FREECYCLE!!!! Someone can use it!

  20. Shorty says:

    Bookmarks, pom-poms, a primary school?



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