A Stash-First Crochet Year: Why Starting Small Feels So Good
If you’re anything like me, the start of a new year comes with a lot of excitement.
New patterns start popping up. New yarns are launching left and right. My saved folder is full, my project list is growing, and somehow, even with all that inspiration, I find myself feeling a little overwhelmed.
That feeling is what sparked Stash Bash 2026.
A year of making with what you already have—not what’s launching next.
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Why This Is the Perfect Time to Start Using Your Stash
We’re already at the end of January, and I actually think that makes this timing perfect.
By now, we’ve had a few weeks to settle into the year. Some projects are off and running, some plans already feel a little ambitious, and a few WIPs might be quietly staring at us from the corner of the room—that’s usually when clarity starts to kick in.
It doesn’t have to be a big reset. Stash Bash 2026 is a gentle nudge back to the yarn you already fell in love with—a pause, a breath, and a chance to choose how you want the rest of the year to feel.
Why “Use Your Stash First” Actually Works
I used to think the spark came from buying new yarn. And listen — I still love a good yarn haul. But the truth is, this craft has always had two parts: gathering yarn, and making with it.
And while I love both, the part that actually sticks with me? The part I’m still thinking about weeks later? That’s always the making.
Stash-first thinking just flips the order.
Instead of hunting for the perfect colorway, I look at what I already have. I find a project that fits the yarn, pick something I’m genuinely excited to make, and start. When it all clicks — the yarn, the project, the mood — it feels like a win before I’ve even picked up my hook.
That shift doesn’t just change one project. It changes how the whole year of making feels.
Just to Be Clear: Stash Bash 2026 Doesn’t Have to Be a No-Buy Year
I want to say this out loud, because it matters.
Stash Bash is not about restriction or guilt. You don’t have to swear off buying yarn. You don’t have to justify every skein. This isn’t about being “good” or “bad” with your stash.
It’s about being intentional.
For some of us, that might look like finishing one or two stash projects before buying something new. For others, it might mean planning projects first and shopping second. And for some, it might just mean pausing long enough to ask, Do I already have something that would work for this?
Those kinds of boundaries don’t feel limiting — they actually feel really good.
The Stash Bash 2026 Bingo Card
To keep things fun (and not too serious), I wanted stash-focused making to feel playful, not like another checklist. That’s how the 2026 Stash Bash Bingo Card came to life.
Each square is a prompt, not a rule. Ideas to help you see your stash with fresh eyes. Use my bingo card as-is, or grab the blank version and make it your own.
Pull it out anytime you feel stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed by your options.
👉 Grab the 2026 Stash Bash Bingo Card HERE.
Stash Bash Pattern Ideas to Get You Started
Not sure where to start? I’ve organized some stash-friendly favorites by yarn weight. From quick one-skein projects to bigger makes that help you work through what you have.
Thinking about it this way makes it so much easier to match what you have to what you want to make.
Fingering Weight Projects Everyone Loves
Fingering weight yarn can feel a little intimidating — but it’s actually perfect for stash-first making when the project is small, satisfying, and wearable. That’s where these two patterns shine.
If you’ve been holding onto fingering weight yarn waiting for the right project, this is your sign. Simple, thoughtful makes that feel good to work on and even better to finish.
// Juniper Cowl
The Juniper Cowl is a favorite for a reason. One or two skeins are all you need — leftovers from another project, those mini Advent skeins you’ve been saving, or that super special skein you’ve been waiting to use.
The texture keeps your hands engaged, the size makes it approachable, and you’ll actually wear it – not just admire it in a drawer.
Get the Juniper Cowl pattern on Ravelry or in the TL Yarn Crafts shop HERE.
// AdventUrous Scarf (Tunisian)
The AdventUrous Scarf sends you straight to your stash with purpose. Tunisian crochet color blocking at its finest — perfect for special skeins, partial balls, or those Advent minis that have been waiting for their moment.
