(for Dutch tutorial/Nederlandse werkbeschrijving: click here/hier)
I came across this fabulous idea months and months ago on the wonderful blog of Elisabeth Andrée and pinned it to my “DIY/crafts Pinterest board“. Time to open the pin and get started! Elisabeth Andrée’s tutorial links back to yet another beautiful blog, by Carolyn and gives you the “recipe” to make the paste with which the yarn ends are sort of glued together to form a bowl. On Carolyn’s blog you can see that you don’t necessarily need yarn ends, you can very well use long strands of yarn and stick to one color as well.
You’ll be perfectly fine, just following Elisabeth Andrée’s and Carolyn’s instructions, but I just want to show you how things looked here when I got started and moreover, show you the result! I’ll be pretty much bombarding this post with photos, but that way you’ll get the picture – 😉 – even better!
So, I got everything I needed: yarn ends ….. 
as well as the ingredients to make the paste with …..
Then, following the Carolyn’s recipe (below), I mixed and cooked the paste and let it cool …..
Recipe:
Combine ½ cup flour and 2 cups cold water in a bowl; boil 2 cups of water in a sauce pan and add the flour and cold water mixture.
Bring to a boil again, remove from heat and add 3 tablespoons of sugar.
Let cool (the paste will thicken as it cools).
While the paste cooled down, I prepared the bowl(s) by covering the outside(s) with plastic wrap, making sure to cover all of the bowl(s) ….. 
Placed the bowl(s) on aluminum foil (so the paste could safely drip) ….. 
After all these preparations, it was time to p l a y!
I picked up a handful of yarn ends, got another handful of the paste and mixed them in my hands, making sure every piece of yarn was soaked with the paste. Then little by little I covered my first bowl with the gooey yarn ends, feeling like some sort of sculptor, really.
After all this sculpting, the hardest part came …… finding the patience to let them dry! When I had finished my first (big) bowl, I very quickly got the feeling that I might have sculpted a bit to thick a layer onto the bowl. Since there were enough yarn ends and paste left, I prepared another, smaller bowl and made sure its layer of yarn-paste was considerably thinner. The first bowl is drying nicely, but is still not totally dry – after almost 48 hours! However, the second, smaller bowl with the thinner layer was completely dry this morning and so the exciting task of removing the yarn shell from the bowl started. Nervous moment, I can tell you …… But, the bowl came off nicely though, after which I carefully removed the plastic wrap from the inside of the bowl and T A D A H!!
Isn’t it beAUtiful? I’m ridiculously happy with the way it turned out! So, go ahead, give it a try – you won’t regret it! It’s really easy (the drying part is the toughest, honestly) and I’m sure you lovely yarn loving people will get a kick out of this too. Oh ….. and please share photos of your yarn ends bowl, I would love to see all of your unique creations! Happy crafting!
Love, Marianne xx
I love this idea! It is the PERFECT way to use up all my extra yarn. I am definitely going to give it a try.
Thank you, Meg! I have to agree, it is a pretty cool way to make do with yarn ends or left over yarn! Have fun and please send a picture of your yarn ends creation – I would love to see it! xx, Marianne
Ļoti skaisti un interesanti
Thank you! Marianne xx
Amazing idea!!
Thank you! It’s such a wonderful and fun way to use up all those yarn ends! xx
This is gorgeous – I’ll be trying it and I’ll use the IG tag! 🙂
Thanks, Rachele! I loved doing this and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too (also fun to do with your children) – looking forward to seeing your yarn bowl! xx
So cuuute!!! love your color mix also.
Thank you, Barbara! Still very happy with my colorful bowl! xx
I wish I’ve seen this months ago!!! You can’t imagine the quantity of yarn ends that have ended up in the garbage on weekly basis… Definitely saving them from now
Oh dear – that does seem like a terrible waste, knowing you can create something cool as your own yarn ends bowl! Well, keep crocheting and saving those ends and before you know it, you’ll be looking at your own beautiful bowl! Good luck! Marianne xx
I’ve been wondering if there was a way to recycle all my yarn ends, Now I know. Maybe I will try this after I save up enough ends.
