recycled yarn

I have done this and it works great. I found that plain yarns though, not fuzzy or bumpy as these are really hard to separate while unraveling because of the strands getting knotted. I unraveled a really soft alpaca yarn sweater that I found in a Salvation Army that was too big for any of us. I ended up making matching sweaters for my girls (there was only two then) and a pair of matching hats for them. I also unraveled a sweater dress I found that I couldn't figure out what type of yarn it was but it was luxurious to the touch. It made a wonderful knit blanket sleeper.

I've never considered doing that. Let us know how hard it is if you do it.

not being that much of a knitter or anything, I wouldn't know, but I do know that I took something I started and set aside for a LONG time apart and you would never have known that the yarn was reused, the new work covered up any set in kinks mind you, it hadn't been washed or anything - but I'd guess that if the yarn was of a high enough quality it wouldn't matter that much - not stretched out or worn thin

Not a silly question at all. I haven't ever thought of this, but it is a great idea. Thanks. I've actually got some old sweaters lying around my apartment that could be unraveled. The only problem I see would be if the yarn is too old to accomplish what I want. I have, however, found different type yarns at the thrift stores; Salvation Army, Goodwill and the like. I've found enough at a time to crochet several projects. The baby yarns are good for several sets of booties and hats. Only one skein was so old that it just went to pieces when I tried to use it.

I can remember years ago we use to go to jumble sales with my nan, she was one for buying knitted jumpers and pulling them to bits in order to reuse the wool that they had.She use to also use the wool for things like making gloves as well as crochet blankets.She use to wind the balls of wool up so tight then after a few month use the wool, as the kinks would almost be out of it.

I know my mum would undo one of her sweaters she would be knitting because she didn't like it or something. From what I remember she would dampen the yarn, let it dry and then use it.

Yes, I have done that before and even wrote an article about it one time. It's sometimes hard to find hand knitted sweaters at thrift stores, but when you do and you get it all apart, wind the yarn into a hank and tie it gently in three or four places. Wash it with mild soap, depending on the fiber, and then tie a large nut (the kind that goes on a bolt) on one end and hang it to dry out of the sun. When it's dry, wind it into a ball

My friend does this a lot. I don't as much because I have been using up my stash. I think she just rewinds the yarn into new balls and doesn't really worry about the kinks.

You are going to have us all haunting the thrift shops recycling sweaters. I remember that my mom did this. I think that working it up would straighten it, and if there was still a problem, one of those steamers or even a steam iron over a pressing cloth would take care of any issues.I have also bought yarn at thrift shops and I know a lady who cuts used sweaters and sews hats, leg warmers and other things from them. We all should be recycling more. I cut t shirts into "yarn" and am learning to crochet that material with a huge hook.

I really don't know. I do know they take sweaters and make woolen mittens from them. I saw them at the last craft sale I did...unfortunately the lady wasn't selling any of them...I think she was charging too much.

Interesting question. I never work with yarn, though I work with fabric for loudspeaker screens. Nice fabric can be $10 to $30/yard. How much is yarn? Let us know if you try dismantling old sweaters, and how well it works.