r/Unravelers • u/Potential-Elk8300 • 18h ago

Looking for tips.

I have always eyed the stuff at thrift stores that look homemade in crochet and knitting but until today I didnt even realize that u could take those things apart for yarn.

So I'm looking for tips for someone that has never unraveled a piece before.

I have no equipment for doing it either.

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u/No_Builder7010 17h ago edited 15h ago

You could search this sub for LOTS of tutorials, but the best way is to find some YT vids to show you. The short version is you'll need to deconstruct a sweater first. Most commercial sweaters unravel from the top down, but not always. And while you don't need special equipment, a swift and ball winder will make your life a LOT easier. After years of unraveling, I recently bought an electric ball winder that I love for frogging sweaters. I also have a cheap neck light that helps my old eyes see what I'm doing.

Oh, I was wrong. You will absolutely need two items - scissors and a seam ripper. Everything else is optional.

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u/Potential-Elk8300 16h ago

I should have a seam ripper somewhere though I think I can get one at a dollar store.

I'm definitely lurking in here now that I found it.

I will get a sweater next time I'm out to see if I can figure it out. Or see if there is a sweater I have that I could use.

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u/No_Builder7010 15h ago

Yes, you can get a seam ripper at the dollar store for sure. When you look for your first sweater, find one that has thick smooth yarn. You're trying to learn so you don't want to waste a nice cashmere sweater on that. I suggest cotton, but any smooth, thick yarn will do. And get it on super-quadruple-bypass sale. If you can find any for $1, buy a few. Also make sure they have sewn seams, NOT serged! Then watch those YT vids to help you find the seams.

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u/Potential-Elk8300 15h ago

I was thinking thrift stores. 

I have never seen a sweater for that low. However I can check prices between sweater vs yarns.

I never would have known the different seams, thx u

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u/No_Builder7010 13h ago

My thrifts will have sale/discount days. Even Goodwill has a rack of $2.25 clearance clothing.

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u/BlinkypoetEmu 8h ago

Small scissors, small & medium crochet hook. Ball winder is handy, but optional.