One Skein Wonders | Knitting Patterns for One Ball of Yarn

[@DrowninginYarn]

I developed an app for iOS and iPadOS to help you keep track of your stash. I hope you’ll check it out! apps.apple.com/us/app/yarn-store-stash-tracker/id1622439630

[@mhussey9841]

This video is perfect for those times when someone knows you’re a knitter so they gift you yarn… but only one skein

[@DrowninginYarn]

Oh my gosh! Yes! So true :-) Did you find a pattern you want to cast on?

[@carmenks6974]

Exactly! And for me I get to embarrassed to ask where they got it so I can go buy another because I'm afraid it'll insult their gift

[@ZipheGhem]

Oh gosh, this goes double when you're a crocheter. Part of the reason I'm looking to get a little better at knitting. 😅

[@marhelenejoubert]

People gift you yarn ?

[@carmenks6974]

@Yulz that is soo smart, but I am also a very anxious person so I clam up and would rather not say anything

[@niteflytes]

Just found you on KZbin and subscribed. Excited to see so many men interested in knitting. I’m a nurse and I always like to see men and women crossing those ridiculous, invisible and divisive boundaries that society has imposed.

[@1scatterbrainednerd]

As someone living in a warmer climate, there's only so many shawls/hats/cowls I can justify making. For anyone else in this scenario, here's my current favorite one-skein project: Find a fun doily pattern. You don't have to knit the whole thing, just go as far as you can then bind off. (I can recommend Stor Lysedug, a free vintage pattern, but any circular shaped pattern will work.) Once it's been blocked, mount it in a hoop and hang on the wall. (I've used anything from 6" embroidery hoops to 24" floral hoops) Ta-da! A beautiful piece of wall art. I especially love this for showing off new knitting techniques and beautiful hand-dyed single skeins.

[@1scatterbrainednerd]

@@ooohlaa13 I'm onescatterbrainednerd on instagram if you want to see some that I've done!

[@pkass2895]

Linen yarns are good for cooler nights in warm climates.

[@JHookCrochet]

Perfect video for people like me, who find a new yarn and say "Let's get ONE of each colorway!"

[@artknitcraft]

Jason's Cashmere is my favorite hat to knit for gifts! A classic knit look that's warm and fits both men and women.

[@ThomasE_1180]

Caleb, You're always such a positive voice for our fiber community with great ideas for us male knitters. I always looking forward to anything you post on your channel!

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thank you so much! That's a lovely compliment 💚

[@palomaalhambra2453]

Because as a male knitter you feel like an abused minority? Or do you think all those youtube vids with female knitting instructors are inferior???? Mansplaining bias?

[@ThomasE_1180]

@@palomaalhambra2453 I think your negative comments are not helpful and unnecessary in keeping the fiber community a positive space for everyone.

[@kimberlyrobinson3992]

Well, this video is basically a lifesaver, thank you. I have a particular disorder that maybe some of you here in this thread can relate to: every time I see a yarn sale, I buy skeins like I’m preparing for the Apocalypse. Like, before the world ends and civilization breaks down, I’m making sure that I have ENOUGH YARN. But, I’ve recently been going through my yarn collection - okay, hoard, but let’s not get hung up on labels - and realized that I don’t recall what project I bought 99% of the yarn for. At the time I bought it, I had a particular item in mind but who can remember after so long? I’ve resolved to install a new tracking policy and actually write things down the next time I buy yarn but, in the meantime, I have all these orphaned skeins of yarn and I’m not really sure what to knit with them. So, these ideas are super helpful! Thanks!!

[@lauriephilemonoff6305]

Hitchhiker shawl! Garter stitch with a “step” along one edge and a steady increase on the other side. You just knit until you are out of yarn. Perfect!

[@masuganut2082]

Yes I would love to know how you do this as well! What’s a “step”?

[@lauriephilemonoff6305]

The step is formed by binding off 5 stitches every 4 garter ridges. The pattern is by Martina Behm and is on Ravelry. Super easy and fabulous pattern.

[@brendacraig5107]

I made a Hitchhiker in 2019 and it has been my cold-weather favorite ever since!

[@masuganut2082]

@@lauriephilemonoff6305 thank you so much!

[@loraineleuschke4186]

Wash cloths for kitchen or bath, mug rugs, table toppers for candles, vases, lamps etc, my granddaughter loved doll blankets my friend made for her.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Great suggestions! Thanks!