The diagonal stitch creates an easy rhythm as colors shift across the fabric. You’ll lose hours to this one in the best way.
Get the Adventurous Scarf pattern on Ravelry or in the TL Yarn Crafts shop HERE.
DK Weight Projects That Build Momentum
DK weight yarn is one of the easiest places to start when you’re working stash-first. It’s versatile, forgiving, and chances are you already have a few skeins waiting for a plan.
These are the kinds of projects you make, use, love… and then make again. Great news for your stash.
// Square One Project Bag
Simple stitches, endless color possibilities, and a finished bag you’ll use immediately. The Square One Project Bag is pure momentum — approachable enough to start tonight, interesting enough to keep you hooked.
DK weight really shines here. Your stash combinations do all the talking.
Get the Square One Project Bag pattern on Ravelry or in the TL Yarn Crafts shop HERE.
// Nightfall Cowl (Tunisian)
If there’s one DK-weight project that truly earns its Stash Bash status, it’s the Nightfall Cowl.
I come back to this pattern when I want something steady and satisfying on my hook. The Tunisian construction and soft fade make it incredibly stash-friendly — Advent skeins, leftovers, partial balls all blend naturally without overthinking. It always comes together beautifully.
Get the Nightfall Cowl pattern on Ravelry or in the TL Yarn Crafts shop HERE.
Worsted Weight Projects You’ll Actually Finish
Worsted weight yarn is where a lot of our stashes really live — and it’s one of the easiest places to make meaningful progress when you’re working stash-first. It’s reliable, familiar, and flexible enough to handle a wide mix of colors.
// Theo Blanket
Theo was made for variety. Leftover skeins, odd quantities, colors you wouldn’t normally pair — they all find a place here, stripe by stripe.
Let your stash lead on this one. The rhythm is forgiving, the progress is visible, and there’s something deeply satisfying about watching it grow. If you’ve been looking for a way to use up worsted weight without overthinking it, start here.
Get the Theo Blanket pattern on Ravelry or in the TL Yarn Crafts shop HERE.
// Barclay Beanie
Quick to start, easy to customize, perfect for single skeins that don’t quite have a plan yet.
The texture on the Barclay Beanie is simple and steady — you can settle into the rhythm without overthinking. Great for testing colors you’ve been unsure about or finally giving a home to yarn that’s been sitting too long. Practical, wearable, always a win.
Get the Barclay Beanie pattern on Ravelry or in the TL Yarn Crafts shop HERE.
Bulky Weight Projects for Instant Wins
Bulky weight is where you go when you want instant gratification. These two projects will move through your stash faster than you expect — one’s Tunisian if you’re curious, the other’s straight-up regular crochet that just works.
// Rainbow Ridge Scarf (Tunisian)
Big stitches, bold texture, visible progress. The Rainbow Ridge Scarf is all about having fun with color.
Tunisian rib really lets bulky yarn shine, and the striped design makes it easy to mix leftovers or pull out yarn that’s been waiting for a plan. This one reminds you how fun stash-first making can be — cozy, modern, and completely yours.
Get the Rainbow Ridge Scarf pattern on Ravelry or in the TL Yarn Crafts shop HERE.
// Maple Sweater
If you’ve got a crochet sweater on your Stash Bash 2026 Bingo card, the Maple Sweater is a great place to start.
Simple stitches, bulky yarn, straightforward construction. No fuss, no complicated shaping — just a sweater that actually gets finished.
Perfect if you’ve been holding onto bulky yarn waiting for the right moment. Cozy, wearable, and deeply satisfying to finish.
Get the Maple Sweater pattern on Ravelry.
What You Might Discover Along the Way
One of my favorite parts of stash-focused making is what it reveals.
You start noticing the colors you’re consistently drawn to. The fibers you actually love wearing. The yarn weights that feel most like you. The skeins you’ve been saving for “someday” that are finally ready for their moment.
That awareness changes everything. Future projects feel clearer. Future yarn purchases feel more intentional. And over time, your stash starts to reflect who you are as a maker — not just what caught your eye in the moment.
