While we are all at home I’ll bet we are trying to use what we have more than ever, and that includes the yarn and projects we pick. I thought I would start doing some roundups using single skeins and small quantities of yarn to help you make the most of your stash. Here are some great free knitting patterns using 150 yards or fewer of bulky yarn.
The Bandana Cowl from Purl Soho used a single skein of bulky yarn (it says 100 to 130 yards, which may be two skeins depending on the yarn you choose). It’s sort of like a triangular shawl except worked in the round, with short rows to make the front longer than the back.
Linda Suda’s Bulky Waffle Hat is sized from child to adult XL and uses 110 to 120 yards of yarn. It’s a simple textured design that’s great in solid or multicolored yarn and works for men, women and kids.
I feel like every knitter needs a pair of the Chunky Slipper Socks from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas. They use around 126 yards of bulky yarn and come in two sizes. I love the heel detail on these and would definitely wear them all the time.
Messy buns are probably the most common hairstyle of the moment, and Isela Phelps has a great simple pattern for a messy bun hat you can use to keep the chill off for your early morning walks. It uses 80 or 90 yards and is worked from the bottom up.
Jill June’s Squishy Soft Cowl is written for three different sizes — 20, 24 and 30 inches around — and a variety of yarn weights, but the original was a bulky using 120 yards. It has a fun spiral stitch pattern and is worked in the round.
If you like using straight needles instead of circulars, try the Bulky Fingerless Gloves on two straights from Tempe Cooke. As described they are worked flat and seamed and use about 75 yards of yarn.
More of a mitten person? The Tiilda Mittens from Inese Sang feature a lovely cable on the back. They’re worked in the round from the bottom up and call for 120 to 130 yards.
Another cute cabled pattern you can make with a little (we’re talking like 50 yards) of bulky yarn is the Cables with a Twist Earwarmers from Tina Tse. This is a good one for practicing your chart reading, too.
If you have a wee dog in need of a warm sweater, the Juno Jumper by Alice Neal suits a small dog (it was designed for a Jack Russell). Yardage needed will vary depending on the size of your dog, but it calls of 120 to 132 yards.
Can you knit for a baby with just a bit of bulky? Taiga Hilliard did, with the Wee Speedy cardigan. This little top down, short sleeved cardigan uses about 70 yards and an hour or so of knitting for a super cute little cover for a wee one.
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