Learn how to craft conscientiously using natural yarn for crochet and other tips on sustainable and eco-friendly fibers.
I recently picked up crocheting, but I don’t want to get carried away without considering sustainability. Do you have suggestions for making sure my new hobby is eco-friendly?
You’re already taking a significant step into self-sufficiency and sustainability by crafting with fibers, as you can make many items, from shawls to sturdy baskets, instead of buying them. But you’re right that loading up on plastic-based acrylic yarns from a big-box store doesn’t quite fit the sustainability bill. So, here are some ways to craft conscientiously.
Work with natural materials. Using wool, linen, and cotton for wearables and hemp and raffia for baskets and coasters is immensely satisfying. When I use these materials for my clothing or homeware, I rest assured knowing they came from a natural source, and that someday, after long years of productive use, the item I made will biodegrade.
Yes, yarns made from natural materials are usually more expensive, but the result is well worth it. Wool’s insulating, breathable, and moisture-wicking properties make it far superior to any acrylic fibers. Cotton and linen produce a cool fabric perfect for summer clothing.
Beware greenwashing. Bamboo yarns often “dress up” as eco-friendly. While raw bamboo can be a highly sustainable material, turning bamboo into fiber or yarn is a chemically intensive process that can carry its own environmental cost. That’s why I usually steer clear of bamboo yarns.
Look for certifications. When choosing cotton, I prefer cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Dyes are another detail to keep in mind when buying yarn. The dyeing process can be polluting, so I look for yarns that comply with the OEKO-TEX standard.
One of my favorite yarn brands is Malabrigo. Based in Uruguay and Peru, this family-owned company produces a range of beautiful natural yarns, most of them from free-range, humanely raised sheep and alpacas. Seek out farmers, especially local ones, who do the same.
Repurpose and use secondhand. With all the pros of natural fibers, acrylic yarns do have their place. They can be convenient for children’s items that you frequently toss in the wash or for blankets that need line-drying. So, while I try not to buy new acrylic yarn, I do accept hand-me-downs from people who are getting rid of craft supplies. You can also keep an eye out in thrift stores for a secondhand source of yarn of all kinds.
I also source yarn by unraveling old sweaters. This way, I can repurpose an outdated sweater into something new and useful instead of tossing it – which makes for a low-cost project, and one less item for the landfills. Win, win!
Another fun idea is upcycling old T-shirts, jeans, or sheets into yarn: Cut narrow, long strips and use an extra-large hook or your fingers to crochet rugs and baskets.
Use up odds and ends. Every crocheter or knitter will eventually accumulate little balls of yarn left over from various projects. These odds and ends take up space, but throwing them away feels wasteful.
Thankfully, there are many ways to use yarn leftovers. You can make small items, such as bookmarks and doll clothes, or even incorporate yarns of different colors and textures into an extra-quirky scrap blanket.
Originally published as “Sustainable Crochet Ideas” in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine and regularly vetted for accuracy.
