Weddingbee Blog

I ordered this glorious shiny, silky, silver yarn with just a bit of stretch to it…and promptly tossed it in the “wedding stuff” bin and ignored it until I jump-started my wedding crafting again.

Image from Etsy seller bjweib

I had purchased it mainly for making yarn-wrapped jars for our centerpieces, a concept I blogged about earlier. It turned out that my silver yarn is awesome for that purpose because the stretch to the material really keeps it on the jars tightly. I also picked up some funky yellow ombre yarn, which I like just because it’s fun.

Image from Etsy seller CreativeGoods

Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to make those pretty jars! I went into the process a little bit on my prior post, but this time around I have step-by-step photos.

Personal photos from here on out!

First, you need a jar. I’ve instructed Mr. Dragon to save any and all jars we encounter—I have eight that have yet to be spiffied up with yarn, including one that still smells way too much like pickles. This one either held olives or jam—I can’t remember which.

Tie your yarn in a double knot around the mouth of the jar, leaving a long tail.

I find it easier to wrap the jar if you pull some yarn out from the big ball. I’m sure other people would do this in a more organized, photogenic fashion, but it’s me we’re talking about, here, and I am no Martha.

I suggest wrapping the yarn around the top part of the jar several times. I didn’t do this on my first go-round, and Mr. Dragon suggested I try it; in my opinion, the result looks much nicer if you cover up the top a bit.

Wind the yarn around the jar. I find it easiest to wrap it in wide loops in one direction first, then start criss-crossing. The stretchier yarn is easiest to manipulate, but with finer, softer yarns it’s a bit trickier.

Once you’re satisfied with your jar, bring the last bit of yarn to where the tail from your first knot is hanging.

Tie the two ends together as tightly as you humanly can. Then tie it a few more times just to be sure it won’t come undone and wreck all your hard work.

You should be left with something that looks like this. One more step! Cut off the excess yarn on either side of the knot, as close as you can get it without the knot coming loose — totally depends on the yarn.

Ta-da!

I think I’m going to do three jars per table, one in each colour, as long as my yarn supply holds out. I’m going to have to get more gold yarn, and it won’t be the exact same as the two gold jars I already made, but I don’t think that really matters.

So there you have it—super-easy centerpieces! I think these jars would be gorgeous with any type of yarn in any colour. They look really nice with candles inside, they could be filled with water and floating candles, or you could use them as regular vases.

Do you think non-floral centerpieces are nice, too, or are you a diehard flower fan?