Best Recycled Yarn for Knitting and Crochet

Choosing the right yarn can make a big difference to a knitting or crochet project. If you also want to work with materials that give existing textiles and fibers another purpose, recycled yarn is worth exploring.

Recycled yarn comes in many forms, including recycled silk, sari silk, denim, linen, newspaper and other textile-based materials. Each behaves differently, so the "best" recycled yarn depends on the project you want to make.

In this guide, we'll compare some of the most interesting recycled yarn options for knitting and crochet and explain how to choose the right one.

What Is Recycled Yarn?

Recycled yarn is yarn made by processing existing textile materials, fibers or production remnants into material that can be used again.

Instead of relying exclusively on newly produced raw material, recycling gives suitable existing material another application.

The result can range from highly consistent recycled yarn to intentionally irregular handmade yarn.

For fiber artists, that variation can be part of the appeal.

What Is the Best Recycled Yarn?

There isn't one recycled yarn that is best for every project.

Consider:

• The type of project

• Desired texture

• Yarn thickness

• Stitch definition

• Durability

• Color

• Fiber content

• Desired appearance

Here are several recycled yarn types worth considering.

1. Recycled Sari Silk Yarn

Recycled sari silk yarn is one of the most distinctive options for fiber artists. See our full Recycled Sari Silk Yarn collection.

It is made from recycled silk textile material and can contain variations in color, texture and thickness.

Best for:

• Crochet

• Knitting

• Weaving

• Fiber art

• Accessories

• Decorative projects

Why choose it?

If you want a yarn with color variation and a naturally textured, handmade appearance, sari silk is an excellent option.

It is particularly interesting for projects where the yarn itself is intended to become part of the visual design.

2. Recycled Sari Silk Ribbon

Although technically more ribbon-like than conventional yarn, recycled sari silk ribbon is widely used in textile crafts. Browse our Recycled Sari Silk Ribbon collection.

Its flatter and wider construction makes it particularly useful for weaving and decorative projects.

Best for:

• Weaving

• Wall hangings

• Rag rugs

• Macramé

• Textile art

• Decorative crochet

• Mixed media

If you are deciding between sari silk yarn and ribbon, see our guide:

Sari Silk Yarn vs. Sari Silk Ribbon: What's the Difference?

3. Recycled Denim Yarn

Recycled denim yarn is made using recovered denim textile material.

Its appearance is generally more casual and textile-like than silk.

Best for:

• Bags

• Rugs

• Home décor

• Weaving

• Textile art

• Chunky crochet projects

Denim can be particularly useful when you want a stronger, more substantial visual texture.

4. Recycled Linen Yarn

Recycled linen yarn is another interesting option for sustainable fiber projects.

Linen has a naturally crisp character and can work particularly well for projects where you want structure rather than a soft, fluffy texture.

Best for:

• Weaving

• Crochet

• Knitting

• Home textiles

• Summer accessories

• Textured projects

5. Recycled Newspaper Yarn

Newspaper yarn is an unusual material for fiber artists looking for something different.

It can be particularly interesting for:

• Weaving

• Decorative baskets

• Mixed media

• Wall art

• Craft projects

It behaves very differently from conventional wool, cotton or silk yarn, making it more appropriate for experimental projects.

Recycled Yarn Comparison

Best Recycled Yarn for Crochet

For crochet, consider the stitch and finished fabric you want.

For colorful textured projects

Recycled sari silk yarn is a strong choice.

For bags and substantial projects

Recycled denim or thicker sari silk materials can work well.

For structured textile projects

Linen can provide a crisp appearance.

For experimental art

Newspaper yarn and other unusual recycled materials can be interesting choices.

Best Recycled Yarn for Knitting

Knitting usually benefits from paying attention to yarn consistency.

If you're making a garment where uniform stitches are important, choose a recycled yarn with relatively consistent construction.

For scarves, accessories and decorative pieces, irregular recycled yarn can become a design feature.

Sari silk yarn can work particularly well when you want color and texture rather than perfectly uniform stitches.

Is Recycled Yarn Good for Beginners?

Yes, but beginners should understand that not all recycled yarn behaves like conventional commercial yarn.

Some recycled yarns may contain:

• Thickness variations

• Color changes

• Joins

• Different textures

• Loose fibers

For your first project, choose a simple pattern and make a small swatch.

This lets you understand the yarn before committing to a larger project.

How to Choose Recycled Yarn

Step 1: Decide what you're making

A scarf, bag, rug and wall hanging can require very different yarn characteristics.

Step 2: Check the fiber

Know whether you're buying silk, linen, denim, cotton, paper or a blend.

Step 3: Check the yarn weight

Make sure the yarn works with your intended hook or needle.

Step 4: Consider texture

Do you want smooth and consistent or irregular and highly textured?

Step 5: Consider color

Recycled materials can have natural color variation.

Step 6: Order enough material

If color consistency matters, purchase sufficient material from the same batch.

Is Recycled Yarn Sustainable?

Recycling suitable textile material can help give existing materials another use.

However, sustainability isn't determined by one word on a product label.

You should also consider:

• Raw-material sourcing

• Processing

• Dyeing

• Packaging

• Shipping

• Product lifespan

A recycled yarn can still have an environmental footprint, so it's better to consider the entire supply chain.

Where to Buy Recycled Yarn

When purchasing recycled yarn, look for a supplier that clearly explains:

• What material is being recycled

• Where it comes from

• How it is processed

• Yarn dimensions

• Fiber composition

• Available colors

• Pack-size options

Silk-RouteIndia manufactures and supplies recycled textile yarns and ribbons from India, including recycled sari silk, denim, linen and other specialty fibers.

For custom color requests, contact us with your preferred material, quantity and color direction.

Final Thoughts

The best recycled yarn depends on what you want to make.

Choose recycled sari silk yarn when you want color and silk texture.

Choose sari silk ribbon when you want a wider, flatter material for weaving and textile art.

Choose recycled denim when you want a more substantial textile character.

Choose recycled linen for a crisp natural texture.

And explore unusual materials such as newspaper yarn when you want to experiment.

The important thing is to choose the recycled material based on the project rather than simply choosing the yarn with the most attractive sustainability claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best recycled yarn for crochet?

Recycled sari silk yarn is a versatile option for textured crochet projects, while denim and linen can be useful for different types of bags, home décor and structured projects.

What is the best recycled yarn for knitting?

The best option depends on the project. Choose a more consistent recycled yarn for garments requiring uniform stitches and textured yarns such as sari silk for decorative projects.

Is recycled yarn good quality?

Yes. Recycled yarn can be high quality, but construction and consistency vary by material and manufacturer.

Can recycled yarn be used for clothing?

Some recycled yarns are suitable for clothing, while others are better suited to accessories, home décor or fiber art. Always check the manufacturer's specifications.

Is recycled yarn sustainable?

Recycling existing material can help give it another use, but the overall sustainability of a yarn also depends on processing, dyeing, transportation and other factors.