Comments on: How can I reuse or recycle yarn cones?

By: Sherryl

Sherryl — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:53:25 +0000

thanks for the idea about the cones

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:03:16 +0000

Just a few of the ways I’ve reused my old ones:
-Not the most creative use, but when recycling (unwinding) thrifted sweaters for yarn, or frogging a knitted project that I’ve given up on, these are really helpful. I have a drumstick that I stick through the narrow hole from the bottom up, then I grab on to it from inside the wide end and wind away.
-These are great for when you are knitting/crocheting with smaller balls/skeins of yarn, to keep them from rolling all over the place… just guide the working end of your yarn through the top, put the ball inside the cone and set it on a table or the floor next to you. This keeps it clean and in one spot. Alternatively, you could hang this upside down in a kitchen or craft room with yarn, ribbon or string inside for a handy dispenser.
-The cardboard ones make a great funnel for dry/powdered things you may have to pour – useful for filling rice/flax therapy bags, for example. The plastic ones you could just snip the tip off of and use as a regular funnel.
Hope this helps!

By: Lynsey Searle

Lynsey Searle — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:53:31 +0000

I’ve used this tutorial before for making these trees for Christmas – just reuse the cones instead of buying new ones. http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/2008/11/tomorrowland-ho.html

By: nancy

nancy — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:51:59 +0000

They are strong and sturdy, so if you gather 4 cones you can make a striking shelf. A piece of glass or plexiglass on top will allow the cones to show through, and create a place to display intersting objects in a store window, a livingroom or entry, somewhere noticable. The aethestics of using re-cycled cones makes it more attractive, artistic and interesting than buying a shelf in a store. You could display a sculpture, interesting pottery, etc, and your shelf becomes a part of the artistic expression. I suggest a size of about 12″ x 36″ long (or 30 x 100 cm). Cheers, Nancy
P.S. Good luck with your weaving!
http://21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com

By: jenn

jenn — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:08:09 +0000

Ooooh! Good one!!

By: Karmae

Karmae — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:06:50 +0000

Some yarn stores take them back for reuse.

They also make a great base for pop-up puppets.You make a head out of whatever and attach it to a dowel that will fit through the small end of the cone. Build the body top to be wxtra long and attach it to the large opening on the cone. Move the dowelling up and down to animate the body.

By: jenn

jenn — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:51:10 +0000

These would be perfect bases for Christmas trees. Start saving them and you could have a whole Christmas tree grove!! Cover them with old book pages, natural materials, ribbons, or just about anything! You could display them as a group on a variety of heights, such as books, boxes, etc. Put lights around them and cover the lights with faux snow (nothing cheesy looking, please). :) What a beautiful tablescape or centerpiece for little to no money!!

You could also turn them upside down, drill a hole in either side, and insert a ribbon handle. Decorate the outside with copies of old love letters, fill with candy (after plugging the hole of course), and you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift for your honey! You could adjust this for a gift to give to children, co-workers, or even a great teacher gift.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:45:56 +0000

Maybe you could give it to a spinner to use as a bobbin.

By: PainChaud

PainChaud — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:31:46 +0000

This is pretty out there…but you could use it to store old yarn or string lol.

By: blackic

blackic — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:36:20 +0000

My chinchillas adore destroying the cardboard ones.