That sounds like a good plan, saving your yarn ends from now on, LeAnne – looking forward to seeing your yarn ends-creation! Marianne xx
i found a new use for my crafting scraps YAY!!!
Aw, so glad to have given you the idea to make fun stuff from your yarn ends! Happy making! Marianne xx
Looks like not only a bowl made of yarn but a bowl that can be used as a yarn bowl… Is it smooth on the inside? Love it!
Glad you like the idea, Lori – can’t wait to see your very own creation! I’m afraid it is not very smooth on the inside, so it may not be very suitable as a yarn bowl …. Marianne xx
You could take fabric scraps, line the bowl first with the fabric, make sure it is smooth and then put your yarn on it. Could you spray shellac or a coating /finish on it when done?
Hi Debra,
That sounds like a good idea as well – as long as you make sure the fabric scraps are coated well with the paste too. Also, consider a longer time for all of it to dry. Oh, yes, a coating would be perfect. Happy making! Marianne xx
hola, me gustaria saber
que utilizas para pegar los hilos’?, GRACIAS marianalu60@hotmail.com
Mariana – I’m sorry I don’t speak Spanish …. English (French/German) please! Marianne xx
1/2 taza de harina revuelta con dos tazas de agua fria. Aparte hierves dos tazas de agua y la agregas a la mezcla. Revuelves. Agregas tres cucharadas de azucar y lo vuelves a hervir todo. Luego lo dejas enfriar para que vaya agarrando la consistencia de pegamento. Es el casi típico engrudo!
Thanks for your translation, Alejandra! Marianne xx
That is pretty. I am now imagining two bowls together as a ball for a hanging decoration.
You can make a ball by using a round balloon. Glue yarn to balloon, let dry and then POP goes the balloon, pull out the busted balloon and hang. I’ve even seen lights made like this, but that requires a little research as I’m guessing a very low watt bulb that doesn’t throw off much heat would need to be used.
Fantastic idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing, Kandice! Marianne xx
Thanks for your compliment! Yes, yes, that is an excellent idea! (Yarn) End(s)less possibilities ….. ;)! Marianne xx
Very neat idea. I hate to waste anything so usually the only waste I have when I crochet or knit is what may be left on the skein at the end of my project, but the bowl turned out beautiful.
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Carol! Marianne xx
Oh my gosh I love this!! I just have to figure out how to do the paste. And once the yarn is on do I put more paste on? Thanks outstanding job!
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Jodi! There is a link to the “recipe” in my blog post/tutorial. Just make sure the yarn ends are really, really wet from the paste. Have fun! Marianne xx
Hi Marianne,
The link for the paste recipe is broken and only produces a blank page. Any tips where to go or what to do now?
Thanks for the inspiring idea!
Hi Megan,
Thank you for letting me know; it’s a bit odd, because when I click both “recipe”-links in my blog post, they take me to Carolyn’s page immediately… hmmm.
Anyway, I thought I’d give you the link here, so you can go ahead and make a beautiful yarn ends bowl of your own! Happy making! Marianne xx
http://www.carolynshomework.com/2011/03/etceteras-yarn-bowl.html
Lovely Idea!
Thank you so much! Marianne xx
This is fantastic! A simple, creative project with great impact! Thank you! Will be doing this project very soon with my granddaughter. (I got the photo on my FB feed through Knitting Fever and Euro Yarns)
Thank you very much for your lovely compliment! Oh, yes, the two of you will have so much fun! Marianne xx
Wonderful idea for Christmas presents for all my yarn lovers thanks
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Jan! Oh, that sounds like a fantastic idea – nothing beats handmade-with-love! Marianne xx
how hard is it when completely cured? can you use it as a bread bowl at the dinner table? How do you use it?
It is pretty hard when dry, but still kind of flexible. I use one simply as decoration (nothing in it) and another one holds some of my crochet. I’m guessing you could use it as a bread basket …. Marianne xx
Which was better? The thicker or thinner and shouldn’t it be varnished (sealed) after completely dry? Thanks
Strangely enough the cotton yarn was easier to work with than the acrylic (I do not really understand why). I’ve thought about (spray) varnishing the projects – will probably make them look even better! Marianne xx
I’ve saved my yarn scraps for years, thinking I’d stuff a pillow with them some day. This is so much better! I can’t wait to try it!
