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Giveaway: Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers

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scarves and shawls for yarn lovers giveaway

Congratulations to asteride!

There are a lot of great yarns out there that might be called “novelty,” yarns with a lot of texture or that use fiber in unexpected ways. Ribbons, eyelash yarns, slubby, super bulky and multi-textured yarns are sometimes thought of as being too trendy or not serious enough by some knitters, but using these yarns is really a lot of fun.

They’re particularly great for newer knitters — once you get over the fact that it’s sometimes hard to see stitches made with these kind of yarns — because they hide mistakes and are wonderful to use with simple stitch patterns in easy projects like scarves and shawls.

Carri Hammett’s Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers pairs interesting yarns with simple stitches and shapes to make fun projects suitable for all skill levels. None of the projects here are too difficult, and the funky yarns make them look a little fancier and more complex than they would otherwise, which is great.

This is a somewhat old book (it was revised in 2010) so you may not be able to find the exact yarns used in the projects, but there are good pictures of the yarn used so you can choose yarns with similar textures or fibers to get the same kind of look.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, February 15. Why don’t you tell me about your experience with novelty yarns or what sort of yarn like this is your favorite? I really love yarns with lots of texture that offer surprises while you knit.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing. Good luck!

 

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Looking for more amazing shawl patterns? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Comments

  4. I have been playing with both novelty yarns and regular that were donated to our prayer shawl ministry- I’ve enjoyed combining them with more fuzzy, such as Divine, to blend the textures and colors to create new “blends of color”- fun!

  7. I have enjoyed using the ribbon yarns for shawls and scarves: they don’t look like they are soft on the skin, but they are and quite light.

  8. I love doing scarves and infinity scarves with novelty yarns for different looks. People always wonder how I come up with some of my pairings. Would love to win u our book.

  9. I love novelty yarns and have used a wide variety- ranging from ultralight to a heavy weight with pompous every few inches. Using specialty yarns always make a scarf or shawl look very high end.

  10. Just taken up hand knitting and am experimenting with different types of yarn. Would love to have a copy of this book!

  11. I have some novelty yarn in my stash, but not sure what to make with it. This book looks fun and might solve my problem!

  16. I haven’t knit with many of the novelty yarns but have my eye on some of the silk sari recycled yarn and would love to have the book of patterns to inspire me.

    Darla

  17. I’m a fan of novelty yarns. I know others don’t like them but I think they are a nice way to easily dress up your project.

  18. I have been wanting to try Tshirt yarn and also silk sari yarn. This book would be a great way to try a new project.

  20. I use lots of novelty yarns to make my projects just a tad different,I love the ladder and eyelash yarns.The book looks like a wonderful addition to someones library!! Good -Luck everyone.

  21. I taught myself to knit. The first things I made were scarves and purses using homespun and fun fur (this was a while ago). This was probably the most difficult way to learn to knit.

  22. I made the ruffle scarf with the ruffle yarn that gets so popular around Christmas. It was fun, but I haven’t worn it or gifted it. 🙂

  23. i enjoy knitting scarves and this book seems to be loaded with new patterns. now off to learn some new scarves to make. Enjoy““““`

  24. I too love yarn with texture but I don’t always like the finished product. Would like to see this book. Thank you for the giveaway.

  27. As a beginner knitter, I bought a whole bunch of novelty yarns hoping I’d know what to do with them someday. I’m all ready to go, just need to win this book!

  28. I would love to have this book…it looks so interesting to knit with different types of “yarn”…is that regular ribbon? :>)

  30. I love using eyelash yarn along with a base yarn to add a bit of pizzazz. Looks like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win.

  34. I like sparkle yarn…thread or sequins. I also like yarn with different colored textures…its like a surprise as you knit.

  35. I just finished a scarf using a yarn from Japan – it is called Noro and this particular one is 60% wool and 40% silk. The colors change and the texture does as well. It makes for an interesting look (I have it on now!)

  38. Mixing different types of yarn within the same color family has yielded some beautiful “artsy” results. It could be a great way to use up various scraps of expensive yarns in scarves or shawls.

  40. Scarves made of novelty yarns make great gifts! I don’t need an elaborate pattern ’cause the yarn is the main interest.

  43. I love playing with different yarns. I go to thrifts, watch for in store sales and use coupons. The book look s exciting! I am a beginning weaver and a love to knit using different materials. Love to have this book! Thank you!

  44. Looks like a great book. My husband is the knitter in our family. He would love to try something new.

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10 Knitted Christmas Bauble Patterns for a Tree Full of Handmade Charm

There’s always room for one more Christmas decoration, especially when it uses yarn you already own. That’s my reasoning, anyway. Those little leftover balls that aren’t quite enough for a hat suddenly look much more promising when you start thinking about knitted baubles.

I love the idea of adding a few handmade ornaments to the tree each year. They don’t all have to match, either. A traditional colourwork ball beside a slightly cheeky Christmas pudding feels far more interesting than a tree where everything arrived in the same box.

These knitted Christmas bauble patterns include flat-knit designs, festive characters and detailed colourwork ornaments. Most are free, with a paid collection included for anyone who wants plenty of designs to work through. Some suit newer knitters; others are small projects for practising skills you already know.