One More Thought Before You Go
You don’t need more yarn to feel creative, and you don’t need more patterns to feel inspired.
The most satisfying projects? They’re probably already in your stash.
Stash Bash 2026 is just a year of slowing down and making with what you have.
No rules. No pressure. Just see where your stash takes you.
If you’re taking a stash-first approach to 2026, share your progress with me! I’d love to see your updates on Instagram – follow @TLYarnCrafts and use #StashBash2026 all year long.
I’m going to attempt a granny hexagon cardigan with my stash. I’ve been using up stash too.
I love that idea! I’m sure you’ll find some really lovely things 🙂
I am going to finish the Kelli Bias Scarf. I have started and stopped multiple times. The Mandela string yarn is tricky as I constantly find it in tangles. I have one ball used in the scarf and two more to go ! It’s a very beautiful pattern and can’t wait to post a pic when complete.
That sounds like a good plan. I definitely understand your frustration with Mandala String – it’s very thin, and tends to tangle. It may help to turn it into a yarn cake before you proceed. That may cut down on some of the tangles. Happy stitching! Glad to see you diving into your WIPs – the urge to start something new can be so strong!
I’m doing Dina Cardi. As you said I am using yarns that I have.I am using a 4 ply acrylic yarn in colors green, yellow and claret red.
Wow, this is gonna be gorgeous!! Would love to hear how it goes 🙂
I have been on a shawl-making kick for a while now. Shawls are great for using up stash. Triangle Tunisian, rectangle HCD, fancy or plain – it does not matter. Shawls use up a bunch of yarn and I can use any color combination or weight I want.
For scrap yarn, scrappy scarves and baskets are my go-to.
So many amazing ideas for shawls. I’m a big fan as well, and love having one close to keep warm at my desk. Happy making!!
I have 3 wips that I’m finishing then on to a hexi cardigan and then a new scarf, possibly the Kelly bias scarf! So excited:)
What a lineup!! Sounds like you’re gonna have a great stitching season. Would love to hear how it goes 🙂
I have a couple jumbo ombre skeins that are just begging to be made into a HexaGranny cardi, and I’m also eyeing some stash yarns I think will make an interesting variation on the Frost & Bloom crochet-a-long coming up–we shall see!
Love your creativity! Ombre cakes are wonderful for hexagranny cardigans – they’re a great way to show off that beautiful color. Excited to have you join the Frost & Bloom CAL 🙂
I think I’m going to try that Juniper Cowl. I’ve been looking at it for a while. Better now than never. I love the stash bash concept. Thanks Toni.
You’ll be joining a big group of makers who have found the perfect way to show pff their gorgeous yarns in this pattern. Happy stitching, and let us know how it goes 🙂
If I bought my yarn in December 2025, does it count as stash? LOL
I love this idea and like the bingo card approach. I too have mandala string yarn for the Kelli Bias scarf and another Cardigan pattern sitting in my queue. I’m also eyeing the Adventure scarf and Nightfall cowl for all my minis!
lol, it sure does! I figure, anything you buy without using immediately is now stash. Use it up!! Love the projects you’re gravitating toward. Any of them would be lovely to start next 🙂
Love this idea! I am just now sewing together my Kima Cardi and then I can look to my pretty overwhelming stash- Can anyone say “Joan’s closing sales?” I love the idea of starting small.
But one question- But what the heck does ‘Fo” mean?
You’re definitely not the only one who blacked out in JOANN when you heard they were closing (pointing at myself!!). An FO is a “finished object” 🙂
I love this! My go to pattern is the Mulled Cider cowl. I pulled out some yarn from Good Karma Yarn that I bought on vacation last summer. I’ll enjoy thinking about the place and the yarn!
I am committed to learning Tunisian Crochet from you (and your book) this year – Lord knows I have plenty of stash to work with!! Some charity items to finish first, then I’m digging in!!
