--- title: "Upcycling Yarn in Kenya: Creative Crochet from Craft Cycle" description: "Discover how Kenyan artisans turn textile waste into yarn, the challenges they face, and how you can start upcycling your own sustainable crochet projects." pubDate: 2026-07-13T00:00:00.000Z category: tools tags: "upcycling", "sustainable yarn", "kenya crochet", "craft cycle", "yarn waste" url: https://aeternacraft.com/blog/i-wanted-to-share-this-here-it-happened-in-nairobi-kenya/ faq: [{"question":"Can I use polyester blends for upcycled yarn?","answer":"Yes, but polyester doesn't stretch like cotton. It's slippery and hard to hold in stitches, making it better suited for heavy-duty items like rugs or outdoor baskets. Stick to cotton for apparel."},{"question":"Does upcycled yarn stretch out of shape?","answer":"Cotton has minimal stretch compared to wool. Your bags and rugs will maintain their structure beautifully. However, scarves might sag if the yarn is very thin. Block your finished pieces to set the shape."},{"question":"How do I find and purchase from small upcycled yarn producers?","answer":"Search hashtags like #UpcycledYarn, #KenyaCrochet, and #CraftCycle on Instagram and TikTok. Many small artisans sell via direct message or PayPal. On Etsy, look for shops that mention 'upcycled,' 'zero-waste,' or 'handmade from reclaimed materials.' Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true—fair wages matter."}] --- ## The Rise of Upcycled Yarn in Kenya Pour some tea and let me tell you about what's happening in Nairobi and surrounding counties. When I first saw the videos coming out of **Craft Cycle Kenya**, I actually dropped my hook. Not literally—I was too distracted by the beauty of it—but the sentiment holds. These artisans are taking what the world throws away and turning it into something tangible, useful, and frankly, stunning. They aren't just recycling; they are resurrecting textiles. The process is surprisingly simple but labor-intensive. It starts with collecting textile waste. In Kenya, as in many places, we buy fast fashion, wear it a few times, and then toss it. Craft Cycle Kenya steps in here. They collect these discarded garments—mostly cotton t-shirts and jersey fabrics—and sort them. Then comes the magic: hand-cutting. Using scissors, they slice the fabric into continuous loops or strips. If you've ever tried to cut a t-shirt into a continuous strip without unraveling it entirely, you know it takes patience. A steady hand and a bit of rhythm are essential. Once cut, these strips are joined end-to-end, often using a simple knot or a whip stitch, and wound into balls of yarn. But why does this matter? Why should someone in Ohio or London care about a ball of yarn made from an old shirt in Mombasa? First, look at the environment. The textile industry is one of the largest polluters globally. In Kenya alone, textile waste is a growing mountain. According to recent environmental reports, tons of fabric end up in landfills every year, where synthetic blends can take centuries to decompose. By upcycling these materials, Craft Cycle Kenya is keeping waste out of dumps. It's a circular economy in action. You take something that was "dead" and give it a new life. Second, there's the water savings. Did you know it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton t-shirt? That's enough drinking water for one person to last two and a half years. By using existing cotton instead of growing new cotton, upcycling saves that massive water footprint. It doesn't require the dyes, the fertilizers, or the irrigation. It's sustainable crafting at its purest. When I first tried upcycling at home, I used an old pair of denim jeans. The result? A sturdy but incredibly thick yarn that snapped my 5.0mm hook. Lesson learned: knit fabrics like t-shirts yield a softer, more pliable yarn suitable for delicate stitches. This movement isn't just about saving the planet; it's about community. For many women in Kenya, this craft provides income. It turns a skill—cutting, joining, winding—into livelihood. It empowers them to be producers rather than just consumers of cheap, imported goods. So, when you see a basket or a rug made from these materials, remember the hands that twisted it. It's not just trash; it's talent. ## Challenges in Sourcing Eco-Friendly Yarn Now, let's get practical. You might think, "Great! I'll just buy some upcycled yarn." But hold on, fellow crocheter. Sourcing eco-friendly materials, especially in developing regions or even in remote parts of the developed world, comes with its own set of headaches. I've been bitten by this trap more times than I care to admit. The first major hurdle is cost and accessibility. High-quality, organic, virgin yarns are expensive. Brands that pride themselves on sustainability often import their materials, adding shipping costs and carbon footprints to the price tag. In many developing regions, local suppliers are scarce. If you're in a rural area, your options might be limited to whatever is in the big-box store, which is usually acrylic made from fossil fuels. This creates a paradox: the people who could benefit most from upcycling often lack the tools or knowledge to do it effectively, while those with the knowledge may lack access to the raw materials locally. Then there's the issue of consistency. When you buy a skein of worsted weight merino wool, you know