[@jaesullivan3410]

Honestly you are so descriptive and you can tell you put a lot of thought and perfection in your videos. Truly amazing you inspire me to knit again.

[@SpiritWalkerAdventures]

I have so many odd singles in my stash. I think I am going to do some of those cowls for Christmas gifts.

[@DrowninginYarn]

What a great idea! They will be both beautiful and QUICK!

[@maaggie1]

Many of these are lovely! I'm a loom knitter (arthritis in my hands), and I love that the simple patterns you chose can be fairly easily converted to loom patterns. As you said, we've *all* got those ohmygodilovethisyarn single skeins, so it's great to get more ideas on what to actually do with them!

[@DrowninginYarn]

I didn’t even think about covering for a loom! that’s really cool!

[@ArDeeMee]

I loom-knit too! I am always amazed at how converting patterns for it works out. And with a bit of practice you can develop quite the speed as well.

[@mickirentauskas7010]

I really love "The Romanticist's Bandana" ! A cute little bandana that can be worked in lots of weights/needles for different bandana vibes. I love wearing it as a head band, a little scarf, or for decoration even !

[@mikiejr24]

Sockhead Slouch Hat is my go-to project for a super fun, customizable hat pattern that works perfectly for fingering weight skins that might be a bit loud to be combined with other yarns. Great list! Definitely added a few to my queue on Ravelry.

[@ericka_akcire2193]

I’ve made Jason’s cashmere! I highly recommend it- it was my first cable project and worked up stupid fast

[@haileyclement5039]

Those two fingering weight shawls are perfect! My husband surprised me with a skein of green and a skein of orange a while back and I haven’t figured out what to do with it yet. I’m a beginner knitter and I think I’m going to give those patterns a try

[@blindknitter]

I'm Irish, so my first thought was put a bit of white in and make it our flag themed!

[@Ginny4407]

I have made the Jason's Cashmere Hat many times. It knits up fairly quickly and looks great.

[@OliviaCusack]

I made 4 of them last year and they are so good. such a simple pattern but works up nicely and quite quickly. a great option for gift knits if you like to make things for other people.

[@madelcarmencaleromolina2891]

Orbit shawl has also blown my mind!!! Thanks for these wonderful suggestions! Best, Carmen

[@maryklenewski7190]

You have a very calming voice and are so encouraging. You make patterns sound so workable and eady. I love watching your videos!

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thank you so much!

[@patriciaross1336]

Thankyou for your channel. I love it. I am a retired nurse age 75 and I love to knit. Love your ideas and programs.

[@Draymorden]

Ooh, I made a bunch of Fisherman's Rib toques for christmas last year. Each hat took two days to knit up and i used the Malabrigo Rasta yarn. 1 skein did one toque with a bit left over. I've got the leftovers waiting so i can do a rainbow toque whenever i get all the colours. The pattern was from the churchmouse yarns and teas. (Fisherman's rib beanie). Toques come out super warm and snuggly. So It is more of a cold day, easy walk toque than a "let's shovel the drive" toque. Currently knitting a "lets shovel the drive" toque for my dad since the last one was too warm.

[@RoseMattioli-r3x]

I made a so-called weather blanket for my great granddaughter! Her mom looked up the temperatures from the year she was born to the year 2023 in January! Turned out great

[@19rose63]

I love knitting cowls. Thank you for suggesting this beautiful cowl pattern. 🙂

[@athenagreen5390]

Today I learned that I should just crochet if I only have one skein. Seriously. Coasters are a lot easier than shawls.

[@chytrim901]

I crochet but enjoy the concept of one skein projects. You are so right sometime you don't want to mix yarn. Also I buy a little more for project not to need skeins later. Yarn could be discontinued and color match isn't easy if you do not buy enough the first time. So I have several leftover skeins. Great shout out to other designers.

[@caitlinimrie6813]

I made Jason’s Cashmere Hat and it was a fun knit. Turned out very well

[@annastites-foreman4132]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the fingering weight shawl ideas.

[@katydid5088]

My picknis a fisherman's rib cuff hat with your choice of thermal stitch variant. Fun, knits up easy and makes a great gift for the holidays or for your average hiking,biking, running, or working in the cold, nut. I particularly like that fisherman's rib is forgiving on your forehead compared to other simple rib patterns. Many of them get itchy and dense over time but the stitches loft tends to prevent that.