Oh, that sounds like you’ll have more than enough yarn to play with – yay! Have fun! Marianne xx
What a neat I idea! I must go get my niece and have her do this for me, she’s 3, she’ll have a blast!
Thanks for your lovely compliment! Oh yes, the two of you will have so much fun – enjoy! Marianne xx
Gosh… wish I’d known this sooner – now I’ll have to start saving those little ‘ends’ for this craft idea. I love it though – really cute!!! Wonder if it would also work with fabric scraps from quilting????
Thanks, Diana – yep, you’ll better start saving those ends :)! I’m sure it will work with fabric scraps too – have fun! Marianne xx
What a great idea! Hope I will be able to find the ‘recipe’ for the glue and then I will be sure to try this. I only hope I have enough yarn scraps. I do save them, add them to fabric scraps from my quilting (other hobby) and then when I have enough on hand I make up a small pillow/cushion which is then donated to the local SPCA for the cats. Dogs love them but end up ripping them so only the cats/kittens get the cushions. They go home with the cat when adopted.
Thanks for your compliment, Ann! There’s a link to the “recipe” in my blog post/tutorial. What a wonderful idea to use your yarn ends and fabric scraps for the dog/cat cushions – I love it! Marianne xx
Hi! I LOVE this Diy! Thank you sooooooo much for sharing!
I have one question. When you take the plastic wrap off, do you then put glue mixture on the inside 9 the bowl?
Thank you again!
Thanks so much, Patricia – so glad you like this idea! To answer your question: no, I’ve not done that – there was no need to (but I’m assuming you could do this, and it would make the bowl a bit sturdier). Good luck and have fun! Marianne xx
I’m thinking Easter Baskets for the grandkids! Pretty, colorful & free. Thanx for giving me the recipe & idea. ♡ it.
Thanks so much, Paula – glad you like the idea! Now I really like the idea of making Easter baskets for your grandkids using this technique! Have fun creating! Marianne xx
Awesome idea. I am wondering if they would hold up for “hand washing” also curious if the flour in the paste drys clear/transparent or if it is visible when the bowl is dry.
Thanks so much! I’m afraid I’m not quite sure what you mean by “hand washing” ….. Varnishing the yarn ends creations should make them pretty water resistant, I assume. The paste dries totally clear/transparent, pretty awesome – good luck with your project(s)! Marianne xx
I love this idea and am going to use it as a project for my knitting class of young girls-which has dwindled down to two-but nonetheless they will enjoy it next week. Can you tell me where to send the photos when I have them ready? Thank you.
Thank you very much, Marybeth! Oh, that sounds like great fun – I would love to see your photos; you can send them to marianne@marrose-ccc.com. Happy crafting! Marianne xx
Hi Marianne, just love this idea, will be trying soon. Just popped over to visit from your link on One Crafty Mummas blog today, Robyn from sewingtheseasons.
Thanks so much, Robyn! It’s so much fun to do – enjoy! Marianne xx
I love the idea and have plenty of yarn ends. I usually stuff the yarn ends inside a glass Christmas ornament and give them as gifts. But now I am going to make these. I thought that instead of a big bowl I’d use an inexpensive clear custard cup and then when it was dry I could put the cup inside the bowl so that it could be used for a little jewelry bowl or something like that, plus I want to spar them with a clear “shellac” type spray. That way they would be protected. I will let you know how it works out.
Thank you so much! I like what you’ve done with your yarn ends so far – that’s a wonderful, colorful idea also!
Have fun creating your bowls and thanks too for sharing your tips on improving this process. Would love to hear (and see) your bowls once finished! Marianne xx
I love this! Absolutely awesome and less in the landfills! I feel like I have already thrown away enough ends to make bowls for the entire country! Thanks so much!