exactly what you're getting. With upcycled yarn, things get… messy. ### Quality and Consistency Issues Upcycled yarn varies wildly. One batch might be soft cotton jersey, perfect for a summer top. The next might be a thick, chunky blend of polyester and cotton, stiff and unyielding. Because these materials come from different sources, the thickness (gauge) of the strips will differ. You might be knitting a 10-stitch swatch and find your tension is off because one strip is wider than the other. Colorfastness is another sneaky problem. I once made a beautiful scarf from mixed t-shirt scraps. After the first wash, the blue strip bled onto the white ones. My scarf looked like it had a run-in with a crime scene. Always test your strips before committing to a large project. Wash a small piece with soap and water to see if it shrinks or fades. So, how do we tackle this? 1. **Sorting is Key:** Don't just grab everything. Sort your fabric waste by fiber content and thickness. Cotton knits together. Synthetics together. 2. **Blending:** If your strips are uneven, try blending them. Twist a thin strip with a thicker one to create a uniform yarn. It takes more time, but the result is much more professional. 3. **Manage Expectations:** Embrace the imperfections. Upcycled yarn has character. It's rustic. It tells a story. If you want perfection, stick to commercial yarn. If you want soul, go upcycled. Have you ever started a project only to realize halfway through that your yarn isn't consistent? I once spent three hours crocheting a blanket only to notice that half the rows were tighter than the others. It taught me that upcycling requires more attention to detail than buying pre-made yarn. The challenge isn't just logistical; it's mental. We need to shift our mindset from "waste" to "resource." In low-resource settings, this shift is crucial. It's not about having the best equipment; it's about being creative with what you have. It's about looking at a pile of old clothes and seeing a basket, a rug, or a bag. ## How to Start Upcycling Your Own Yarn Alright, enough talk. Let's get our hands dirty (well, fabric-dusty). Starting your own upcycling journey is easier than you think. You don't need a factory in Kenya to begin; you can start in your living room tonight. Here is my no-nonsense guide to turning your wardrobe graveyard into yarn gold. ### Materials and Tools Needed Before you cut, gather your supplies. Keep it simple: - **Old T-Shirts or Jersey Knits:** Avoid woven fabrics like denim or dress shirts for beginners. They fray too much. Look for 100% cotton jersey. It stretches, rolls nicely, and is forgiving. - **Sharp Fabric Scissors:** Dull scissors will crush the fabric edges, making them look messy. Sharp scissors ensure clean cuts. - **Cutting Mat:** Optional, but protects your table. - **Ruler or Measuring Tape:** To measure your strips. - **Yarn Needle or Sewing Needle:** For joining ends. - **Fabric Dye (Optional):** If you want consistent colors. Natural dyes like avocado pits or onion skins work beautifully too. ### Step-by-Step Cutting and Joining Techniques Here is the secret sauce. Most tutorials show you cutting a straight spiral. I prefer the method that yields the longest, strongest strip. 1. **Prepare the Shirt:** Lay the t-shirt flat. Cut off the sleeves and the collar band. You'll have a tube of fabric. Cut along one side seam vertically to open it into a single long sheet. 2. **The Fringe:** At the bottom hem, cut vertical strips about 1 cm wide. Do not cut all the way to the top. Stop about 2-3 cm from the top edge. You'll create a fringe. 3. **Join the Loops:** Take two adjacent loops. Pull one through the other and tighten. This creates a continuous chain of loops. Continue down the entire length of the fabric. 4. **Wind into a Ball:** As you join the loops, wind them into a ball. This prevents tangling. Use a cardboard square or a chair back as a winder if you have one. **Joining Ends** If your strip runs out, you need to join it to the next. The simplest method is a slip knot. Thread your needle with a piece of matching fabric (from a scrap!) or a strong thread. Tie the ends together securely. I prefer a whip stitch for extra strength. Hide the knot inside the loop so it doesn't snag your hook. **Winding and Storage** Once you have your ball, store it in a breathable container. Old pillowcases work great. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew, especially if you've used natural dyes. Remember, the first few balls might look ugly. Mine looked like tangled spiderwebs. But with practice, you'll develop a rhythm. The key is consistency in your strip width. Aim for 1 cm strips for a medium-weight yarn. Wider strips equal bulky yarn; narrower strips equal DK or sport weight. ## Projects Perfect for Upcycled Yarn So you have your yarn. What on earth do you do with it? Many crafters shy away from upcycled yarn because they think it's only for doormats. Wrong! It's versatile, durable, and full of charm. Let's look at two categories where upcycled yarn truly shines. ### Rugs and Baskets: The Heavy Hitters Upcycled cotton yarn is incredibly strong. It doesn't pill easily, and it holds its shape well under weight. This makes it perfect for floor coverings and storage solutions. - **Braided Rugs:** If you have thick strips, braid them like hair. Sew the braids together in spirals to