Eco-friendly craft and hobby ideas

Feel good about crafting something by hand: you're saving energy from industrial manufacturing and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Go a step further and try switching to organic fibres that are coloured with natural dyes in your next knitting or crochet project.

Not the knitting type? Browse our selection of eco-friendly home and garden ideas.

Knitting:
Knit a Newfoundland pullover
Perfect for him or her, the pattern for this cosy wool sweater is inspired by Nordic and Celtic traditions.



Easy to make knitting basket
Make a handy knitting basket that will help you to organize your yarn, looms and needles.



Knit a mohair lace throw
Worked in simple sections on large needles and edged in a pretty lace stitch, and made in whisper-fine kid mohair, this knit throw looks stunning thrown over crisp white cotton sheets.


CanadianLiving.com's most popular knitting patterns
Looking for new knitting patterns to try? Look no further than this collection of our readers' favourite knitting patterns.



Nona's knitted baby jacket with hood
Knit this adorable baby jacket with hood for the little ones in your life. This pattern was designed by and is shared in tribute to the author's Nona, Marianna Peri.


Knitted flower washcloth
These gorgeous, colourful face cloths are a perfect quick project for gifts, stocking stuffers or a little something for yourself.



Revamp a lamp with this easy knitted lampshade
Lighting in the bedroom needs to be just right -- warm, soft and flattering. The soft alpaca yarn in this shade lets the light shine through and gives the room a glow.



Crochet:
Crocheted eco-friendly carryall
Fun and fast to crochet, this reusable cotton bag scrunches up to fit into a pocket, then stretches wide when it's packed with groceries and produce.


Crocheted cotton tote
This super-simple tote is a perfect crochet project for beginners.




Round and round: Rag to run crochet
Create a one-of-a-kind rug using fabric scraps.




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