Where to Donate Unused Yarn: Who Will Appreciate Your Stash?

Your local fiber arts groups are often thrilled to accept donations of yarn. These groups frequently use donated yarn for yarn swaps, community projects, teaching new members, or creating items for charity. Reach out to knitting or crochet groups, weaving guilds, or other crafting circles in your area to see if they could use your yarn.

Best For: All types of yarn, especially if you want to support fellow fiber artists or community crafting initiatives.

2. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are one of the best places to donate yarn if you want to get it out of the house fast. Many secondhand shops, like Goodwill or local charity-run thrift stores, accept crafting supplies, including yarn. By donating to a thrift store, you give someone else the opportunity to discover affordable yarn for their own projects. Be sure to check the store’s donation guidelines—some might not accept partially used skeins, while others welcome all craft supplies with open arms.

Pro Tip: Label the bag or box you’re donating so thrift store staff can easily identify it as yarn. This increases the likelihood it will make it to the sales floor quickly.

3. Senior Centers and Retirement Homes

Many seniors enjoy knitting or crocheting as a hobby, and senior centers or nursing homes often welcome yarn donations for their residents. These facilities may host crafting circles or offer yarn as part of their recreational activities. Before donating, contact the center to confirm they have a crafting program and can use your yarn.

Best For: Yarn that’s easy to work with, such as acrylic or wool blends, which are ideal for beginner-friendly projects.

4. Schools and Art Classes

Schools are often on the lookout for crafting supplies for their art classes and after school programs. Elementary schools may use yarn in simple craft projects, while high schools with advanced art classes or home economics programs may use it for more specialized activities. Contact your local schools to see if they accept yarn donations.

Best For: Brightly colored yarn, small scraps for art collages, or larger quantities for weaving or knitting projects.

5. Art Schools and Community Centers

Art schools are another great place to donate yarn. Many art programs and textile departments rely on donations to stretch their budgets and welcome yarn for classes or workshops. Art schools and community centers may even host community fiber arts programs, where your yarn could be transformed into beautiful art pieces or used to teach new skills to participants of all ages.

Best For: Unique or textured yarns that might inspire creative projects.

6. 4-H Groups and Youth Organizations

4-H and similar youth organizations often focus on hands-on learning, including fiber arts. Yarn donations can be used to teach children skills like knitting, crocheting, or weaving. Check with local 4-H groups, scout troops, or other youth organizations in your area to see if they’re accepting yarn donations.

Best For: Yarn in kid-friendly colors and materials that are durable and easy to work with.

7. Buy Nothing Groups

If you want your yarn to stay in your local community, consider joining a Buy Nothing group on Facebook or a similar platform. These groups are a great option for giving away items we no longer need to others nearby. Post a photo of your leftover yarn in your local group, and mention that you’re looking to donate to someone who can use it.

Best For: Any kind of yarn, especially if you’re looking for a quick and informal way to donate.

8. Charity of Your Choice

Some charities accept yarn donations for specific projects or causes, and this can be a great way to donate a lot of yarn to a good cause. However, always contact the organization first for instructions on how and what to donate, as they may not be able to accept your extra yarn. Here are a few examples:

• Knitted Knockers: This organization provides handmade breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies. They may accept donations of very specific types of soft, lightweight yarn suitable for making the prostheses, however, you may need to get in touch with a local group to find out.
• Yarn for the Birds: This charity project accepts donations of unused yarn to resell as a fundraiser for wild bird rehabilitation efforts.
• Project Linus: This organization provides handmade “security blankets” to children in need, including those who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need of comfort. While they primarily focus on finished blankets, local chapters sometimes accept yarn donations to supply volunteers who create these comforting gifts. Reach out to your local chapter to inquire about their current needs.
• Local Charities, Domestic Violence Shelters, Churches, Libraries, etc.: Research your local area to find any organizations that may have crafting classes or groups to support the people they serve, and may accept yarn donations.

Best For: Yarn that fits the specific requirements of each organization—check their websites or local organizers for details. It can often be more effective to donate yarn to a local group or individual crafter who creates finished items for larger charities. Many large charity organizations struggle to process and distribute large quantities of physical donations, so supporting local efforts can make a bigger impact. For large charities, donating money is usually more helpful.

9. Specialty Shops and Stash Donation Programs

Some fabric or craft shops accept yarn donations, especially those that cater to sustainable crafting. For example, Swanson’s Fabrics specializes in secondhand fabrics and crafting materials, including yarn. Donating to these shops supports their mission of reducing textile waste.

Best For: All types of yarn in good condition.

Tips for Donating Yarn Thoughtfully

Before you drop off your stash yarns, consider these tips to ensure your donation is helpful and appreciated:

1. Sort Your Yarn: Group similar types, weights, and colors together. Labeling your donation can make it easier for recipients to use.
2. Check for Usability: Ensure the yarn is in good condition—free of smells, dirt, moths, or excessive tangles. Most places won’t accept yarn that’s been exposed to smoke or pets.
3. Contact Before Donating: Always call ahead to confirm that the organization is currently accepting yarn and find out about any guidelines they have.

A Word about Overconsumption

Donating your unwanted yarn is about so much more than just clearing space or helping a good cause—it’s a mindful act of slow living and intentional consumption. By giving your yarn a second life, you’re supporting creativity in others and contributing to causes that make a meaningful difference. However, it’s also important to recognize the bigger picture: many charities are overwhelmed with more donations than they can process, and unfortunately, a lot of textile waste ends up in landfills. This is a sobering reminder of how crucial it is to consume less and make intentional choices about what we bring into our homes.

As fiber artists, we have a responsibility to honor the materials we work with and avoid adding to this cycle of waste. By reflecting on our own habits and buying only what we truly need, we can ensure our craft aligns with the values of sustainability and mindfulness. The act of donating yarn is a wonderful way to declutter with purpose, but the true impact lies in committing to a future of mindful consumption and reducing waste.

Whether your yarn finds its way into the hands of a senior rediscovering the joy of knitting, a student learning to weave, or a volunteer crafting blankets for homeless shelters, your donation has the potential to spark something truly meaningful. Slow living isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about making thoughtful decisions that benefit our communities and the planet. Let’s create with purpose, give with intention, and help reduce the cycle of overconsumption in our craft.