We’ve all been there—halfway through a crochet project, and suddenly the yarn starts tangling. It’s frustrating, right? But what if I told you that you could use something as simple as a bread clip to fix this problem? Yep, you heard that right. Those tiny plastic clips that usually end up in the trash can actually be a lifesaver for keeping your yarn organized.
This simple hack costs nothing, reduces waste, and will make your crochet life way easier.
Why a Bread Clip?
Bread clips are small but mighty. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and surprisingly perfect for keeping yarn from turning into a tangled mess. Instead of spending money on fancy yarn bobbins, you can just repurpose something you already have. It’s like giving your trash a second chance at greatness!
The beauty of bread clips is that they:
- Keep yarn secure so it doesn’t unravel.
- Act as a tiny bobbin to hold small amounts of yarn for colorwork projects.
- Fit easily into any project bag without adding bulk.
- Cost nothing! You probably have a few sitting around right now.
If you love upcycling and crochet hacks, this trick is about to become your new favorite.
How to Turn a Bread Clip Into a Yarn Bobbin
It’s ridiculously easy—here’s how to do it:
- Find a Bread Clip – Any plastic bread clip will work, but the larger ones are best if you have thicker yarn.
- Wrap Your Yarn – Take a small amount of yarn and start winding it around the clip, just like you would with a thread spool. Keep it snug, but not too tight.
- Secure the End – Tuck the loose end under the clip or into one of the grooves. If you’re working with very thin yarn, a small piece of tape can help hold it in place.
And that’s it! You just made your own free, DIY yarn bobbin in less than a minute.
When to Use a Bread Clip Yarn Bobbin
This hack is useful for more than just organization. Here are some situations where a bread clip can come in handy:
- Colorwork & Stripes – When working on projects that require switching between multiple colors, keeping each color wrapped around its own bread clip makes it easy to avoid tangling.
- Scrap Yarn Storage – Have a small amount of yarn left after a project? Instead of letting it turn into a messy pile, wind it onto a bread clip for easy storage.
- On-the-Go Crocheting – If you like to crochet while traveling, these mini bobbins help keep yarn secure in your project bag. No more pulling out a ball of yarn only to find it’s turned into an unmanageable knot!
More Creative Uses for Bread Clips in Crochet
Now that you know how to use them as yarn bobbins, here are a few other clever ways to use bread clips in your crochet routine:
- Mark the End of Your Yarn – Ever started a project, put it down, and later had no idea where your yarn tail was? Just clip a bread tag onto the end to keep it from disappearing.
- Use as Stitch Markers – Lost your stitch markers? Bread clips are a quick replacement. Simply snap one onto your stitch to hold your place.
- Label Yarn Colors – If you’re working with multiple shades of similar colors, write the name or dye lot on the bread clip and attach it to the yarn. Instant organization!
- Prevent Yarn Slipping Off the Skein – Sometimes, when working with a center-pull skein, the outer layer of yarn starts slipping down and tangling. Clip a bread tag onto the skein’s edge to hold everything in place.
Other Household Items That Work as Yarn Bobbins
If you don’t have any bread clips lying around, there are plenty of other everyday objects that work just as well for keeping yarn tidy. Here are a few alternatives:
- Clothespins – Clip the yarn in place and wrap it around the pin.
- Binder Clips – Great for gripping loose yarn ends and keeping skeins neat.
- Toilet Paper Rolls – Cut a slit in the roll and wrap yarn around it for an easy DIY bobbin.
- Bobby Pins – Perfect for holding small amounts of yarn or embroidery thread.
- Business Cards – Wrap scrap yarn around an old card to keep it tangle-free.
A Tiny Fix with a Big Impact
It’s funny how something as small as a bread clip can completely change the way you manage your yarn. This little hack is proof that you don’t need fancy tools to stay organized and make your crochet projects easier.
Next time you finish a loaf of bread, don’t toss the clip—toss it in your crochet bag instead! It just might save you from a tangled mess down the line.