Linen Stitch Shawl Knitting Pattern is the Perfect Stash Buster

I’m never done thinking about different ways to use up yarn leftovers, mini skeins and odd balls. I am a little more interested in this sort of thing at the beginning of a new year (or a new month) but honestly I’m always down for a project that will help me slim down my stash.

Linen stitch is a great choice for a stash-busting project because it’s easy to knit and the woven look make with slipped stitches naturally melds different colors together and automatically makes them look harmonious.

It is a little tedious, but satisfying, too. Linen stitch in knitting is worked on an even number of stitches. For the first row, you knit one, then slip the next stitch with the yarn in front. Repeat those two stitches to the last stitch, then knit it. The second row is purl one, slip one with the yarn in back across, then purl the last stitch.

The position of the yarn to the front side of the fabric when you slip the stitches gives it that woven look that really is like linen fabric. It’s a different look and it’s a great way to use a lot of yarn.

Making a big project out of linen stitch is an even better way to use a lot of yarn. The Linen Soup shawl pattern from Barker Wool does just that. It’s a right triangle shawl that calls for about 1,300 yards (that’s 1,189 meters) of fingering/sock weight yarn, which can be full skeins, leftovers and everything in between. Of course you can make a shawl of a different size by using more or less yarn or a different weight of yarn, but the base one shown comes out to about 80 by 35 inches (or 203 by 89 cm).

You might be surprised to learn that even though this project uses thin yarn it uses decently sized needles: size 8 US or 5 mm. That helps the linen stitch have a bit more drape, as it can get pretty stiff when worked on the usual sized needles for the weight of yarn involved.

This project looks really pretty even with some wild color combinations thrown in, and it’s a great meditative project for the times when you just need something cozy to knit and to wear.

You can find the pattern on Ravelry or buy it direct from Barker Wool.

[Photo: Barker Wool]

Stash Busting? Try Knitting a Zero-Waste Shawl

Wrapping up Stash-Busting Month

Knitting Patterns – Stash-Busting Hats

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The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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