I have a large garbage bag full of various colours of cotton yarn, that I never purchased. People often give their unwanted yarn and cotton seems to be a favorite for unwanted yarns. I don’t want to throw it out, but, I can’t really think of what to use it on except for dishcloths, which no one seems to want anymore, and I knit mostly for charities.
Any idea’s what I could make with this yarn, that could be used for a charity project?
dishcloths, washcloths
dish towels, hand towels
Swiffer/mop covers
pillowcases
headbands, wrist bands, sweatbands
Market/shopping bags
plastic bag dispenser (put in top, pull out bottom)
Well, pretty much anything you can make with other yarn you can make with cotton yarn…except felted things of course.
My first thoughts are –
Anything for people undergoing chemo is good because their skin becomes sensitive so …hats, shawls, etc.
Sweaters, blankets for babies and small kids - washable
Dishcloths and hand towels,
Pet blankets for various things
Placemats
Table runner
Coasters
Rug (using 2 or 3 strands together with big needles)
Bracelets
Shopping bag
hth, knitcindy
Thanks Jan, Wouldn’t cotton be too rough for Cancer patients, baby sweaters and blankets? Have you ever done that? I really find your comment interesting. The stuff I have is the type of cotton used in dishcloths and they usually are not very soft, that is why they make good dishcloths.
No, I wouldn’t use dishcloth cotton for chemo patients. I’ve only used very soft cottons and microfiber and nylon for them.
If dishcloth cotton is all you have then… I don’t know. I never buy that type myself even for dishcloths. Have to think on this… Did you see what people have made with that type of yarn on Ravelry?
I did look at patterns for cotton, but the problem is that there were over 15,000 patterns, and there was no way to filter to the type of cotton… all I could filter was ‘cotton’. I looked through 5-6 pages, and couldn’t find anything with this rough cotton, besides dishcloths. I may just give it away to the Salvation Army Store, someone may want it.
Here’s a link to the pattern page for Carewear volunteers. There are many patterns there that can be knit with cotton and donated to your local hospital or favorite charity. It would be a great use for the yarn which knits up nicely and takes colors so well.
You can look at projects that have been done on ravelry in that specific brand of cotton under the yarns tab.
I have made cup cozies, coasters, small bags (cell phone case & make-up size bags), and a water bottle holder with shoulder strap with this type of yarn.
If I had enough in my stash I would make a market bag for sure. This one is super pretty Daisy Market Bag
Cotton yarn knits up into wonderful coasters.
I have made some wonderful shopping bags out of the cotton! I use them to give presents in- then the recipient can use them later! Ravelry has some very nice patterns.
A densly knitted or crocheted bathmat or two would be good and they would use up a lot of yarn.
I used cotton yarn to make a replacement cover for my mother’s antique Stanley brand dust mop.
Weave a set of plaid table mats (the thingys that go under the plates), can’t remember what they’re called.
A braied rug or a round chair pad.
Hang on to it for a while.
Sure as you give it away you will start to think of things you could/should have done with it.
I have the same problem…lots of cotton skeins…I make finger puppets or baby hats. Lots of patterns out there that can be adapted to use cotton. Bags are really excellent idea. I’ve only recently seen the patterns for bracelets…it looks interesting.
Dishcloth cotton is EXCELLENT for making rugs. I have two in my bathroom, one in my bedroom, and one in my kitchen. 
You can use cotton yarn for making table mats, mufflers, scarves, caps, gloves, socks etc…
I am an old RN that worked for some time on a Oncology floor (cancer ward) and cotton is the best for chemo patients because oft times their heads are sensitive. I have heard patients tell me that over and over.
My daughter in law has Hodgkins disease. During the time her hair was gone…she wore mostly cotton telling me that acrylic, and or wool bothered her head.
Many places have charity knitters for cancer patients and our bin always ran out of cotton beanies first.
I have a very large collection of mercanized cotton (DK weight) for my son who loves skull caps. Personally, I prefer to crochet with that sort of yarn. He tends to give away his beanies to anyone who tells him how much they like his hat…cause he knows Ma will make him more.