Top Ten Tips For Eco-Friendly No Needles Knitters!
Knitting is a wonderful craft that allows you to create beautiful, functional items with just a pair of needles and some yarn. But what if you want to make your knitting even more eco-friendly? Enter “no-needles knitting,” a technique that relies on looms, spools, or even just your own hands to create stunning knitted pieces while minimising waste and environmental impactIn this blog post, we’ll share ten top tips to help embrace eco-friendly no needles knitting and reduce our carbon footprint.
Top Tip 1
Opt for eco-friendly yarns made from natural fibres like Organic Cotton, Bamboo, Hemp, or Tencel. These materials are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact than synthetic options. I look for yarns that are certified organic or have been produced using environmentally responsible processes. This information is normally found on the yarn label.
Top Tip 2
Instead of buying new yarn, I unravel unused or unfinished knitted projects to reuse the yarn. Rather than just bin a project that went wrong, I reuse it.
This not only reduces waste but also gives my yarns a second chance.
Top Tip 3
Charity shops and Facebook Marketplace often have a wide selection of yarn at lower prices than new yarn stores. When we purchase secondhand yarn, we’re preventing it from going to a landfill and reducing the demand for new production. I often use Facebook Marketplace for my yarns because it is local to me and it is saving un-necessary mileage and packaging.
Top Tip 4
Before starting a project, I think about its purpose and longevity. Knitting items that serve a functional purpose and are built to last reduces the need for frequent replacements and ultimately decreases waste.
Top Tip 5
My creations are made with sustainability in mind, so I always consider their environmental values. I create thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts that align with my sustainability goals. Handmade items made from sustainable materials make meaningful presents. Gifts that are practical, functional and eco-friendly are always a winner in my book because they mean so much more than the mass produced items we see everywhere today.
Top Tip 6
I store my yarn and completed projects in breathable, natural fibre bags or containers. I avoid plastic storage solutions as these can trap moisture and damage my creations over time. Proper storage helps extend the life of my knitted items and keeps them in great condition for years to come. I use an Ikea Kallax cube for my yarns, as I can store them according to size of yarn. As a result, finding the yarn I want to use is much easier and quicker.
Top Tip 7
No-needle knitting projects often result in small leftover yarn scraps. The finished ends of pieces and trimming knots lead to having small pieces of yarn left over. Instead of tossing them, I save and collect these scraps for future projects such as stuffing for decorative items.
Top Tip 8
Conscious consumption is a cornerstone of eco-friendly living. It is good to practice minimalism and conscious consumption by knitting with intention.
I use a knitting log which helps me to plan my projects carefully, so I am less likely to accumulate excess yarn or unfinished pieces. It also helps to prevent leftover scraps that might go unused.
Quality over quantity is the key to reducing waste and making eco-conscious choices.
Top Tip 9
This is a big one for me. I love to rescue yarns that people are giving away, but I always try to resist the temptation to hoard yarn or knitting supplies. I don’t like to keep buying yarn just in case; rather I only buy what I need for my current projects. Reducing my stash helps to minimise waste and clutter, and therefore frees up more space in my home.
Top Tip 10
Purchase yarn in bulk or from local shops that allow you to bring your containers, reducing the need for excessive packaging materials. When buying online, choose sellers that use minimal, recyclable packaging.
I hope this blog post has given you some ideas for eco-friendly ways to shop for yarns, and to be more sustainable on your own crafting journey.
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