Introduction: Recycled Container Portable Yarn Holders - Sewuseful
This is an easy and inexpensive storage system for yarn.
Need a place to put your yarn to make it portable so you can knit anywhere? Tired of having your different yarn get tangled and intertwined? Into reusing, recycling and hate for anything to go to waste? This is the project for you! These are so easy to make and have made my life so much easier. They are great for taking a bit of yarn on the road with you or just for sorting yarn at home when your project involves more than one yarn.
Too busy knitting to make them yourself? You're in luck! Buy them at Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6415728
Step 1: Supplies
Old Food Containers
Grommets or eyelets
Grommet or eyelet tool
Plastic tubing
Cutting device
Felted wool (optional)
Very hot water
Step 2: Punch or Cut Holes in Lids
Using a xacto knife or hole punching awl, punch a hole in the lid of a plastic container. You can soften the plastic by pouring very hot (recently boiled, not boiling) water over the lid and or cutting device. Make sure the hole is a little bit smaller than the eyelet.
Step 3: Grommet (Optional)
If the holes are smooth and large enough to loop your yarn through, you are done and ready to go. Grommets worked great for me because they make the yarn entrance smooth and keeps the yarn from snagging. I do not use the traditional eyelet backing as you will see in the next step.
Step 4: Back Grommets With Rubber Tubing
Cut 1/4 inch pieces of rubber tubing in sizes to match the grommets. After they are in the hot water they will stretch to fit over the grommet. Strain the tubing and force them over the eyelets. They will cool and form a tight seal and keep your yarn from snagging on sharp medal.
Step 5: Felted Wool Option
When your yarn is very thick, there may not be a practical size of grommet for you. Cut the hole larger and then make two circles of felted wool. Cut holes in the center of these and glue them in place around the hole. Now you thick and chunky wool will slide through the hole with ease.
Step 6: Take Your Yarn on the Road!
Load up your yarn and thread through the top. Use a yarn needle if you need to. If you use a tall container you can also put your needles in the container and let them poke through.
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14 Comments
13 years ago on Step 6
I just discovered this looking for something to keep my white lace yarn clean and tangle-free. What a great idea! I heated an ice pick over the flame on my stove and used it to make my hole. Not only was it easy, the plastic edge became so smooth, I don't even need to add the grommet. Thanks for posting.
14 years ago on Introduction
If you dont have the grommets, try a drinking straw. Cut both ends of the straw to lay flat on both sides of the container lid and tape it on both sides.
14 years ago on Introduction
this is a great idea!
15 years ago on Introduction
Great idea. I make a lot of crafts with curling ribbon. I no longer have a problem with tangled ribbons.
15 years ago on Introduction
Excellent instructable! I made several of these from large plastic mayonnaise and seaweed jars for my sister in the past. I was just about to make two more so I thought I'd do an instructable. Glad I found yours first. Well done! I'll have to try the plastic tubing for the grommet backs next time, great idea.
15 years ago on Introduction
I've used a sock for small center pull balls, but for a hand wound ball these plastic containers are better.
15 years ago on Introduction
How well thought out! Great. Thanks.
15 years ago on Step 6
INGENIOUS!!!
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Thank you. It did feel like a EUREKA moment! There is a product like this for sale somewhere but it is absurdly priced. Happy knitting or crocheting!!
15 years ago on Introduction
funny i just found this here today. i had made one from a cd spindle container and another from a cool whip container. i just dont have those fancy o rings for the holes.
15 years ago on Introduction
That's a better idea than the one I am currently using...a shoe box with a hole cut in one end. At least it works...just doesn't look as good as yours
15 years ago on Introduction
that is a great idea! nice work!
15 years ago on Step 4
I am an over-the-road truck driver and crochet as my "relaxer" after my 11 hour "shift". All I can say is, bless you for this FANTASTIC idea !!!
Reply 15 years ago on Step 4
Thanks so much. You made my day!!