[@cscawthon]

My sister gave me the most beautiful open cardigan and I am so in love with it, that I want to learn to knit just to make more! I knitted just a bit when I was young, but never learned anything beyond a basic straight stitch. I'm ready to learn!

[@Nancy-hf6cm]

l love one skein knits, so glad you got this question and chose to answer it. Glad to find you here!

[@xtinamorelos]

I received for Christmas a bunch of different skeins of yarn from my son. Thanks for the ideas!

[@tmyrose7396]

Haven't been on here in a while but wanted to update you that I'am now a knitting queen,I have watched videos on here like yours and have learned so much,thank you for being a wonderful teacher,soon I will take the time to lear to crochet

[@pkass2895]

My favorite one skein pattern is a boomerang scarf. So versatile. Ive made and given away dozens in many fabulous yarns.

[@quil10it]

How am I going to decide….so many great choices! Thank you.

[@mrscmw5]

I live in a warm climate. Our hat and scarf season is short so I don’t knit a lot of these. I have enjoyed making stuffed critters (frogs, bunnies, etc.) with my excess yarn.

[@jenellpadilla1799]

Watching you is delight! I'm a fairly new knitter-not very good but enjoy knitting anyway. I actually stumbled across one of your videos on 5 things that experienced knitters do and now I'm hooked. I plan to watch a lot more of your videos. Thanks!

[@brittanygancarz2475]

Love the video! If anyone has a very special baby in their lives, there are lots of one skein patterns for babies! It can be tough with the fancy yarns, because they are usually hand wash only, and when I gift baby knits I gave a policy of machine wash only so as not to make parents crazy, but I love using special skeins for my own baby!

[@DrowninginYarn]

that’s such a great point with regard to giving gifts! the last thing you want to do is give someone something that will cause headaches! making sure you use easy to care for yarns is so thoughtful!

[@ruthohol8889]

What a nice little video. I guess I will swatch from now on.. i know enough to block and I’d love yo win those needles. My next pattern is a self striping sweater but I am determined to learn to do color work. As a quilter, I love working with color.

[@joyceupper6477]

Messy Bun Hat, as a runner with very long thick hair, we don't always need a full hat. I use any weight yarn and pattern, when nearing end of yarn or 11 to 12 inch circumference, bind off. Also, just above ribbing, I make a 2 inch button hole for wearing a low pony tail. My running friends and I love them.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Good suggestion ☺️

[@leanna4170]

I've made Jason's Cashmere Hat several times. Love it!

[@PaulaSimoes67]

I am binge watching all episodes...love you...

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re enjoying my channel 💚

[@cynthiasykes5194]

Purl soho traveling cable is beautiful, have made fingerless mitts many times!

[@jackpickett2288]

Caleb, Thank you for this very informative vlog. I am a new viewer and I must say, you are an outstanding presenter. You speak so well and you really know your stuff. Thank you for taking on this commitment. I look forward to watching your other videos and journeying with you as a knitter.

[@pkass2895]

I’ve used some of these patterns but currently knitting a stack of “boomerang” shawls from single skeins of fingering weight yarn. Nice edges the pattern is simple garter stitch. Great for TV watching or while talking with friends. They are versatile, easily wrapped as a cowl around the neck or worn hanging open on the front of a jacket or sweater. I’m putting a dent in my sock yarn stash!

[@lindafarebrother957]

Thank you for all the suggestions, I really like the 2 Shawls, and the cable hat. 😊

[@cenelson6484]

I'm a crocheter... But these make me wanna try my needles again 😉

[@elizabethtrimble6853]

I'm so excited to have discovered your channel! I loved all of the patterns you showed, and knowing ahead of time that they all use one skein makes it so easy! I've go so many single skeins if gorgeous yarns - imbexcited to get started on one of them! Thank you!

[@lutetia128]

Helen Stewart has some great single skein shawls, too. Spindrift, pebble beach. And chunky hats can be made with a single skein of fingering weight if you chain ply it! That's my go-to when I have a crazy hand-dyed skein and no idea what to do with it.

[@corrinaunal3323]

I enjoyed your video, and really want to knit the Venezia shawl. Was also excited to see the Orbit cowl, and excited to see it’s a free pattern… thanks for including it!

[@Schatzie301]

What a great video. Am definitely going to try some of these patterns.

[@nz-nz]

Great selection of patterns and advice. Thanks!!

