With all of the social distancing and self-isolation that people are dealing with, I thought this would be a perfect time to look at all of the awesome projects that can be completed with a single skein (or less!) of yarn that you probably already have in your stash!
I am sharing several of the patterns that I’ve designed that use one skein or less, but also wanted to highlight other ideas and patterns that fall into the same category.
Some ideas for projects:
- Hats – most beanies and hats can be made with one skein (or less!) of yarn. They are also a good quick project that gives a great sense of accomplishment, and hey, we could all use a little more happiness these days.
- Baskets – trying to use the extra time at home to get a little more organized? A few small baskets may be just what you need to accomplish that goal, and small or medium sized baskets can definitely be made with less than one skein. You could use worsted or bulky weight yarn for a quick, easy, and useful project. You could even take it one step further and make “T-shirt yarn” from an old tee formerly destined for the donation bin.
- Coasters – a new set of coasters may just be a must-have for all of the extra glasses getting used at home instead of at work. Coasters are nice and easy, and a perfect project for smallish amounts of leftover yarn. They are also a great project to practice new stitches or stitch patterns. I personally recommend learning the lemon peel stitch or the spider stitch, as they both work up quickly and have a gorgeous texture without being overly thick or uneven.
- Washcloths (or dish cloths) – if you have some cotton yarn hanging around that you aren’t sure what to do with, washcloths or dishcloths are a great way to sue that yarn and help lessen your environmental impact by reducing your reliance on sponges and paper towels. These follow a similar rule as coasters in that they are a great time to practice new stitches – and these can even be some of the bulkier or less-even stitches, like a bobble stitch, or a bean stitch.
Many of the patterns I publish here on the blog can be done with only a single skein of yarn as well.
- Simple Velvet Headband – Perfect for a quick project (and to keep your hair out of you face when you work on other projects)
- Downy Daze Infinity Scarf – A skinny, infinity scarf with a great texture and an easy repeat
- Square Alpine Stitch Plant Hanger – 2 ways – Has the quarantine inspired you to replant or to bring some plants into your new workspace? This pattern is a great way to bring a small dose of the great outdoors in with you
- Tiny Plant Pot – These tiny plant pots can be used alone, with a plastic liner, or as a cozy cover for an existing small pot or jar
- Perfect Scrubby Dishcloth – My favorite dishcloth pattern is simple, quick, and easy. I love to use the scrubby yarn for these, but it also works well with plain cotton yarn
- Earth Friendly Face Kit – 2 bags (one for washing and one for storing) and 2 face pads can be made with a single small skein of cotton yarn
- Can Huggie with Flowers – Want a can huggie that can fit the skinny cans of hard seltzers after work is done for the day? Look no further than the skinny-can can huggie
- Chunky Crochet Cowl – It might be out of season, but it is a great project to work on and have ready for any straggling chilly days or prepared for next fall and winter
- Breezy Tank Tee – Most sizes of this fun tank style t-shirt use one cake or less of Caron Cotton Cakes yarn. It works up quickly and is easily customizable to your perfect fit!
- Scrap Yarn Wall Art Upcycle – Whip up some small crochet flowers and get to work upgrading some plain or outdated wall art! This project is perfect for using up small scraps of your favorite yarn or leftover yarn from projects that you just couldn’t bear to waste
There are tons more awesome stash-busting, single skein projects out there on the internet, but I wanted to share some of my favorite projects and ideas. What is your go-to stash buster project?
