Hello guys! Sorry for not posting for 2 weeks. I was super exhausted, felt like a zombie, and I don’t even know why. Maybe I’m exercising too much; I’ve recently added a few training sessions to my schedule… Anyway, let’s talk about reusing.
So, you want to reuse once-knitted yarn. You knitted something a long time ago and actually do not like it at all. The unraveled yarn will be frogged, frilled, and not very nice looking. Here’s how to straighten it and make it look like new!
Unravel your project
If it’s your own project, you probably remember where you weaved in the ends ;) if not, just search for a part near the bind-off edge that is slightly thicker than the rest.
When it comes to reclaiming yarn from a second-hand piece like a sweater, it is far more complicated, and I will cover it in another blog post!
During unraveling, wind the yarn into a ball to avoid tangling.
Wind the yarn into a loop
Some people use winding stations. If you have one of these - great! I just use my arm (see tutorial) to create a big loop. You can also use a chair or something similar.
When you are done, secure the loop by tying it in 3-4 different places with scrap yarn so it does not unravel during soaking. It is best to use light scrap yarn, the one that won’t bleed. I use beige or white. You can also use little scraps of the yarn you are straightening.
Soak the yarn
Now we have to soak the yarn. It is a crucial step when it comes to straightening. There is also an added benefit of washing and cleaning the yarn, which is especially important if you are using second-hand yarn.
Place the loop in a bowl filled with lukewarm water and some wool-specified, rinse-free detergent. I usually soak the yarn for as long as the detergent suggests, most of the time around 15 minutes.
Squeeze out the excess water
First, squeeze the yarn very gently over the bowl. (DO NOT wring it!). Then lay it on a towel, roll it in, and gently squeeze the rest of the water out.
Hang to dry
Hanging is when the yarn actually stretches. It is best to hang it somewhere where the water can drip freely or place a towel on the floor.
Rewind into a ball
Rewind the dry yarn into a ball.
Ta-da! You are ready to start another project.
Here is my TikTok tutorial:
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Happy Knitting!
Marta
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