Thanks so much, Jenna – have fun making!! Marianne xx
That is great a real work of art! Looks like a few people on my list will get one for christmas!
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment! Have fun creating! Marianne xx
Awesome!!! I’ve just thrown away a whole bunch of yarn-tails, but I’m going to fetch them out again 🙂
Thanks so much, Dedri! Oh, good – have fun! Marianne xx
Thanks for passing this idea along. I save my ends, too, and now I have the perfect project for them.
Thanks so much! Oh …. just in time then! Have fun creating! Marianne xx
It’s so pretty! I have really wanted to do this for a long time, too, so maybe I should make the most of my cold and windy weather and just do it! I think my toddler would enjoy the process!
Thanks so much, Jamie! Oh, yes your toddler would definitely enjoy making this too! Have fun the two of you! Marianne xx
Love this idea! I usually throw out my yarn ends but am happy to find a real use for them. I’m thinking, since it’s a New Year, to start saving all the scraps from the projects that I am doing this year and make a bowl. It would nicely represent all the things I created over the year!!!! Pinned it and look forward to doing this in December – 2015 that is 🙂 Thanks for the idea!!!!
Thanks, Elizabeth! Good for you for starting to save your yarn ends – it will definitely make for a gorgeous bowl at the end of the year. And, yes, that’s what strikes me too when making a yarn ends bowl: you can track the projects I’ve been working on just by looking at the yarn, it’s great fun, enjoy your yarn journey! Marianne xx
What a great way to use up all those odds and ends
It really is – I can highly recommend, Marilyn! Marianne xx
Hi great idea, was wondering if it is sturdy enough to put things in it or is it just for look purposes. it really is beautiful.
Thanks so much for the lovely compliment, Lee! They’re pretty sturdy – I have some small balls of yarn in one bowl, the other one holds bits of crochet. Marianne xx
I jad an idea to leave an opening to pull yarn through from a skein 😉
Oh, a yarn-ends yarn bowl ….. that sure sounds like a great idea, Joy! Marianne xx
A ceiling light cover is what I’m thinking. I have a ceiling light with double light bulbs in a spare bedroom that I don’t have a shade for. It probably can’t be too dense with yarn or too dark a color so the light will shine thru. What do you think?
That sounds like a fab plan!! You could deal with the density-problem by going easy on applying the yarn ends (no thick layers) – I think it’s a great idea! Marianne xx
beautiful bowl!! i was wondering if you could use elmers glue and water because it worked on some baskets i made.
Rebecca
Thank you, Rebecca! I’m not familiar with elmers glue, but it sounds like a good plan! Marianne xx
If you use an LED bulb there would be no heat! I’m seriously thinking of making a large one of these for over our dining room table. Thank you.
That is a fabulous idea, Katy – I love it (and would love to see it too …..)! Marianne xx
Really neat. We only buy the yarn in colors and combinations we love, right? So this seems like a wonderful way to save a tiny bit of it to remember from the gifts we give away.
Thanks so much, Rondi! That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking as well – while working with the yarn ends, I remember what project I made with the particular ends and I love that too! Marianne xx
I bet you can make a yarn bowl with the little squiggly hole out of yarn ends.
I bet you could, as long as you make sure the inside of the yarnbowl in smooth (maybe by varnishing it?). Marianne xx
Very Creative! !! WOW! !!!!
Thanks you so much – it’s so much fun to do! Marianne xx
I am bad about taking an idea and running in a different direction. How about just putting a layer of the wet yarn on apiece of plastic, letting it dry and then hanging it in the window like a Sun catcher. OR put the wet yarn between two sheets of glass and frame it after it sets (May be baking it between the glass at a low temp. for a couple of hours. Very low so the paste do not boil or the acrylic yarn does not burn.) Just saying. 🙂
Haha! Excellent thinking – I love it! I’ve done different things with my ends as well and have written a separate blog post about this. I’ve made a lamp shade, votives, little hearts: fun-fun-fun! Marianne xx
Sorry about this post but some people will use salt instead of sugar in the past. I was wondering if little things would like the bowl as a snack.