Christmas Baubles Knitted Flat

The free Christmas Baubles—Knit Flat pattern from Tat’sgrans Treasures is worth a look if knitting tiny rounds doesn’t appeal. It includes three sizes and charted words such as Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, worked using intarsia. The flat construction is approachable, although the lettering adds a challenge beyond basic stocking stitch. I’d choose this for meaningful gift ornaments, particularly when one of those words suits the person receiving it.

Christmas Pudding Bauble

The free Christmas Pudding Bauble by Amanda Berry has all the appeal of a festive pudding without anyone debating whether they actually like eating it. Knitted flat in DK yarn, it combines shaping, colourwork and seaming, with a little holly topper to finish. It’s best for confident beginners with some experience rather than someone learning their first knit stitch. At approximately 6 cm tall, it would make a lovely tree decoration or an extra treat tied onto a wrapped present.

Rudolf & Friends Character Baubles

The free Rudolf & Friends Ornaments by Claire Fairall bring a playful touch to a handmade Christmas tree. These character baubles are knitted flat, and the instructions include illustrations for assembly and embroidery. Hobbii lists the pattern as suitable for beginners, making it a useful option for knitters who would rather practise finishing details than stranded colourwork. The finished ornaments measure approximately 8 × 6 cm and would also look cheerful tucked into a handmade wreath.

Cute Christmas Baubles With Little Faces

The free Cute Christmas Baubles from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days turn small amounts of DK yarn into cheerful character decorations. Worked flat and seamed, they use simple shaping, stuffing and added facial details to create their personality. They suit knitters comfortable with knit, purl, increases and decreases who enjoy a little assembly afterwards. I rather like Marianna’s idea of using them on the Christmas dinner table before adding hanging loops for the tree.

Rudolph’s Nose Christmas Bauble

The free Rudolph’s Nose Bauble from DROPS Design is a useful choice when you want a traditional ball-shaped ornament. Designed in DROPS Flora, it uses knitting in the round with increases and decreases to create the shape. Choose this if you’re comfortable handling a small circumference and want a project focused on construction. I’d make a few in coordinating colours to bring a little consistency to an otherwise wonderfully mismatched handmade tree.

Merry Mints Bauble

The free Merry Mints Bauble from DROPS Design offers another festive option, this time designed in DROPS Cotton Merino. The instructions include working back-and-forth rows and shaping, so it’s worth considering if you prefer that approach to tiny rounds. Read through the construction before starting and pay attention to the instructions for working yarn overs to avoid unwanted holes. This would be a nice project for a knitter who enjoys seeing a shaped decoration emerge from a small piece of knitting.

Caorann Fair Isle Christmas Bauble

The free Caorann Christmas Bauble by Sarah Berry brings delicate Fair Isle detail to a small ornament. It uses fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles, with instructions sized for an approximately 60 mm bauble insert. Worked in the round, the design includes both written and charted directions for its repeated segments. I’d save this one for knitters with some colourwork experience who want to make a particularly special keepsake.

A Dated 2026 Christmas Bauble

The free 2026 Christmas Bauble by Smaatterier combines the year with two traditional Selbu rose motifs. It’s knitted in the round using stranded colourwork across the middle, with either fibre filling or a suitably sized plastic bauble inside. The charted design is listed as intermediate and finishes at approximately 6.5 cm tall. This is a lovely choice for marking a first Christmas in a new home, a family milestone or simply another year of making things by hand.

Colourful Christmas Balls From Two Strands

The free Christmas Balls by Mary Ann Stephens are full of colourwork detail, with optional touches such as duplicate stitch and nupps. The designer also discusses I-cord hanging loops, which give the ornaments a pleasingly substantial finish. These are better suited to knitters comfortable following charts and managing several colours than complete beginners. Follow the updated download directions in the post to find the patterns on the designer’s current website.

ARNE & CARLOS Christmas Ball Collection

The paid Twenty-four Christmas Balls 2024 collection by ARNE & CARLOS includes a basic ball pattern and 24 different motif charts. The ornaments are worked in the round using stranded colourwork, with a linked tutorial to help you follow the process. Although the designer lists the collection as beginner level, I’d be comfortable knitting in the round and making increases and decreases before starting. This is the pick for someone who wants a whole collection of coordinated ornaments rather than just one small project.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Baubles

Small decorations are tempting stash projects, but check the yarn weight before diving into that leftover basket. A thicker yarn can make a much larger bauble, while changing the yarn in a fitted cover may stop it fitting the recommended insert.

For colourwork, choose shades with enough contrast for the motif to show. Two lovely colours can look surprisingly similar once they’re knitted together, especially on something this small.

Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches. Save the fluffy, sparkly and slightly mysterious leftovers for a pattern where you’re confident they’ll work.

Getting a Nicely Rounded Finish

If your pattern uses stuffing, add it gradually and spread it evenly. You’re aiming for a rounded ornament without stretching the stitches so far apart that the filling shows through. For designs worked over an insert, check the diameter and follow the instructions for when to put it inside.

Give the finishing a little time, too. A neat seam, securely woven ends and a tidy hanging loop help a small decoration feel properly finished.

I’d start with a pair for the tree and one to give away. Of course, once you’ve laid out all those yarn colours, “just three” may become a rather flexible arrangement.