Hey there, Amy! I’m so glad you are venturing into Tunisian crochet 🙂 If you aren’t already, sign up for our emails to be in the know here. And if you haven’t already purchased the Tunisian Crochet Handbook (signed version!), that can be found here!
So inspiring, Toni, thank you. I have started already, as this was my New Years res., to use up most of my stash. I finished a pretty rug and a couple of small cotton projects. Finishing a throw for my daughter as we speak. You have help me a lot with so many more ideas. Love, love the bingo card! Thanks again.
Awweee–yay, Cindy! I am so happy you are joining in on the fun that is stash busting. I’m glad we were able to give you some ideas for your next projects, and I am sure the throw for your daughter will be most loved!
I’m relatively new to crochet but do have a small yarn stash from a previous attempt at knitting years ago. I knitted a few dishcloths and scarves but didn’t practice enough to become proficient so I ended up mostly frustrated. I taught myself crochet and Tunisian crochet from watching your (and some other fabulous creators) YouTube tutorials. So thank you!!! I’m currently making a granny square cardigan from some pretty new yarn. I found a tutorial to make baskets by holding multiple strands of yarn at a time and I think that is what I’ll use as a stash buster. Thanks for all you do to teach and inspire us newbies!
Hey there, Shelly! I’m so happy you have gotten back into crafting 🙂 I’m glad Toni’s tutorials have been helpful in your journey to learning crochet and Tunisian crochet. We can’t wait for your granny square cardigan!
I fell in love with your HexaGranny cardigan when you shared the free PDF a couple of weeks ago. That was the impetus to go through my stash of milk cotton (dk weight) of various colors I have used for amigurumi and baby blankets (and true confessions, some I bought because I just liked the colors ;-)). I was pleased to discover I should have enough of 5 colors to make the small size. I am well into the first hexagon and I am obsessed! Thanks for the challenge- I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Hey there, Stacy 🙂 Yay for the HexaGranny Cardigan! Don’t you love it when stash busting works out?! We can’t wait to see how your cardigan turns out! Be sure to tag us if you post it!
I fell in love with your HexaGranny cardigan when you shared the free PDF a couple of weeks ago. That was the impetus to go through my stash of milk cotton (dk weight) of various colors I have used for amigurumi and baby blankets (and true confessions, some I bought because I just liked the colors ;-)). I was pleased to discover I should have enough of 5 colors (burnt orange, orange, teal, blue, red) to make the small size. I am well into the first hexagon and I am obsessed! Thanks for the challenge- I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Hey again, Stacy! I am just seeing the color descriptions of the colors you chose, and those sound lovely together! It almost sounds like a rustic sunset 🙂
I’m in! A few weeks ago I switched from a bin to a glass-fronted bookcase for my yarn so that I’ll see it and want to use it. After I finish what’s on my hook now, I’ll be making a cropped cardigan and a throw, both from yarns I bought when JoAnn’s was having their going out of business sales. I’m just starting to learn Tunisian, and as soon as I feel skilled enough I’ll be making your Bahama Advent Wrap with minis from a fiber festival in October. I’m hoping for a low buy year since I already know of 3 occasions (2 yarn stores on a trip and a fiber festival) that I’ll be buying yarn guilt-free. I want to use about as much as I buy; I like the current size of my stash, but I want to make sure I’m using it rather than collecting it.
Hey there, Rachel 🙂 The glass-fronted bookcase is genius! Having a storage solution where you can see your yarn and feel inspired by the beauty of them is so helpful, that way we are tempted to use our stashes! I’m excited for all your upcoming projects, and your fiber store and festival visits. Yay for stash-busting!
Hey Toni, I’m not on Instagram how else can I send my finished project. I also decided to add a hood and ribbing around the sweater and ribbing on the top of the pockets to make them longer. I am totally excited about my sweater. I’ve almost finished the ribbing on my last two colors. I’m looking at what kind of buttons to put on the sweater but I do know I going with wooded buttons.