One-Skein Wonders®

One-Skein wonders

101 Yarn-Shop Favorites

Edited by Judith Durant

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For the yarn shops and knitting groups worldwide
who share the love of fibers — and who can never
resist acquiring just one more ball of yarn.

The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by
publishing practical information that encourages
personal independence in harmony with the environment.

Edited by Judith Durant and Gwen Steege

Technical editing by Dorothy T. Ratigan

Art direction and cover design by Mary Velgos

Book design and production by Kate Basart/Union Pageworks

Photography © by 2C imagery

Illustrations by Alison Kolesar

Indexed by Mary McClintock

© 2006 by Storey Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages or reproduce illustrations in a review with appropriate credits; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other — without written permission from the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the editor or Storey Publishing. The editor and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information. For additional information, please contact Storey Publishing, 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247.

Storey books are available for special premium and promotional uses and for customized editions. For further information, please call 1-800-793-9396.

Printed in the United States by Versa Press

10 9 8 7

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

One-skein wonders: 101 yarn shop favorites / edited by Judith Durant and Gwen Steege

         p. cm.

    Includes bibliographical references and index.

    ISBN 978-1-58017-645-3 (pbk.: alk. paper)

    1. Knitting—Patterns. I. Durant, Judith, 1955– II. Steege, Gwen, 1940–

TT820.O55 2006

746.43’2041—dc22

2006023060

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Contents

Introduction: Have a Ball!

In the Thick of It: Bulky-Weight Yarns

One-Car-Ride Coaster Set

Shepherd Bulky Rainbow Hat

One-Skein-Wonder Baby Sweater

Doll Shawl

Flap Hat

Super Yak Scarf

Felted Accessory Bag

Fringed Scarf

Scalloped-Edge Hat

Crocheted Curly Hat

Quick & Classy Cabled Clutch

Cashmere Ski Headband

Quick Felted Bag

Filippi Scarf

Squashy Bag

Cozy House Socks

Short & Sassy Shawl

Bulky Collar

Knitted Cap with Pigtails

Felted Gift Bag

Stirling Cloche

Heavyweight Champs: Heavy Worsted Yarns

The Twisted Knee-High Sock

Cabled Headband

Lotus Purse

The Diotima Shell

Half-and-Half, Please: Worsted-Mohair Yarns

Wine Gift Bag

Gossamer Shell Scarf

Razor Shell Lace Scarf

Shrug This

Seafoam Shawl

For Better or Worsted: Worsted-Weight Yarns

Eyelet Baby Hat

Megan’s Braids

Swift Cell Phone Carrier

One-Skein Scarf

Monica’s Flowers

Smiley Scarf

Striped and Scalloped Cap

Aran Tam

Be-Ribboned Bonnet

Twisted Spiral Neckscarf

Poncho Viva

Crocheted Bag

Wavy Hat

Ice Scraper Mitt

Spa Set

This ’n’ That Hat

Jamaica Pouch

Fingerless Mittens

Baby Gnome Hat

Scrunchie Hat

Gallery of Projects: Picture This

Beaded Diamond Bag

Kirsten’s Flapper Hat

Coffee Mitt

Ela’s Favorite Hat

Tea Cozy

Little Ruff

Ribbed Cap

Bamboo Baby

Easy Mittens

Be-Ribboned Booties

Twirly-Top Toque

Hiker Socks

Sofia Cowl

One-Skein Felted Purse with One-Skein Flower

Felted Evening Bag with Ribbon Embroidery

Basic Tam with Flowers

Mel’s Funky 3-Way Hat

Muff or “Smitten”

