One Skein Projects
We all have lovely single skeins of yarn in our stash. Whether you’re a vacation skein girlie, or you’re the kind of crafter who can’t resist the urge to support local yarn stores and indie dyers on a limited budget (whoops it’s me), or you have a second hobby of collecting pretty skeins to squish, the Rule of Stash is that it always accumulates unless actively worked through. There’s a special kind of magic to having a stash, and I’m not here to talk you out of it. But if you have a skein you’re “dyeing” to use and can’t figure out how, I’m here to help! I hope that you find something in this article that helps you use a precious yarn baby you’ve had dancing around in your head. While most of the patterns here call for one skein or less, one in the knit section and two in the crochet section require some colorwork. I tried to choose colorwork designs that could call on minis or scrap yarn whenever possible, as I have a feeling that anyone in need of a one skein project has the potential for needing a project to eat up some minis as well….but maybe I’m projecting?
These patterns are all 330 yards or less. I did base the yardages and grams for the “one skein” amounts on the yarns that I have in my shop (or will have; new USA raised and milled non-superwash worsted base coming soon!!) But this was ultimately down to what labels I had access to- these projects should be usable for most single skeins, wherever their origin. Just make sure to confirm the yardage and grams before you start!
Without further ado, here are my one skein knitting pattern recommendations. Scroll to the next section for crochet patterns if that’s more your jam:
This Double-Thick Pot Holder from Purl Soho is a free pattern from Purl Soho that takes only 159 yards of worsted-weight cotton to complete. A perfect gift knit for the right recipient, and a pretty standard yardage for worsted organic cotton yarns.
The Knitting Badge Neckerchief by Niklas Heed is an 80-100 yard neckerchief that can be made with, “…any yarn you want”. Would be lovely in a wool and plant fiber blend or a linen. I’m also a pretty big fan of 100% non-superwash wool in the summer. This is a free pattern, and you could potentially get two for the price of one (skein) with the low yardage requirement.
The Halibut Cowl by Caitlin Hunter is another fun DK option. At 220-240 yards, it’s a fun pattern with one skein’s amount of yardage. It is colorwork though, so it actually calls for two single skeins. I included it here, though, because I think that you could work it up with one full skein and two minis, or work through two full skeins in your stash by making the hat as well and swapping the main and contrast colors.
Monochrome Brioche by Katrin Schubert is a 220 yard DK weight hat with a lovely design. This would be a gorgeous way to showcase a single skein.
This Trellis Lace Bookmark is only 25 yards. A great way to use up a mini, or to make several gift knits from one skein. Great for a whole book club, or to use up scraps at the end of another one skein project. I love making bookmarks for myself, they’re such a simple joy to see in your book when you open it.
And this Toadstool Bookmark is a 15 yard, sport-weight bookmark following the same idea. A great way to use up scraps or minis in one or many colors. It doesn’t fit inside a book, so changing the yarn to fingering or DK would most likely work out just fine if you have mini skeins to work through!
This Tiny Shells Shawl by Sari Nordlund calls for only 328 yards of fingering weight yarn. Perfect for all of those 437 yard fingering skeins that accumulate from yarn clubs and the like. I’m currently trying to decide which color from my new Golden Fleece base I’d like to make this in. I might have to make more than one!
Finally, the Distance Scarf DK by Olga Putano Designs. This little scarf is only 203 yards in total. There is also a fingering weight version that only takes 218-265 yards. A lovely accessory for yourself, or to give as a gift.
Now, for my crochet recommendations:
I love a good potholder, can’t you tell? These Geo Potholders by Toni Lipsey is a free Aran weight pattern that calls for 135 yards of cotton yarn. The cross-stitch accents are an adorable way to use up some scraps or minis.
I am absolutely obsessed with this next one…. Hubble the Squid by Projectarian is a DK weight pattern that calls for 170 yards of yarn. You can make him with just one color or incorporate minis and/or scraps. This pattern is also free.
The Grand Arches Bandana by Leonela Cevallos is a beautiful fingering weight pattern that would make a quick summer project. At only 180 yards it takes less than a full skein of most fingering weight yarns. This would be a great project for showing off a single skein of handpainted yarn.
The Yellow Mesh Basket by Asimina Saranti lets you use a ball to hold a ball. This is such an adorable little pouch, great for desk organization, project bag organization, and more. DK weight and only 210 yards, this would be a fun way to keep a yarn you’re in love with close to you at all times.
This is a true colorwork option that would likely use up a full skein and one or two minis. The Cottage Book Sleeve by Bonnie Ogren calls for 250-300 yards of DK weight yarn. This would feel so special to carry around in your bag or would be such a darling way to gift a book (if you’re family or friend and reading this….no you didn’t and I’m definitely not already planning your colors).
The texture on the Rustic Pines Beanie by Kelsie Weeks is pure magic. This is a lovely worsted weight beanie that calls for only 175 yards. The little pine trees look so perfect, I think this is a perfect camping or hiking beanie.
For a super cute, low yardage accessory I highly recommend The Raven Collar by Hailey Bailey. I haven’t made it, I just really, really want to once I’m done crocheting all these wedding flowers. This DK weight pattern calls for only 50-60 yards. While I do have my own lovely DK weight yarns in the shop, and I of course would love you all to buy them, if you’re making this one you should definitely check out Made By Hailey Bailey! That’s right, the designer also dyes yarn and it’s gorgeous. This is not an ad, by the way. But she is a local dyer here in Portland and I think she deserves all the shoutouts in the world because her yarn is gorgeous.
So nice, I’m recommending her twice: While you’re at it, why not also make the Blue Jay Mitts by Hailey Bailey? They’re also DK, 220 yards, and the colorwork should only require minimal amounts, so you can go complimentary with your Raven Collar or dig into your minis and scraps.
I hope you all enjoy these recommendations! I’d love to see your WIPs and finished objects if you do end up making anything off of or inspired by this list. Make sure to tag me on Instagram or send me an email if you feel like sharing!