[@APmain-dg6bh]

whenever i want to knock out a one skein project without increases/decreases to keep track of, i default to cotton kitchen towels. one skein of cotton can also make 2 textured dishcloths!

[@Countrycabin]

Loved the selection here!!

[@lindapearson3340]

I love the Violet Waffles Hat. It looks very interesting to me. Thanks for showing us these wonderful patterns.

[@shines16]

Thank you! Great options

[@sekwa75]

My favorite single skein project is the C2C Moss Stitch blanket by Polly Plum. It can be made with any weight of yarn and can be made to any size. It is my go-to pattern for everything from washcloths to multi-skein blankets.

[@helenlayley]

I was given a massive single skein of electric blue mohair, possibly only 50g in weight but maybe 100g - and no ball band. I am making the Mohair Minimalist top by Kuduja. Free on Ravelry. I am tweaking it for plus size and prepared for running out of yarn part-way down the torso and either keeping it cropped or colour blocking with a darker mohair yarn. However l think it might just be long enough and certainly would work with one skein for the original S/M size.

[@Stettafire]

Thank you for your recommendations. I happened to be mulling over the same topic earlier today

[@DrowninginYarn]

Did you find any good patterns to make that aren’t mentioned?

[@Stettafire]

@@DrowninginYarn I do have a cat pattern I bought from www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk/rainbow-cat-toy-knitting-pattern can't find it on ravelry though. So may not be available I the US, I'm not sure (UK here) This uses a self striping yarn but I figured I could substitute it for scraps

[@theknottykitty]

Jason’s Cashmere Hat was my very first cable project. Excellent pattern for someone who wants to try cables for the first time! Lots of great suggestions. Thanks! ✌🏼💚🧶

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thanks for watching! And thanks for letting us know your experience 💚

[@Stettafire]

Thanks for the recommendation. I've been meaning to learn cabelling so I'll keep that in mind:)

[@jetaboveclouds]

The Reina shawl is a great one for one skein......I am going to do the Melodia Shawl...thanks so much.

[@melaniem2744]

For fingering weight, just about any pair of socks up to women's medium would fit the bill. Women's large may or may not need a little extra. I suggest doing those toe-up, and sticking to patterns that have a repeated set of rounds on the leg. Then you can start the cuff when the yarn starts to run out, and bind off when you're getting down to the wire.

[@HogwartsBasement]

I lived in Musselburgh 😀 you definitely pronounced that on point 😀 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mikeyd350]

Love your videos. Great job, big guy! 💗🧶

[@annabelle7123]

Laulu shawl!! It is a lovely small kerchief with intricate pattern that reminds you of melody. A bit complicated but beautiful!

[@mamiearmaly1133]

Great ideas here for single skeins. Love that you had a pattern for the different yarn weights.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thanks! I missed Bulky, but I wanted to be sure to give some ideas for as much as possible! Glad you enjoyed it 💚

[@anaverageamerican7224]

I love these ideas! Thank you.

[@DrowninginYarn]

You are so welcome!

[@kimkaz7672]

Great ideas! I've made three Jason Cashmere hats... I can't wait to try your other suggestions. Thanks for putting this video out!

[@DrowninginYarn]

You’re so welcome!

[@cass1769]

I've made the Jason cashmere hat too. It's a lovely pattern and a super cute hat.

[@MarshaNovak]

Thank you. Be Simple Shawl and Hitchhiker Shawl for fingering

[@DrowninginYarn]

Oh, I’ll have to have a look! Thank you 😊

[@littlemascara5204]

Great little video. Some nice christmas present projects.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thank you! Which project do you want to make first?

[@littlemascara5204]

@@DrowninginYarn shawls are always a crowd pleaser 😁

[@mariegamber]

Thanks for all the great ideas ❤

[@mistyblue5312]

A fun list of one skein wonders. The Jason Cashmere hat spoke to me - hope to make it this fall. The Close to You shawl, Kindness Shawl and Workday scarf all take one skein.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thanks for the suggestions!! I can't wait to see your Jason's Cashmere Hat!

[@janicegrima6593]

Thanks for the ideas .

[@ivyateve]

I'm a fan of the boomerang shawl by Natasha Sills. 100 gramme of any weight yarn makes a beautiful and interesting shawl. She's on Ravelry.