Super Simple Triangle Shawl

Primitive Bag

Beaded Napkin Rings

Flower Pin

The Wave Hand Warmers

Have a Ball: Sport-Weight Yarns

Salmon Scarf

Purple Linen Pillow

Yorkshire Tweed Beret

Four-in-One Gaiter

Skinny Dipping: Fingering-Weight Yarns

Adult and Child Socks

Curly Curtain Tiebacks

Sequin Barrette

Handpaint Highlights Socks

Heart Pin

Fabulous Filigree Scarf

“Orphan” Sweater and Socks

Red Hot Necklace

Sachet

Floral Mesh Shawl

Lace Bookmark

Variety Is the Spice of Life: Novelty Yarns

Knitted Coasters with Charms

Eros Extreme Belt

Golden Fantasy

Honey Tangerine Scarf

Sheri’s Button Bag

Jan’s Sensational Scarf

Catch-all Bowl

Pandora Scarf

Topless Hat and Fingerless Mittens

Sheri’s Crystal FX Evening Bag

Victorian Collar

Pink Aura Scarf

Infinity Barrette

Contributors

Glossary

Index

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Introduction: Have a Ball!

This book has been created for all those knitters and crocheters who find themselves with just one ball or skein of very special yarn but only a vague idea of what to do with it. Maybe you just couldn’t resist a certain perfect color or texture — or bargain. Or maybe the yarn wasn’t a bargain — in fact, it was terribly expensive, but still irresistible and buying just one seemed okay! Your one skein could also be part of that famous (or infamous) stash: yarns you’ve been saving for a special occasion or well-loved leftovers that are still waiting for just the right project.

The patterns chosen for this collection have been generously shared by yarn shops and designers who have met this challenge with creativity and enthusiasm. (See pages 221–227 for information about all the wonderful contributors.) From quick-and-easy projects knit with thick yarns on fat needles to those worked in the finest of lace-weights, there’s something for every knitter and every occasion. Each pattern specifies the yarn used by the designer for the item photographed for the book. You can purchase that yarn for an exact replica or use your own yarn of choice. Browse through the 101 patterns in the pages that follow and let yourself be tempted and inspired by projects that will consume both your stash and your passion for knitting!

Note: Refer to the Glossary (pages 228–235) for any unfamiliar terms or abbreviations.

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In the Thick of It:
Bulky-Weight Yarns

One-Car-Ride Coaster Set

These felted coasters couldn’t be easier. Cast on, knit, bind off, felt. That’s it! The fun part of this project is the needle felting (designed by Ryan Anderson), which uses up bits and pieces of leftover wool. The knitting part is “mindless,” the decorating part is creative. The best of both worlds.

Knitting

Cast on 11 stitches. Work garter stitch for 20 rows.

Bind off. Weave in ends.

Felting

Place coasters in washing machine with hot water and heavy clothing such as jeans to help with agitation. Check coasters every few minutes. When the stitches are no longer visible, the coasters are done. Dry completely.

Needle Felting

Lay scrap yarn on coaster in desired pattern. Using felting needles, “stab” the yarn into position until it has adhered. (Felting kits come with instructions on how to needle-felt.)

Shepherd Bulky Rainbow Hat

This hat is knitted in three directions. First you knit the cuff from center back to center back. Then you pick up the top of the cuff and knit up to the center of the crown. Then you pick up the bottom and knit down for the edging. Every which way!

Knitting the Cuff

With straight needles, cast on 25 stitches.

Row 1: K2, P1, K1, (P2, K4, P2, K1) twice, P1, K2.

Row 2: (K1, P1) twice, (K2, P4, K2, P1) twice, K1, P1, K1.

Row 3: K2, P1, K1, (P2, C4F, P2, K1) twice, P1, K2.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Repeat Rows 1–4 until piece measures 20", ending with Row 4.

Bind off in pattern.

Beginning the Top

With straight needles and right side of cuff facing you, pick up and knit 74 stitches along one side of cuff edge.

Row 1 (wrong side): P9, (K1, P8) seven times, K1, P1.

Row 2: K1, (P1, K8) eight times, K1.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for 1.5", ending with Row 2.

