Stitch Up a Colorful, Stash Busting Headband

I recently rearranged my yarn stash so that most of it is arranged by color, and it’s inspired me to take a new look at what I have, and to realize that I have a lot of odd balls and little bits leftover from other projects.

I intend to do some big stash busting projects, too, but right now I’m focusing more on little projects that can be done with those little balls, like headbands and earwarmers. These sorts of projects are great for using stash, and they make great gifts, too, and it’s never too early to start thinking about that, right?

The Striation Headband from Lee Meredith for Knit Picks is a great option for using up leftover bits of sock yarn. You can knit it with a single skein if you like, or pull out all the little leftover bits to make a colorful and cozy headband.

Because we all know a pair of socks never quite uses the whole skein, right? I have so many little tiny balls of sock yarn leftovers, and this would be a super fun way to use them.

The pattern is worked in garter stitch, so all you have to do to make it look harmonious is use the same color for at least two rows (one ridge of garter stitch) and alternate colors after working two rows. Always change colors at the end of a row and always on the right side and it’s sure to look great.

Or if you have a skein of self-striping yarn that you don’t know what to do with, just work it by itself and this project will still be super cute and done in a flash.

You could even try the same method with leftovers of different yarn weights, but maybe cast on fewer stitches for a heavier weight yarn so the project doesn’t get too wide.

You can grab the free pattern from Knit Picks.

[Photo: Knit Picks]

Looking for more Knitted Headband Patterns? Check these patterns out on Etsy. Headbands are a great gift idea as they knit up fast and are well received by friends and family. Everyone loves wearing Knit headbands right? Check out this free knitted Autumn Ear Warmer headband on our sister site.

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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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