Stash-Busting Cowl Patterns

I included a couple of cowls in my scarf roundup the other day, but they really do deserve their own day of focus because there are so many great ones out there. Plus, I’ve been wearing the heck out of my Striped Garter Stitch Cowl, which would be perfect as a stash-buster, that I felt I just had to share.

I think it’s funny that the first thing that pops up when you search stash cowls on Ravelry is the famous Honey Cowl from Madelinetosh, because it’s not typically worked in stripes. But of course stash busting means using anything you’ve been holding onto and doesn’t have to mean working in stripes or multiple colors. And it is a beauty regardless. Kristin Kapur uses slipped stitches on a smaller scale in her Chickadee Cowl, which I really like, too.

There’s also Jen Geigley’s GAP-tastic Cowl, again worked in a solid color in the original but it would use up a good bit of chunky yarn if you have a couple of skeins of the same color.

The Mockingjay Cowl by Stash Studio is a lot more what I think of when I think of stash busting; it’s worked in lots of different colors but is still really pretty with a multicolored slip stitch pattern. Laura Aylor’s Carrousel Cowl is another one that uses a slip stitch pattern to great effect.

Ami Madison’s Stacked Eyelet Cowl would be pretty in one color or stripes (the Favorite Cowl by Tajie Maxedon is similar), and the Sock Yarn Scrap Bag Cowl is perfection for people who knit a lot of socks (this one is by dorisann allenson).

The This Way Up Cowl form purl3agony is worked flat with a provisional cast on our of all sorts of leftovers, so it’s great when you need to get rid of odds and ends. (And it’s cute, too.)

If you have a skein of sock yarn you’ve been holding on to that you don’t really want to use for socks, try the Willow Cowl from Amelia Lyon.

There’s a fun roundup of stash-busting cowls, scarves and the like at the FitzBirch Crafts blog, which is sure to give you more ideas.

See anything you like? I’d love to hear how you’re enjoying the series or if anything has caught your needles yet!

Looking for more cowl patterns? Check these Pattern books out.

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Check out these books dedicated to Knitted Cowl Patterns still looking for more cowl patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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