Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Scarf Knitting Patterns Made with Sock Yarn

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Sock yarn (or super fine yarn more generally) isn’t just for socks! If you’ve been here for a while you’ve seen me share knitting patterns using sock yarn for hats, bags, gloves, mittens, cowls and more.

You might not immediately think of using sock yarn to knit a scarf, but there are plenty of cute little scarves or mini triangular shawls (though I’m saving those for another post!) you can knit that are perfect for spring.

Your first option is to do something like in my scarf patterns for yarn leftovers post, and just grab a bunch of different colors and make a fun scarf. For example the Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas (available on Ravelry) uses linen stitch worked from a long side to break up all the different colors of leftover yarn (or mix up different skeins that aren’t left over from other projects).

If you have some self-striping sock yarn or leftovers you want to make your own stripes from, something like the No Bias Lace Scarf by Susan Ashcroft is a great choice. This pattern is on Ravelry and uses an easy repeating eyelet pattern that looks great in multicolored or solid yarn.

Or try Laura Nelkin’s Da Light Scarf (found on Ravelry), which was originally made with a collection of sock yarn mini skeins, so it’s perfect for using those little leftover bits or mixing them in with bigger yardages of other kinds of yarn. This one uses mitered square techniques as well as garter, stockinette, elongated stitches and short rows, so it packs a lot of fun techniques! 

Speaking of easy lace, feather and fan (or old shale) is a classic design for scarves and other accessories, and it looks great stitched up in sock yarn, like in this free Ravelry pattern from Tiennie. Once you get the hang of the pattern it’s actually really easy.

If you’re looking for a more complex lace design, try the Skipperling Scarf pattern from Blue Peninsula on Etsy. This gorgeous scarf isn’t for beginners but it’s one of those projects that’s well worth all the time and effort that will go into it.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.