create a round rug. It's meditative and results in a masterpiece. - **Single Crochet Baskets:** Use a large hook (H/8 or 5.0mm) and work in the round. The stitches will be tight and sturdy. These are fantastic for organizing toys, laundry, or garden tools. Add handles by threading a thick rope or additional fabric strip through the top stitches. ### Bags and Accessories: Wearable Sustainability Can you make wearable items? Absolutely. The trick is to soften the yarn. If your strips are too stiff, roll them between your palms for a few minutes to break them down slightly. Or, wash them with fabric conditioner to add flexibility. - **Market Bags:** Work with a loose tension. Use half-double crochet (hdc) for a fabric-like texture. These bags are washable and durable, perfect for carrying groceries. The unique color blends of upcycled yarn mean every bag is one-of-a-kind. - **Headbands and Scarves:** For these, use thinner strips (0.5 cm). You'll need a smaller hook (3.5mm or 4.0mm). The texture adds visual interest. A slouchy beanie made from upcycled yarn looks effortlessly chic. **Pattern Ideas and Gauge Adjustments** Don't worry about strict gauge. Upcycled yarn is variable. Instead of counting stitches per inch, focus on the final dimensions. If you want a 40cm wide scarf, crochet until it measures roughly 40cm, adjusting your hook size if it's too stiff or too floppy. Use textured stitches like the moss stitch or basketweave to hide irregularities in the yarn. These stitches celebrate the rustic nature of the material. They add depth and make the slight variations in thickness look intentional, like artistic choice rather than a flaw. Finally, embrace the imperfections. A slightly lumpy stitch in a rug adds character. A color bleed in a bag tells a story. When you crochet with upcycled yarn, you're not just making an object; you're preserving a memory. ## Supporting Artisans Like Craft Cycle Kenya We've talked about making yarn, but what about supporting those who do it professionally? Initiatives like **Craft Cycle Kenya** and individual artisans are doing incredible work. Buying from them isn't just a transaction; it's a vote for ethical fashion and economic empowerment. ### How to Find and Purchase from Small Producers It can be tricky to find these makers. They often operate on social media rather than big e-commerce sites. - **Instagram and TikTok:** Search hashtags like #UpcycledYarn, #KenyaCrochet, #EthicalFashion, #CraftCycle. Artists often post reels of their process. DM them directly! Many small artisans sell via direct message or PayPal. - **Etsy:** Look for shops that specifically mention "upcycled," "zero-waste," or "handmade from reclaimed materials." Read the shop announcements. - **Red Flags:** Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Hand-crafted upcycled yarn takes time. If a ball of yarn costs $1, consider what it costs to collect, sort, cut, and join that fabric. Fair wages matter. ### Ethical Considerations and Fair Trade When we buy from artisans in developing nations, we must be mindful of power dynamics. Are we extracting value, or are we creating partnership? - **Fair Pricing:** Pay what the artisan asks. Do not haggle. Their price reflects their labor and the value of the material. - **Direct Support:** Whenever possible, buy directly from the maker or through a cooperative. This ensures the money goes to the community, not through multiple middlemen. - **Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation:** Respect the origins of the craft. Ask permission before photographing or sharing their stories without credit. Share their profiles! Tag them. Amplify their voices. Years ago, I bought a basket from a seller who didn't disclose the origin. Later, I found out it was made by a collective of women in Kenya who had been paid less than minimum wage. It haunted me. Since then, I prioritize transparency. I now only buy from sellers who clearly state their supply chain. ### Why It Matters By supporting these artisans, you help sustain traditional skills. You provide income that supports education and healthcare in their communities. You validate the idea that waste is a resource. And you inspire others to think differently about consumption. So, the next time you see a beautiful upcycled item, don't just admire it. Ask about it. Buy it. Share it. Let's build a community that values creativity, sustainability, and fairness. Together, we can turn trash into treasure, one stitch at a time. ## FAQ ### Can I use polyester blends for upcycled yarn? Yes, but polyester doesn't stretch like cotton. It's slippery and hard to hold in stitches, making it better suited for heavy-duty items like rugs or outdoor baskets. Stick to cotton for apparel. ### Does upcycled yarn stretch out of shape? Cotton has minimal stretch compared to wool. Your bags and rugs will maintain their structure beautifully. However, scarves might sag if the yarn is very thin. Block your finished pieces to set the shape. ### How do I find and purchase from small upcycled yarn producers? Search hashtags like #UpcycledYarn, #KenyaCrochet, and #CraftCycle on Instagram and TikTok. Many small artisans sell via direct message or PayPal. On Etsy, look for shops that mention 'upcycled,' 'zero-waste,' or 'handmade from reclaimed materials.' Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true—fair wages matter.