[@jessiepayeur473]

Thanks Caleb! Great video. Another great one skein project for fingering yarn is the Stormy Sky shawl which is a free pattern. It's the same size as a regular shawl as opposed to the smaller shawlettes which are normally advertised as one skein projects.

[@biancablua240]

Just found you! I'm so grateful for your insight.

[@anneellison8188]

Very helpful video Caleb! I'm really excited about the Melodia Shawl and the Violet Waffles hat. Thanks!

[@DrowninginYarn]

You're so welcome! I"m glad you found some patterns you like!

[@shieladegrote8238]

What a great episode. Thank you for the ideas. Jason’s Cashmere hat is one of my favorites. It knits up especially beautiful in malabrigo Rios

[@airwavesintheair]

I'd love to see a video like this devoted to free patterns too!

[@AnneBeamish]

This is a perfect video! I have single skeins left over from sweater projects and now I have options! Thank you.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thank you! I’m so glad it was helpful 💚

[@terriepurkey708]

new knitter and new subscriber - this is a fabulous idea! I'm looking forward to trying some of these ideas.

[@carolg5770]

I've knit the Venezia Shawl....it was a joy from start to finish and the end product rocks! I really want to make a few more...... Thanks for a bunch of new to me patterns, Caleb!

[@erisisthename]

As a new knitter, this is a wonderfully helpful video. Thank You!

[@susangreener833]

I have made the Jason's cable hat several times for various male relatives. It's a great pattern, very easy cables and knits up fairly quickly.

[@helensmith1066]

Paris in Berlin by Joni Locatelli is a beautiful cowl knit in fingering weight; I used a Madelinetosh sock yarn from m stash. Highly recommend the pattern, written and charted instructions -a great travel project

[@iceangels76]

The Stargazer Shawl from Gem Arrowsmith is a gorgeous one skein pattern for fingering weight!

[@martaalvarez6400]

I just loved, loved, loved this episode. My daughter just sent me a gazillion single skeins and I was wondering what to knit with them. You have just saved me time looking through another gazillion patterns. Thanks so much. Oh just one thing: I wish you would just slow down just a little bit. I’m out of breath by the time I’m done watching your podcast.

[@Azure565]

Loved this video!!! So practical,,,,,thank you!!

[@LeistonElaine]

These were great! I’m new to knitting (crocheter for 24 years) and just starting to build my knitting pattern library. There are some beautiful choices here! I especially loved the Spruce Grouse Hat and the Orbit shawl!

[@pollydolly9723]

Thanks Caleb! I have a project for all of the (small number of) skeins I have. I was gifted 2 minis and one skein of Lavender Lune Marino/Nylon (fingering). I don't necessarily want to make socks with the Marino, so I will have a look for a 'one ball of yarn' pattern that will work. The minis, alas, are stuck being cuffs, heels and toes.

[@divalounger]

Thank you! Heading to my stash now--

[@DrowninginYarn]

So fun to go shopping in your stash!!!

[@marycartwright6433]

Thanks for great ideas

[@iamanji]

I’ve made so many Violet Waffle hats! It’s great for using up left over fingering yarn if you hold it double. If you use different colors you get a great Marled look.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Such a great thing to mention! I absolutely love holding fingering weight yarn double! Thanks for the tip!

[@ccbb8115]

i pretty much only buy hand-dyed fingering weight yarns, mainly for environmental reasons. it's expensive, so i'm more limited than i would be if i was just shopping at michael's, but i think it's worth it. those yarns usually come in 400-500 yard hanks, and i can usually get not just a hat but a pair of matching mitts out of that! i don't have very big hands tho tbf

[@Kerreber]

excellent suggestions

[@victorialove9104]

I don't knit. I crochet. Still I found this video Interesting and charming. The patterns are all so beautiful that I might have to learn to knit.

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thank you so much!

[@michellenokken2597]

Really enjoyed this. I might attempt the Barley Light hat on Ravelry.

[@debsokol3457]

my go-to shawl is Martina Behm’s Hitchhiker shawl. it works well with multi-colored yarns, like Crazy Zauberball. I was hoping you’d have more suggestions for variegated or striped yarns. Cable pattterns need a solid (or nearly solid) color to show the cables.

[@dorajohnson2809]

Nurmilintu is another great one-skein shawl. I have made several of them.

[@racheleaton9022]

I highly recommend Jason Cashmere’s hat. I’m a beginner knitter and this was my second cable project that went very smoothly

[@DrowninginYarn]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Glad to hear it went well for you!