Yarn might be the most forgiving craft supply there is.
It is soft. It comes in every color. And if a kid makes a mistake, you just unwind it and try again. No mess, no tears.
Wrapping, tying, weaving and fluffing yarn also keeps little hands busy and builds fine motor skills without anyone noticing.
Here are 15 yarn crafts for kids, from super simple paper plate weaving and pom poms to cardboard looms, rainbow art and T shirt yarn.
1Start with a Kids Yarn Craft Kit
A kit is the easiest way to get going. Everything is in one box, so kids can start their first project in minutes.
A good kids yarn craft kit has bright yarn, blunt needles and a few extras, enough for several different projects.
- Everything in one box
- Quick start
- Great gift
My Pick
Kids Yarn Craft Kit
Yarn, plastic needles, hooks and extras in one box. Kids can start in minutes.
2Build a Rainbow Yarn Stash
Kids love choosing their own colors, so a big rainbow of yarn goes a long way.
An assorted yarn set gives them every shade to mix and match. Store it in a clear bin so they can see what they have.
- Kids pick colors
- Endless combos
- Easy to store
My Pick
Colorful Assorted Yarn Set
A full rainbow of bright yarn so every project gets the colors kids pick.
3Paper Plate Weaving
This is the perfect first weaving project. Cut notches around a paper plate, string yarn across and weave over and under.
It costs almost nothing and the round shape looks so pretty when it is done.
- Almost free
- Ages 4 and up
- Great first weave
Project Card · 30 minutes · Easy
Materials Needed
- 1 sturdy paper plate
- Colorful yarn
- Kid safe scissors
- Plastic yarn needle
- Tape
How to Make It
- Cut an odd number of small notches around the edge of the plate, about 11 to 15.
- Tape one end of the yarn to the back and wrap it across the plate through the notches to make spokes.
- Tie a new color to the center and weave over and under the spokes in a spiral.
- Change colors whenever you like by tying on a new piece.
- Tuck the last end under and add a yarn loop to hang it.
Printable Labels
Toy Bin Labels with Pictures
60 picture labels for toys, art supplies and kids' clothes. Kids see the picture and know where it goes.
4Cardboard Loom Weaving
A cardboard loom is the simplest real loom there is. Cut slits at the top and bottom, string the yarn and start weaving.
A cardboard loom kit makes it even easier, and kids end up with a tiny tapestry they are proud to hang.
- Real weaving skill
- Mini tapestry
- Calm activity
My Pick
Kids Cardboard Loom Weaving Kit
A ready set up loom that makes first weaving projects simple and fun.
5Stick and Hoop Weaving Projects
Branches from the yard make a lovely natural loom. So does an old embroidery hoop.
Kids can also try finger weaving with no tools at all, making colorful braids and bands.
- Nature craft
- No tools needed
- Lots of variety
6Fluffy Pom Pom Crafts
Pom poms are pure joy. Wrap, tie, snip and fluff.
A pom pom maker gives perfectly round results every time. Turn them into animals, garlands or a cheerful wall hanging.
- Instant results
- Kids do it alone
- Tons of uses
Project Card · 20 minutes · Easy
Materials Needed
- Pom pom maker or a fork
- Yarn in two or three colors
- Scissors (adult help)
- Googly eyes and felt bits for animals
How to Make It
- Open the pom pom maker and wrap yarn thickly around both arms.
- Close the arms and have an adult snip around the middle.
- Tie a strong piece of yarn tightly around the center.
- Open the maker, pull out the pom pom and fluff it up.
- Trim it round and add felt ears or eyes to turn it into an animal.
My Pick
Pom Pom Maker Kit
Makes perfectly round, fluffy pom poms in different sizes. Kids love it.
7Rainbow Yarn Crafts
Rainbow garlands, rainbow weavings and rainbow wrapped shapes. Kids never get tired of these.
It is also a sneaky way to teach color order. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
- Bright decor
- Learn colors
- Always a hit
8Chunky Yarn Finger Knitting
Chunky yarn works up so fast. Kids see results in minutes, which keeps them going.
