Grandma’s Leftover Yarn

I have transformed a large amount of yarn scraps of different quality into an embroidered work: four panels, and a small tablecloth.

The panels are called: “Flowers”, “Pharmacy”, “Wood” and “Serotonin”. The tablecloth is called “Fragments”.

Each of the four panels measures approx. 118 x 32 cm. They can be used separately as a table runner. The tablecloth measures approx. 66 x 47 cm.

It is all made on linen canvas (8 threads per cm.), and is embroidered with two threads in the needle. Contour stitches are used throughout.

First, I divided the yarn scraps into four equal piles, sorted by size. The colors were also sorted.

It was fun to come up with a theme for each panel, and to stick to the pile of yarn scraps that each panel had been assigned.

The tablecloth stands out more clearly in the colors. There is only one shade for each motif. The panels have had all possible shades mixed together, and of large and small scraps. Then the colors mix, almost like when you paint.

Runner of Red DMC Remnants (2023)

Size approx. 128 x 30 cm.

Embroidered on linen (8 threads/cm) with 3 partial threads in the needle.

Full cross stitches and back-stitches are used for the motifs. Contour stitches are used for the stripes in the background.

Use black thread to divide the fabric into 12 transverse fields. Mark where each motif should be placed.

Divide the yarn into cold and warm colors. The largest remainder is used for the motifs.

Embroider motifs from the center and out. This makes it easy to check that the pattern always fits.

For the background, distribute the warm colors in every other field. Then fill in the rest of the fields with the cold colors.

The pattern is free – enjoy!

Remains Runner

This table runner can be made with any DMC remains you have lying around. It is embroidered on linen canvas (8 threads/cm) with contour stitches.

Dimensions approx. 22 x 130 cm.

First, the canvas is divided into 2 x 12 fields with 3 threads as spaces.

Then, the threads are divided into yellow-green and blue-green shades.

Begin by making a random “path” using a golden thread. The path is made using contour stitches.

After this, the DMC remains are distributed in the 24 fields. Start with the yellow-green fields.

Blue Stripes

The runner is embroidered with contour stitches on 8 threaded linen canvas.

Three DMC threads are used in the needle. Small pieces of silver string are sprinkled throughout, and stapled with flora-cotton 136.

Approx. 12 yarn colors are used to form the stripes.

Finished dimensions: 130 x 29 cm.

Use the idea to inspire your own work!

Streams

This runner is made with cross stitches, half stitches and contour stitches on linen (10 threads per centimeter). Made with flora cotton thread (fru zippe). Finishes size about 110 x 25 cm.

You can repeat the pattern in the direction of the arrow to match the desired length.

Pleated Oak

Some years ago, our old oak tree was felled. I saved a few small pieces. They now form a pattern on this small tablecloth. The pattern is made with full and half cross stitches, back stitches and contour stitches on linen canvas. Finished size is approx. 27 x 27 cm. I am very happy about the result!

Christmas

Use this as a tablecloth or, as shown, a runner. Size approx. 124 x 75 cm. Stitched on linen (10 threads pr. cm.) with flora-cotton (1 thread), or DMC (two threads) using cross, back, contour, and quadratic stitches. Continue the pattern all the way to the edges of the linen.