Recycled sari silk ribbon is made from strips of offcut silk fabric from sari production, sewn end to end into long ribbons. It isn't a yarn in the usual sense — it's flat, varies in width and colour along its length, frays at the edges, and has a beautiful sheen. That character is the point, but it also means it behaves differently from wool. These tips make it much easier to work with.
What to expect
- Uneven width: sections can be narrow or wide, which shows in your fabric — embrace the texture.
- Frayed edges: loose threads are normal and add to the look.
- Little stretch: silk doesn't spring back like wool, so fabrics drape rather than hug.
- Colour changes: every skein is different; buy enough for a whole project at once.
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Tools
| Tool | Suggestion | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Knitting needles | Large, often around 8–10 mm (US 11–15) | Opens up the fabric and shows the ribbon |
| Crochet hook | Around 6–9 mm | Easier to catch a flat ribbon |
| Needle material | Wood or bamboo | Grips the slippery silk better than metal |
| Tapestry needle | Large eye | For weaving in ends |
Always follow the pattern and yarn label first; these are starting points.
Step by step
Wind it into a ball
Hand-wind the skein loosely so you can spot any thick knots or joins before they reach your work.
Swatch with big needles
Knit or crochet a small square. If it feels stiff, go up a size; open fabric shows the ribbon better.
Let it twist — or not
Ribbon twists as you work. Let it hang and spin out every so often if you want flat stitches.
Choose simple stitches
Garter stitch, stockinette, single and double crochet and simple lace show off the colour best. Complex cables get lost in the texture.
Join new ribbon by overlapping
Overlap a few centimetres of old and new ribbon and work them together for a stitch or two, or knot securely and leave tails to weave in.
Weave in ends generously
Silk is slippery. Weave tails in several directions, longer than you would with wool.
Project ideas
- Simple scarves and cowls in garter stitch
- Market bags and boho baskets
- Wall hangings and weaving
- Edgings and trims on wool projects
Troubleshooting
My stitches look uneven
- Symptom
- Some stitches are fat, others thin and tight.
- Likely cause
- The ribbon's width varies along its length, and twisting makes it worse.
- Try
- Let the ribbon untwist every few rows.
- Go up a needle size so variations look intentional.
- Block the finished piece lightly to even it out.
The fabric feels stiff
- Symptom
- The piece doesn't drape.
- Likely cause
- Needles or hook too small for a flat, wide ribbon.
- Try
- Swatch again two sizes up.
- Switch to an openwork or lace stitch.
Washing and care
Recycled sari silk can bleed dye, especially in early washes. Hand wash finished pieces gently in cool water with mild detergent, separately from light items, and dry flat. Test a swatch first if colourfastness matters.
About Darn Good Yarn
Darn Good Yarn was founded in 2008 by Nicole Snow, an Air Force veteran, and is based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It sells recycled sari silk ribbon, silk and fibre yarns, kits and craft supplies made with more than 600 artisans in Nepal and India, and says it offers more than 4,000 patterns for its yarns.
Conclusion
Treat sari silk ribbon as a textured fabric, not a smooth yarn: big wooden needles or a large hook, simple stitches, generous joins and careful finishing. Expect variations in width and colour and let them make each piece unique, and wash gently in cool water. Done that way, it turns simple patterns into striking, one-of-a-kind projects.
If you're ready to buy, Darn Good Yarn is worth checking — they currently have 15% off and free shipping with code CROCHET_HOUSEMP live right now.
If you're ready to buy, Darn Good Yarn is worth checking — they currently have 15% off and free shipping with code CROCHET_HOUSEMP live right now.
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