Introduction: Yarn Holder From Old Plastic Bottle
Calling all Knitters! Are you tired of your yarn getting dirty and tangled when you are knitting. Be wise! Here is one way that you can keep your yarn clean and stop it from being tangled up. All you need is
One empty plastic bottle - clean and dry
one knife
short length of masking tape
and of course - yarn
Step 1: Find a Suitable Bottle
Remove the label from the bottle by whatever means you can! I have used a regular soda bottle, which is just about the right size for a skein of yarn to fit into. You can also use any plastic bottle which is big enough. You can use an apple juice bottle which doe not have money back on them and this would be even better.
Step 2: Cut the Bottom Off the Bottle
Take a sharp knife, and being careful that you do not cut yourself, slice the bottom of the soda bottle off, almost all the way, but not quite! Leave it attached by about an inch.
Make sure the bottle is washed clean and not sticky and dry it well both inside and out. The last thing you want is sticky yarn.
Step 3: Insert the Yarn
Insert the yarn into the clean dry bottle through the hole you have made by cutting off the bottom. Pull the knitting end of the yarn through the bottle top. Make sure the yarn runs freely.
Step 4: Tape Up the Bottom
Use masking tape and tape the bottom part of the bottle back into place so that your yarn is safely inside. Masking tape is good as it is easily removed when you have finished your ball of yarn and wish to insert another skein. You can make several of these yarn bottles and they will keep the yarn safe, clean and cosy while you knit (and intrigue the cat, who will not be able to interfere!)
Step 5: All Finished - Let the Knitting Commence!
I hope this use of an old plastic bottle helps all the knitters out there and helps keep more of them out of the land fill.
Participated in the
Keep the Bottle Contest
12 Comments
10 years ago
What a great idea!
12 years ago on Introduction
why have i never heard of this before?!
its so simple!
it will definetley help when im doing intarsia with several yarns to keep from the inevitable terrible tangles!
14 years ago on Introduction
How about a milk jug with a large hole in one side? Then you could just drop in a new skien when you're ready! Maybe make a little flap out of another bottle... hmmm... the hamsters are running...
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Ooh, here ya go-- cut the bottom off of one bottle, and the top off of another bottle. Then you could just slide them together!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
You don't need two different sizes they will friction fit just fine. The bottom piece slides right in the top. I use one of these all the time. The cat hasn't figured out how to open it yet.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Two good ideas!
13 years ago on Step 5
That would make an excellent way to cat proof my yarn while I'm knitting too, and I ahve a friend who drinks one of those bottles of soda every two days so I ahve a supply of bottles for the asking. Great 'ible!
14 years ago on Introduction
All three of my cats, grab at my yarn, and will end up about three years away, down in the basement, and all rolled out. They're crazy. *rolls eyes*
14 years ago on Introduction
as I frequently use many strands of yarn together, and the tangles drive me crazy, I'll have to look into this. It's definitely an improvement over poking a hole in the plastic lid of an oatmeal box as those edges can be rough and wear at the yarn but the neck of the plastic bottle would be smooth - cool beans!!
14 years ago on Introduction
Nice idea, and keeps the yarn away from kitty. My cat's always a nuisance when I bring out any string-type substance.
14 years ago on Introduction
your cat likes yarn my dog likes bottles this would also make a cool pet toy ;)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
That's quite a thought!