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Is Mill End Yarn A Smash or Pass? The Pros and Cons

Have you ever spotted a big bundle of yarn labeled “mill ends” and wondered if it was a hidden gem or just a tangled mess of regret? You're not alone! Mill end yarn can be a budget-friendly way to expand your stash, but it does come with a few caveats. Let’s break down what mill ends are—and the pros and cons of adding them to your yarn stash.

🧶 What Is Mill End Yarn?

Mill end yarn is leftover or excess yarn from the manufacturing process. It could be the tail end of a production run, slightly off-color batches, or even yarn that didn’t meet a brand’s quality standards for some reason. Often sold in bulk or mystery bundles, mill end yarn doesn’t usually come with labels—so it’s a bit of a surprise every time.

✅ The Pros of Mill End Yarn

1. It’s Affordable
Mill end yarn is usually much cheaper than name-brand skeins. If you’re working on a big project like a blanket or you’re donating to charity, mill ends can stretch your budget a long way.

2. It Can Spark Creativity
Not knowing exactly what you’re getting can be fun. Mill ends are perfect for stash-building, scrappy projects, or mixing and matching colors you might not have picked yourself.

3. It’s Eco-Friendly
Buying mill ends helps reduce waste by giving leftover yarn a second life. It's a win-win for your wallet and the planet.

4. Great for Practice
New stitch? Testing gauge? Mill end yarn is ideal for practice swatches and skill-building, without the pressure of using high-end materials.

⚠️ The Cons of Mill End Yarn

1. No Labels, No Rules
Most mill ends don’t come with fiber content, weight, or care instructions. That makes it hard to plan projects or know if something is machine washable—or even safe for sensitive skin.

2. Quality Can Vary
Expect a few knots, breaks, or inconsistencies. You might find unexpected texture changes or off-dye lots within the same bundle.

3. Hard to Match
If you fall in love with a particular yarn, there’s a good chance you’ll never find it again. Mill ends are often one-offs or discontinued stock.

4. Easy to Hoard
Let’s be honest—cheap yarn is tempting. But if it doesn’t get used, it just takes up space and adds stress to your stash.

💡 Tips for Buying Mill Ends

  • If possible, shop in person so you can feel the yarn.

  • Group mill ends by texture or color to create project kits.

  • Write down as many details as possibe, before you forget.

  • Check out Herrschners! Here's a list to get you started:

                      Lace weight cotton mill ends pack: https://shrsl.com/4vt6l                        Sport weight cotton cake mill end pack: https://shrsl.com/4vt6m                        Alpaca ombre mill end pack: https://shrsl.com/4vt6n                        Sock weight mill end pack: https://shrsl.com/4vt6o                        Bulky weight acrylic mill end pack: https://shrsl.com/4vt6q                        28oz santa sack mill end pack: https://shrsl.com/4vt6r

🧵 Final Thoughts

Mill end yarn isn’t for everyone—but if you love a good bargain, enjoy experimenting, or just want some guilt-free practice yarn, it might be perfect for you. Just go in knowing the risks, and you might uncover something amazing!

Have you used mill ends before? I’d love to hear your experience! Is it a SMASH or a PASS?

Watch the video Here!

Video will be live 4/21/25

*some links in this blog post may be affiliate links

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