Would you like to make your own yarn advent calendar, but don't know where to start? Or have you been longing for a yarn advent calendar, but they're not a priority right now? Then fear not, because you're in the right place. Because here in this blog post, I will take you through all the steps needed to make your own amazing and thrifted yarn advent calendar. I LOVE making these creative bundles of joy, and I hope you love making your own too. And best of all, they are perfect for using up yarn stash.

What is a Yarn Advent Calendar?

A yarn advent calendar is a fun and festive way for knitters and crocheters to count down the days to Christmas, because we all need a little boost during these busy weeks, don't we!

Instead of chocolates or toys, each day brings a surprise mini ball, or mini skein of yarn, often beautifully wrapped and labelled with a number from 1 to 24 (or sometimes 25).

You can buy yarn advent calendars from lots of indie dyers, and some calendars also include extra treats like stitch markers, patterns, buttons, tea bags, or small notions. It’s a really lovely gift, and I have bought a few over the years, however, they can also be quite pricey (although worth every penny), but sometimes it can be hard to justify the luxury. So instead, you can make one with bits and bobs that you have in your stash, and give yourself or a yarn-loving friend the best gift ever.

Why Are Yarn Advent Calendars So Popular?

There are a few reasons why yarn advent calendars have become so popular, especially in recent years:

1. Surprise and Delight

Opening a new skein every day in December is fun and exciting. It’s a daily treat during a busy time of year, and gives crafters something to look forward to.

2. Great for Stash-Busting Patterns

These little balls of yarn are perfect for projects like blankets, shawls, socks, or even a temperature scarf. They give the maker an opportunity to enjoy the challenge of using up the yarn in creative ways, because we love a yarn challenge, don't we.

3. Thoughtful Gifts

A yarn advent calendar makes a thoughtful and personal gift for a knitter or crocheter. You can buy pre-made ones from indie dyers or alternatively, make your own for a friend, because yarn gifts are the best gifts.

4. Supports Small Businesses

Many indie yarn dyers offer advent calendars, therefore buying one helps support their work. It also gives you a taste of their yarns without committing to full skeins. If you are not in position to buy a full advent calendar, then you can still support small businesses if you want to. Instead, you can buy stitch markers or little gifts to add to your homemade advent calendar instead.

5. Sparks Creativity.

Each mini skein is a surprise, which encourages you to think outside the box. Whether you're mixing colours, trying new stitches, or designing your own project as you go, a yarn advent calendar gives you the freedom to experiment. It's a great way to play with yarn without overthinking, because you can just open, make, and enjoy.

Why Make Your Own Yarn Advent Calendar?

Making your own yarn advent calendar is a great way to personalise the experience, because you can tailor the colours, yarn types, and extras to suit your own style or the preferences of the person you’re gifting it to.

It’s also budget-friendly, especially if you use stash yarn or leftovers from previous projects.

Plus, it’s a satisfying way to repurpose small balls of yarn that might otherwise go unused, and it adds a thoughtful, handmade touch that’s perfect for the season.

How to Make Your Own Yarn Advent Calendar

What You’ll Need:

• 24 mini yarn balls or mini skeins:
  • either 5g, 10g, or 20g balls or skeins are perfect.
• 24 daily activity cards. Create a mix of:
  • Mindfulness quotes; inspirational quotes; funny quotes; yarn-based activities.
• 24 printed tags:
  • You can hand-write these, or make your own to print. I have included a free printable to download too, and I have created 24 printable activity cards and quotes to buy in my Etsy shop here: Printable Yarn Advent
• 24 Small paper bags, envelopes, or fabric pouches:
  • You can make your own envelopes or bags, using recycled paper or card.
• A mix of small treats:
  • Stitch markers.
  • Wrapped tea bags.
  • Mini chocolate treats.
  • Regift yourself anything you can find that you haven't yet used.
• String or ribbon (for tying or hanging).
• Mini pegs, clips, or washi tape (optional) to close your bag or envelope.
• A box, basket, or hanging display area.

Putting Together Your Own Yarn Advent

1. Choose your yarn:
   Gather 24 mini skeins or leftover stash yarn balls. Mix colours and textures or pick a theme like “rainbow,” “neutrals,” or “winter tones.” I have some tips for yarn colour combinations in my blog post here: Choosing yarn colour combinations
2. Add a little surprise:
   With each mini yarn ball, add one small treat. You can rotate through:
   • A wrapped tea bag (fruit, herbal, or festive flavours).
   • A fun stitch marker.
   • A mini chocolate or sweet.
   • A note of encouragement or crafting tip (optional).
3. Wrap and tag each one:
   Place each yarn ball and treat inside a paper bag, envelope, or fabric pouch. Mix them up to keep it a surprise, then attached a numbered tag to each.
4. Display or store your advent calendar:
   • Hang them with mini pegs on string, like bunting.
   • Tuck them into a box, basket, or reusable gift bag.
   • Stack or scatter them for a ‘lucky dip’ style surprise, by leaving off the numbered tags.
5. Start on 1st December:
   Open one package a day then enjoy the yarn, read your daily tag, and treat yourself. Make a motif, swatch, small project - or simply add to a larger work-in-progress.

Tips

• Add one larger or special skein for Day 24 - for a nice “treat yourself” moment.
• Use the daily yarns to start a scrappy project like:
  • Granny square blanket.
  • Temperature scarf.
  • Stripey cowl or shawl.
• Make a yarn advent for a crafty friend, and add personal notes to each day.

And Finally

I hope you have fun creating your own yarn advent calendar. But more importantly, I hope it helps you get creative, and enjoy a mindful, yarn-filled countdown to Christmas!