Use chunky yarn for finger knitted scarves, bracelets and giant pom poms.
- Fast results
- No needles
- Soft and cozy
My Pick
Chunky Yarn for Kids Crafts
Thick, soft yarn that works up fast. Perfect for little hands and finger knitting.
9Yarn Needle Sewing Crafts
Big plastic needles let kids practice real stitching safely. Punch holes in cardboard or use felt and let them stitch shapes.
A set of large blunt yarn needles is perfect for running stitch pictures and simple felt animals.
- Safe needles
- Real sewing skill
- Great for focus
My Pick
Large Plastic Yarn Needle Set
Big, blunt needles with large eyes. Safe and easy for kids to thread.
10Popsicle Stick God’s Eye
Cross two craft sticks and wrap yarn around each arm in turn. That is a God’s Eye, and it is so satisfying to make.
Add more sticks for a star, or change colors every few rounds.
- Classic craft
- Color changes
- Easy pattern
Project Card · 20 minutes · Easy
Materials Needed
- 2 jumbo craft sticks
- Yarn in 3 or 4 colors
- Glue
- Scissors
How to Make It
- Glue two sticks together in a plus shape and let it dry.
- Tie the yarn to the center.
- Wrap the yarn over and around one arm, then move to the next arm and repeat.
- Keep going around, pushing each round close to the last.
- Tie on new colors as you go and finish with a knot and a hanging loop.
11Wool Felting for Kids
Wet felting is perfect for kids. Rub wool with warm soapy water and it turns into soft felt, like magic.
Needle felting needles are very sharp, so keep that one for older kids with an adult right beside them, and use a foam pad and finger guards.
- Sensory fun
- Natural materials
- Adult help for needles
12Heart Yarn Crafts
Wrap yarn around a cardboard heart cut from a cereal box. That is it, and it looks lovely.
Yarn hearts make perfect handmade gifts for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
- Easy gifts
- Uses cereal boxes
- Sweet decor
13Scrap Yarn Art
Got leftover bits of yarn? Kids can glue them onto card to make textured collage art.
Scrap pom poms in mixed colors and random stripe weavings look fun too. Nothing goes to waste.
- Free craft
- Zero waste
- Creative play
14T Shirt Yarn Crafts
Old T shirts cut into strips make thick, stretchy yarn for free.
Braid it into bracelets, weave it on a cardboard loom or make big squishy pom poms. An adult should handle the cutting.
- Free yarn
- Upcycled
- Thick and stretchy
15Host a Yarn Craft Afternoon
Set out a few stations. Pom poms at one, paper plate weaving at another, God’s Eyes at the third.
Kids rotate, try everything and go home with a little pile of handmade treasures. Perfect for rainy days or birthday parties.
- Rainy day plan
- Party activity
- Try every craft
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn crafts are good for preschoolers?
Paper plate weaving, yarn wrapped cardboard shapes and simple pom poms with a fork are great for ages 3 to 5. Use chunky yarn and blunt plastic needles.
What is the easiest yarn craft for kids?
Yarn wrapping and finger knitting. Neither needs any tools and kids see results quickly.
What kind of yarn is best for kids?
Chunky or worsted weight acrylic yarn. It is soft, cheap, comes in bright colors and is easy for small hands to hold.
Are yarn crafts safe for kids?
Yes, with blunt plastic needles and kid safe scissors. Keep sharp felting needles and long loose yarn away from very young children and always supervise.
Final Thoughts on Yarn Crafts for Kids
Yarn is cheap, colorful and almost impossible to get wrong. That makes it one of the best craft supplies you can keep at home.
Start with one craft your child is excited about, maybe pom poms or a paper plate weave. Once they finish one, they will be asking for the next.
Amir Ali is the founder and site administrator of HomeDecorEdge, a modern home decor and interior design platform. Since starting the site, he has combined his passion for interior design, practical styling, and color coordination with hands-on content strategy and site management. He guides authors, curates high-quality articles, and ensures readers have access to actionable, visually inspiring, and user-focused home decor advice for apartments, small rooms, and family homes.