You can go anywhere with this idea! I’m not sure about substituting the salt and sugar ….. Marianne xx
Hi
Can I use craft glueand makeover on a balloon instead of a bowl.
I bet you could! Sounds like a great plan! Marianne xx
If you don’t mind that your yarn is all the same length or don’t have enough yarn tails, I’m pretty sure the yarn used to make “Latch Hook Rugs” would work just as well.
Great thinking, Lisa! Marianne xx
Wow love it,I’m going to try this thanks
Thanks so much, Millie! Have fun! Marianne xx
Such a great idea as you could make the bowls to b used for anything thinking of making one for the grand daughters to put all their hair clips in
Thanks, Karen! Oh, yes, that’s a great idea as well – have fun! Marianne xx
Does the paste keep the yarn ends pretty smooth once the bowl dries? Or is it still kinda fuzzy like dry yarn is? I was thinking of making a little jewelry bowl for my young daughter’s earrings. But if it’s going to snag up on them, it may not be the best project idea.
I’d say it’s an in between thing: not really fuzzy, but not exactly smooth either. You could maybe try polishing/varnishing the bowl? However, I keep some of my yarn in my yarn bowls and the yarn never gets caught in the bowls …. Definitely worth a try – love your idea of a little jewerlry bowl, good luck! Marianne xx
Great idea! I was thinking I would like to try making one of these, but had no idea what I’d use it for. Now I do, but for my daughter instead of granddaughter. Thank you ?
Totally awesome!
Thank you so much, Eunice! Marianne xx
Wow, what a great idea! I love all the colourful yarn ends that gather at the end of a big project, but never know what to do with them!
Thank you so much! Have fun making your own colorful and beautiful bowl! Marianne xx
I cant wait to do this.
Good! It’s a lot of fun – enjoy, Nancy! Marianne xx
This bowl is absolutely stunning…a work of art! Fantastic job!!!
Thank you so much, Janet, for your lovely compliments! Marianne xx
Oh, I love this idea! What fun! Would PVA glue work as well?
Thanks! It’s so much fun to do – can highly recommend ;)! I’m not familiar with PVA Glue, but it would be well worth a try on just a tiny project, like a votive or so (https://marrose-ccc.com/2014/09/01/yarn-ends/)? Good luck and lots of fun! Marianne xx
Hola Marianne!
Quedé fascinada con esta fabulosa idea que pronto pondré en práctica y tu verás los resultados!
Gracias por compartirla
PS: Como tu amo el crochet y también las pequeñas mascotas, tengo 2 gatos y una perrita.
te invito a visitar mi blog:
Desde Montevideo, Uruguay, Sudamérica
Hola Estela,
I don’t speak any Spanish, but I think I understand your lovely message here – thank you for your compliments! It seems we have a lot in common: a love for crochet, cats & dogs ;)! I’ll make sure to visit your blog! Marianne xx
Wonderful idea! Can’t wait to try it with scrap yarn I have. Not enough to make anything but don’t want to throw it away.
Thank you! Have fun making your own yarn ends bowl!! Marianne xx
Brilliant idea Marianne…well done.What type of glue did you use?
Thank you very much Marion! I did not use glue as such, but a sort of paste that you can easily make yourself – the “recipe” is in the tutorial! Marianne xx
How do you keep everything from sliding down the bowl? Is it really think? Would ELMERS work too?
The paste prevents the yarn ends from sliding down. I think “elmers” is a kind of glue? I’m not familiar with it, but you can give it a try with a few ends and a small area, maybe? Good luck! Marianne xx
Love your bowls. Can’t wait to try them.
Elmers and PVA are much the same—white glue. If you water it down, about 70% glue to 30% water and it will dry clear.
Thanks so much! Have fun making yours! Marianne xx
Looks great! 😀
i just have one question, do you let the paste fully cool down before you use it?
i am just wondering becouse i wanna try it too, but i do not wanna make any mistakes
Thank you! Yes I do ….. otherwise it’s just too hot to handle …. Good luck! Marianne xx
what tutorial? I don’t use pinterestst. Could you list the ingredients?
