Yarn is one of those classroom supplies you can never have too much of. It’s also a crafting material most parents have at home, so it can make for great at-home learning opportunities! There are endless ways to use yarn for fun and education, not to mention endless colors and textures to explore. We’ve rounded up our favorite yarn crafts and learning activities for you to try with your kiddos. Take a look!
1. Use drinking straws to weave
Drinking straws are another one of those cheap classroom supplies that have tons of uses. Using them for simple weaving is a terrific way to use up odds and ends of scrap yarn.
Learn more: Ideas 2 Live 4
2. Stick yarn to contact paper
Kids get hands-on learning when they use yarn to make shapes, letters, and numbers. They can just lay the yarn out on the table, of course, but it’s even more fun to stick it to contact paper instead!
Learn more: Fun Littles
3. Create cute yarn turtles
Give a new twist to classic god’s eye yarn crafts by turning them into colorful little turtles. Each one will have a unique pattern.
Learn more: Pink Stripey Socks
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4. Make yarn-wrapped initials
Cut letters from cardboard, then wrap them in scraps of yarn to create cool décor for any kid’s room. Yarn crafts like this let kids really express their own style.
Learn more: CBC Parents
5. Take a trip to outer space
Are your kids fascinated by astronomy? These yarn-wrapped planets are the perfect activity for them to try.
Learn more: And Next Comes L
6. Go star-gazing
While you’re at it, try these free printable constellation lacing cards. Such a clever way to study the stars!
Learn more: Kids Activities Blog
7. Practice cutting yarn hair
Just about every kid who gets their hands on a pair of scissors eventually tries to cut their hair (or their baby brother’s, or the dog’s…). Head them off at the pass with this smart yarn activity instead.
Learn more: Toddler at Play
8. Swim with a jellyfish
Our favorite part of this yarn craft is the fact that you can make the jellyfish “swim” through the ocean! Get the how-to at the link.
Learn more: I Heart Crafty Things/Jellyfish Craft
9. Try painting with yarn
Painting is one of the most popular yarn crafts out there, and for good reason. Kids will be mesmerized by the funky patterns they can create.
Learn more: Fantastic Fun and Learning
10. Paint with yarn—without paint
If you prefer your yarn crafts with a little less mess, try this idea instead. Use yarn to create a portrait, landscape, or abstract design.
Learn more: Picklebums
11. Play with yarn dolls
This is one of those yarn crafts that’s been around for centuries and is ideal for using up scraps of old yarn.
Learn more: The Craft Train
12. Learn to finger knit
Knitting isn’t just for grannies anymore! Any kid can learn to knit using just their fingers. Learn how at the link.
Learn more: One Little Project
13. Plant a yarn veggie garden
How cute is this veggie garden? Kids string the “soil” across a paper plate, then plant their vegetables.
Learn more: Non-Toy Gifts
14. Craft yarn-wrapped pumpkins
Here’s another one of those classic yarn crafts: wrapping glue-soaked yarn around a balloon. When it’s dry, you pop the balloon and turn the sphere into all kinds of decorations, like this adorable pumpkin.
Learn more: One Little Project
15. Knit using a toilet paper tube
Once kids master finger-knitting, move on to this method, which uses a cardboard tube and some wood craft sticks.
Learn more: Repeat Crafter Me
16. Work on measurement using yarn
Non-standard measuring activities using items like yarn help kids build the skills they need to understand length and other dimensions.
Learn more: Beansprouts Preschool
17. Experiment with resist art
These incredible paintings were made using the yarn-wrapped resist technique. Get the how-to at the link.
Learn more: The Pinterested Parent
18. Make it rain
Learning about the weather, or just want to practice fine motor skills? Make simple DIY rainy day lacing cards.
Learn more: Happy Tot Shelf
19. Measure temperature with yarn thermometers
These thermometer yarn crafts are so clever. Kids pull the yarn loops so the red represents any temperature shown. Smart!
Learn more: The Lesson Plan Diva
20. Sew yarn snowflakes
Need an easy winter classroom decoration? Poke holes in paper plates, then string colorful snowflake designs.
Learn more: I Heart Crafty Things/Snowflake Yarn Art
21. Wrap some beautiful butterflies
Butterflies are always popular with kids. This simple idea uses wood craft sticks, yarn, pipe cleaners, and beads.
Learn more: The Craft Train
22. Weave around a paper cup
Use a disposable drinking cup to add structure to woven dishes. They make neat pencil holders when you’re done!
Learn more: Gift of Curiosity
23. Pick a bouquet of yarn flowers
Ready for spring blooms, but the weather’s not cooperating? Make your own from brightly-colored yarn and pipe cleaners.
Learn more: Bren Did
24. Wind a yarn bird
This yarn craft can be customized in so many ways by changing the yarn color and bird markings. Lots of fun for budding ornithologists!
Learn more: Art Projects for Kids
25. Go over the rainbow
If you’ve got yarn in every color of the rainbow, then this idea is for you! You can also make your own pom poms to represent raindrops.
Learn more: Red Ted Art
Love these yarn crafts and activities? Check out these 19 Awesome Tips and Tools For Teaching Kids Sewing and Fiber Crafts.
Plus, 25 Smart Ways to Use Paper Plates for Learning, Crafts, and Fun.
