The Coiled Yarn Bowl: A Simple Yarn Stash Project
Dear Yarn Hoarder,
We have so much in common. We see pretty yarn and know that we’ll use it one day. We plan projects for that pretty yarn. Then that particular project gets lovingly moved to the back of the line for one creative reason or another. Then when the time comes where we can pick that project back up, our creative inclination leads us to using those supplies for things other than what we initially planned.
That’s what happened to me with this project. I bought this cozy rustic yarn with – well, I really can’t remember my initial plan as it was quite some time ago, and so many creative projects have flittered around in my head since.
Recently, I’ve been really putting in some effort into using up some of my supplies that I’ve had around for a while. Working on using up my yarn stash has become my go to evening activity right now.
This coil bowl project was worked up after coming across some videos of the macrame artists making coil bowls with their macrame cord. I’ve never gotten into macrame but I do have a yarn stash… and some jute twine.
The concept and process is quite simple and if you like crocheting, knitting, or any other repetitive creating then you’ll likely find a quiet comfort in this process as well. The rhythm and the slow but steady work of shaping and forming this coiled yarn bowl is quite satisfying.
For a demonstration of each portion of the process take a look at the video below or keep scrolling to get the list of things you need along with pictures and details.
Supplies used for this project:
- Jute twine or rope (amount depends on how big you’ll make your bowl)
- Yarn from your stash (whatever size or type you have)
- A yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional: extra colors of yarn for contrast, embroidery thread, embellishments
- Also optional but highly recommended: a snuggly project manager to keep an eye on things
- To see exact supplies used take a look at the Resources, Tools, & Products page.
THE BEGINNING:
Starting with the center of the base, I wrapped the yarn around the jute. First, I cut a length of manageable yarn (maybe 3ish feet?) and wrapped about an inch to an inch and a half leaving a little tail. Wrap this first section in a clockwise direction going from back, under, over, and back.
Then I folded the wrapped piece and wrapped the 2 ends and the working jute cord together a few times with the working yarn doubling the length of the whole thing. Here’s where you will start to wrap in a counter-clockwise direction beginning in the back and coming toward you over the top. For the rest of the project you’ll be working in this direction.
Now, you will start to coil the tail end around the center loop. There’s a lot of pinching and tiny turns involved as you keep everything together before performing the first anchor stitch.
Once it’s in position, insert the needle into the center of the initial starting loop.
The beginning can be a little awkward but thus is life. After you get going the groove and rhythm will start to build.
THE PROCESS:
I wrap the working yarn around the jute 3-5 times (depending on the size yarn and jute I’m using) keeping the yarn side by side on the jute as I go. I try not to leave gaps where the jute peaks through and avoid the yarn to overlapping too much. Lining the yarn up tightly together is the most visually appealing for me.
I anchor my work as I go around by taking the end with the needle and putting it through the row below. Then it’s back to round and round 5 times followed by an anchor stitch.
The anchor stitch can have many variations. You can keep it to wrapping only the row below or maybe 2 rows? You can go around once or how about 3 times for thinner yarn? Or maybe a repeating pattern? Trying things out and being curious will only add to the joy of creating these guys.
When I began this project I had no real plan as to the size I wanted it to end up. The size is completely up to you and is influenced by your intentions for the coil bowl.
You will need to add yarn when your working piece runs out. There’s a little pausing, pinching, and holding things in place while getting the new piece attached. Once it’s on you continue to coil until the base is the diameter of your dreams.
*Tip: I will add or subtract a wrap here or there so that the anchor stitches aren’t right on top of each other. Again, the size yarn and jute come into play here. Keep in mind that as the base circle gets bigger you can add an additional wrap or 2 between anchor stitches. Pay attention to where your anchor stitches are landing and adjust accordingly.
THE BUILDING:
Now, you’ll begin to gently change the orientation of your coils so that you are now working upwards instead of expanding the base of the bowl. The key here is to purposely but slightly start working one row on top of the other as you go. The transition is subtle at first until you have a couple of rows worked in this manner. You may also need to finger the coils a bit to make sure you’re building the rows in the correct direction to create depth.
If choosing to create a bowl with perpendicular sides you should be working in the correct direction within 2 rows or so.
The more subtle a move you make, the more splayed the rim will be. If splaying the rim, you’ll be working more diagonally from the base coil than upward. Either way can produce beautiful results.
THE ENDING:
There are an endless number of ways you could finish the bowl. In the examples I made here, you’ll see the brown one has a more blended and subtle ending where I wanted the ending to be as close to seamless as I could get.
For the other coiled bowl, I made an abstract handle of sorts. I created the loop by continuing with the dark blue yarn around the jute a few inches before attaching it again a short distance further along the rim. I then flipped the loop inward and shaped it how I wanted.
MAKING IT CUSTOM:
To add some interest and indulge my creativity I added a couple of trim rows with a different weight yarn in a different color. To add different colors just add different yarns in the same manner as growing the bowl but keep working on the same roll of jute.
Embroidery is also another element that adds interest and lets you create truly one-of-a-kind pieces. I added a simple embroidered burst in the center with the same yarn that was used for the rim.
The coiled yarn bowl has the comfortable rhythm and pace to be completely relaxing while also engaging your creativity and imagination. It’s a great project to experiment with as you go. Using different colors, weights, and types of yarn will give you different results. And adding embroidery or other elements just adds to the creative experience. I also thought it would be interesting to experiment with cottons or other natural fibers and incorporate some natural dyes. I’m adding that earthy variation to my ever growing list of maker plans.
Thank you for checking out my latest project. I really hope that it inspires you to create with a well-blended mix of purpose, curiosity, and intuition. I find that limiting myself to things I already own is a great way to tap into that creative flow, not to mention giving life to that stash of supplies I’ve been accumulating.
Enjoy the process of making!