You don’t have to use Pinterest to be able to make these, Jonille – the how-to is right here on my blog under “Tutorials/DIY” (or you can just click this link: https://marrose-ccc.com/tutorials-2/yarn-ends-bowl/) Have fun! Marianne xx
I live in a very humid place, Florida USA. I think I will try this using Elmers Glue. I am afraid the cooked glue might not work here and might even get buggy. We have lots of those here. LOL
Florida sounds like a wonderful place to live to me …. apart from the bugs ;)! I haven’t used Elmers Glue, but I’m sure it will work fine (as would the paste, I think). Good luck, Peggy! Marianne xx
I really love this idea, but I am curious, do you have any recommendations for a way to seal the bowl? Like using a varnish or resin to make sturdy and waterproof? If so, what are some products and brand names? I’m not familiar with that sort of thing, but I want ot make sure my bowls are nice and sturdy if I give them as gifts or sell them.
Thank you! To make the bowl sturdy, without using anything but the paste as per the “recipe” in the tutorial will be achieved by making the layer(s) of yarn ends drowned in the paste quite thick. It will take longer for the bowl to completely dry, but that’s ok. I’ve never varnished mine, but I’m sure you could us a spray-on varnish (like Krylon), or even a clear paint on one (like the ones used to varnish boats). Good luck! Marianne xx
Really nice I want to try it.
Thanks so much! Have fun creating! Marianne xx
Wow love this idea! Is it heavy? Was thinking would try this and leave a opening on side to resemble a yarn bowl to feed my yarn through while crocheting it.
Thank you so much, Linda! It’s pretty heavy, given the fact that I crocheted with 100% cotton yarn. Ooh, that sounds interesting! Marianne xx
Would decoupage work just as well and dry harder?
Sorry for not getting back to you any sooner, Cathrine…..
I honestly have not idea, it might …. maybe give it a try with just a small amount of yarn ends? Good luck! Marianne xx
How sturdy or strong are the bowls once dry ?
I’d say “medium”, Vikki; mine hold for example yarn, and you could easily use them as bread baskets. Hope this helps? Marianne xx
Hello,
This is simply gorgeous and such a good idea !
Ah, thank you so much! It’s a whole lot of fun to do – I still love my yarns ends projects! Enjoy making yours! Marianne xx
I don’t do crafts. But this is a yarn craft. And I do yarn!!! LOL I am absolutely going to make one (or more). LOL Thanks for the great idea.
That sounds like a perfect plan, Beverly! Have fun! Marianne xx
I would like to do this with students at school. If I make the paste at home will it be usable days later? My kids will love this!
Hi Lisa,
What a great idea to this with your students at school!
I have not tried it before, but somehow I do think the paste will be ok for several days if stored in an airtight container? Maybe give it a try with a small amount of paste? Have fun creating! Marianne xx
This is such a great idea!!! The link to the recipe doesn’t seem to be working, it take you to a blank page. Perhaps you could cut and paste it here? I have a niece and nephew that would have a blast doing this!!! Thanks again!
Thank you for letting me know, Bonnie; it’s a bit odd, because when I click both “recipe”-links in my blog post, they take me to Carolyn’s page immediately. I’ve refreshed the links in my post, so hopefuly this will fix the problem.
Anyway, I thought I’d give you the link here, so you can go ahead and make a beautiful yarn ends bowl of your own! Happy making! Marianne xx
http://www.carolynshomework.com/2011/03/etceteras-yarn-bowl.html
Love the bowl. The link to the recipe doesn’t work. Is there anywhere else I could find it please
Hi Ros! Thank you! I’ve decided to add the recipe in my post, given the fact that too many people could not link to Carolyn’s page (which turns out to be a technical/security thing on her blog). Have fun making lots of yarn bowls! Marianne xx
Hi! does the bowl remain firm over time or does the flour\sugar mix disintegrate please?
Couldn’t Mod Podge be used in place of the flour and sugar recipe?
Hi Carol,
Sorry for my late reply, have only just seen your comment. Yes, I think that would work too!
Happy crafting and stay safe! Marianne xx