Have a luxury yarn you love but could only afford to get one skein? Or have a skein leftover from another project? Or are on tight schedule or budget for your next project? Try these projects that take just one skein or ball of the recommended yarn. Updated 2/21/2023
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
Feel Pretty Scarf
This stunning lace scarf uses just one skein 430 yards (393 m) of Fingering weight yarn. This pattern has fully written and charted directions. Designed by Caoua Coffee
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Handmaiden Fine Yarn Sea Silk yarn
- See more Lace Scarf Knitting Patterns
One Skein Cable Hat
Beanie hat featuring an easy cable design. Uses just one ball 150 – 160 yards / 137 - 146 m (80 – 86 g) of the recommended Aran weight yarn. Designed by Tricotazo
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See more hat knitting patterns by Tricotazo
- See more 1 Skein Hat Knitting Patterns
Easy Fit Beanie
Easy slouchy unisex hat features a broken rib texture. Uses just one ball of the recommended yarn.
Easy Shoulder Poncho
Shoulder cozy knit in on large needles. Size approximately 12” x 19” but can easily be made smaller or larger. Uses just one ball of the recommended yarn. DK weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Elizabeth Finn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Juniper Moon Zooey yarn at Amazon
- See more Light Poncho Knitting Patterns
One-Skein Lacy Scarf
This light lace scarf features a classic Shetland stitch pattern, Crest of the Wave, and uses one skein of the recommended yarn. Designed by Kate Atherley for Canadian Living.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Cascade 220 yarn on Amazon
- See more Lacy Scarf Knitting Patterns
One Skein Rug
Art Fiend’s shoe rug features interesting cable and textures and is great for stashbusting. Other Ravelrers have added fringe or used this pattern for table runners and other projects.
Cutie Pointed Hat
This easy hat for babies and toddlers only takes one ball of the recommended yarn.
Cupcake Mittlets
Shantha Ramachandran designed these easy eyelet lace mitts that require less than one 50g ball of yarn. Knit in the round. Rated easy by the designer and Ravelry knitters. Pictured project by CraftyBeast
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the yarn used in the pictured project on Etsy
- See more 1 Skein Mitts Knitting Patterns
City Chic Hat
This easy one skein hat is a quick knit in super bulky yarn. Designed by Nancy J. Thomas
Diamond Weave Hat
Nancy Wilson’s design features diamond patterns on a background of purl stitches. Uses only one skein of the recommended yarn, even including pompom.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended for this pattern on Etsy
- See more 1 Skein Hat Knitting Patterns
Drop Stitch Cowl
This easy cowl by Cathy Payson features a drop stitch pattern that looks great in multi-colored yarn. Uses just one ball of the recommended yarn.
Garter Stitch Baby Booties
Easy booties in boot style to stay on baby’s feet. Only takes one ball of yarn.
More Free Patterns
Nalu Mitts
Leila Raabe’s cable mitts feature a traveling twisted-stitch wave flanked by reverse stockinette and seed stitch. Knit with one skein of DK yarn.
Teddy Love Hat
This one skein hat pattern features small teddy bear ears and elongated ear flaps. Two sizes. Quick knit in bulky yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See more Earflap Hat Knitting patterns
- See more Teddy Bear Knitting Patterns
Heartwarming Scarf
Julie Farmer’s beginner scarf has an easy to remember stitch pattern to give it texture. This unisex scarf only uses one skein of the recommended yarn. Pictured project is by pixiesmom.
Rikke Hat
Sarah Young’s slouchy beanie uses garter stitch to keep it simple and stretchy. Uses just one skein of the recommended dk yarn. Great for variegated yarn!
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more Slouchy Beanie Knitting Patterns
Sassenach Shrug
This is Polly Foo Foo’s interpretation of the shrug that Claire wears. This version was created in one skein of Berroco Peruvia Colors, but could be done in variegated browns as Claire’s was.
- Get the free pattern
- Get the yarn recommended by the designer
- See more free Shrug Knitting Patterns
- See more Outlander inspired Knitting Patterns
Santorini Kerchief
Susan Mills designed this easy headwrap with lace edging. Great with multi-color yarn!
Seed Stitch Slouchy Hat
This easy hat takes just one skein of the recommended yarn and comes in two sizes. Designed by Cathy Payson
Winter Cable Hat
Annanitato Lolo’s hat can be knit with one skein of the recommended yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn for this pattern on Etsy
- Get Faux Fur Pom Poms on Etsy
- See more Pom Pom Hat Knitting Patterns
Any Day Beret
This easy hat pattern by Red Heart features an intriguing spiral diagonal stitch pattern. Uses just one ball of the recommended yarn.
Basic Beanie
Yarnspirations’ hat comes in regular or slouchy fit, for men or women. Uses just one skein of the recommended yarn. Great for self-striping or multi-color yarn!
Hearts & Cables Purse
Lorna Miser’s purse is made with one skein of bulky yarn. 10″ wide by 10″ tall. Decorate with 1/2” buttons of your choice.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn at Etsy
- Get heart-shaped buttons at Etsy
- See more Purse Knitting Patterns
Grey Gardens Turban
A one-skein entrelac turban designed by Rachel Price and Kate Burge.
Change Purse
Bobbi Anderson’s easy beginner project for Red Heart is perfect for coins, stitch markers, or any little treasures. Perfect stash buster or one skein project! Make it special with a decorative button.
Patterns for Purchase
Spirited Boot Cuffs
Lace topped boot cuffs knit with one skein or less of Fingering yarn. Great showcase for variegated or handdyed yarn. Designed by Faye Kennington
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Malabrigo Yarn Mechita yarn (pictured colorway Mandragora) at Amazon (ad)
- See more Boot Cuff Knitting Patterns
One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Knitting Projects for Infants & Toddlers
From mittens and hats to tees, sweaters, hoodies, pants, dresses, socks, and bootees, you’ll find the perfect wearable for every child and every occasion. You’ll also discover beautiful bibs, blankets, and sleep sacks, plus adorable stuffed toys, blanket buddies, and more.
Cable Beanie Hat
Simple unisex beanie knit with ribbing and cable detail. Great with gradient and self-striping yarn. Uses one skein 100 metres/110 yards of Aran yarn. Designed by Mairin Ni Dhonncha
Dewberry Cowl
Dewberry utilizes purled stripes and the simplest of lace patterns to give it texture and interest. It comes in two sizes and can also easily be enlarged by using a heavier weight of yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Hilary Smith Callis. Uses one skein 200 - 255 yards (183 - 233 m) of Aran weight yarn.
Great Hall Hat
Beret with a lattice cabled pattern. Uses one skein 190 - 225 yards (174 - 206 m) of DK yarn. Designed by Irina Anikeeva.
City Mouse Hat and Cowl
One skein of DK yarn makes both hat and cowl in this set. Herringbone and knit stitches create a striking texture contrast in this set, and the loose knit of the hat body makes it the perfect hat shape for many heads.
Birch Cloche
This lace hat uses just one skein of worsted weight yarn. Two sizes
Midwinter Stroll Mitts
These fingerless mitts take less than one skein of worsted weight yarn and feature a twisted rib cuff with a trio of cables inset within the cuff. Three sizes.
Reversible Cable Worsted Mitts
A fantastic super-warm last-minute winter gift, these fingerless mitts knit up quickly from just one ball of worsted weight yarn in just a few hours.
Jasmine Baby Bonnet
This lace baby bonnet is a quick knit with just one skein of yarn.
Round Facecloths & Soap Sacks
Four different sets of matching facecloth and soap sack designs perfect for gift-giving or just pampering yourself. Each set only uses 1 skein of yarn.