Shaping the Top

Row 1 : P1, (P6, P2tog, K1) eight times, P1. You now have 66 stitches.

Row 2 and all even-numbered rows: Knit the knits and purl the purls (see Glossary, page 230).

Row 3: P1, (P5, P2tog, K1) eight times, P1. You now have 58 stitches.

Row 5: P1, (P4, P2tog, K1) eight times, P1. You now have 50 stitches.

Continue in this manner, decreasing 8 stitches every other row, until 26 stitches remain.

Next Row: P1, (P2tog, K1) eight times, P1.

Break yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle and draw through remaining 18 stitches. Pull up snug and fasten off on the inside.

Sew back seam.

Knitting the Edging

With circular needle and right side facing you, pick up and knit 70 stitches along bottom edge. Knit 4–8 rounds, making sure you leave enough yarn to bind off. Bind off loosely and let edge roll up.

Finishing

Weave in ends.

One-Skein-Wonder Baby Sweater

This cozy baby cardigan will knit up fast in bulky yarn on size 10.5 needles. And the best part is that there is little finishing to be done. The only pieces to join are the shoulder seams. And you don’t even have to make buttonholes — the stitches are large enough to accommodate the buttons!

Getting Started

With straight needles, cast on 72 stitches. Knit 2 rows.

Keeping 2 stitches at each end of needle in garter stitch, change to stockinette stitch and work until piece measures 5.5" from beginning, ending with a wrong-side row.

Dividing for Front and Back

Knit 19 and place on holder, knit 34, knit 19 and place on holder. Working 34 back stitches only, knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 11" from beginning. Cut yarn and place stitches on holder.

Knitting the Right Front

With right side facing, place right front stitches onto straight needles. Keeping the two center front stitches in garter, knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 9.5" from beginning, ending with a wrong-side row.

Bind off 7 stitches at beginning of next row, knit to end.

Purl 1 row. Bind off 3 stitches at beginning of next row, knit to end.

Purl 1 row.

Work even until piece measures 11" from beginning. Cut yarn and place stitches on holder.

Knitting the Left Front

With right-side facing, place left front stitches onto straight needles. Keeping the 2 center front stitches in garter, knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 9.5" from beginning, ending with a right-side row.

Bind off 7 stitches at beginning of next row, purl to end.

Knit 1 row.

Bind off 3 stitches at beginning of next row, purl to end.

Knit 1 row.

Work even until piece measures 11" from beginning.

Joining the Shoulders

With right sides together, join 9 front and back shoulder stitches on both sides using the three-needle bind-off (see Glossary, page 235). Leave remaining back neck stitches on holder.

Knitting the Sleeves (make 2)

With double-point needles, pick up 34 stitches around sleeve opening and distribute evenly on three needles with first picked-up stitch at beginning of Needle 1 and last picked-up stitch at end of Needle 3.

Knit 5 rows.

Decrease 1 stitch at beginning and end of next row, then every 4 rows four times, then every 2 rows once. You now have 22 stitches.

Work even until sleeve measures 6.5" from beginning.

Purl 1 row, knit 1 row.

Bind off in purl.

Knitting the Collar

With straight needles and right side facing, skip 3 stitches, pick up 9 stitches along right-front neck edge, knit the 16 remaining back neck stitches from holder, pick up 9 stitches along left-front neck edge to within 3 stitches of center front. Work in garter stitch until collar measures 3". Bind off.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block. Sew on buttons.

Doll Shawl

The small shawl is the same pattern as the Seafoam Shawl on page 59. It is quick and easy and an excellent project for a child to make for her doll. One skein yields two Aran sweaters and one shawl for an 18" doll.

Knitting the Shawl

Cast on 2 stitches, leaving a tail of approximately 2 inches.

Row 1: K1, yo, K1.

Row 2 and all even rows: Knit.

Row 3: K1, yo, knit to last stitch, yo, K1.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until shawl measures 8", leaving enough yarn for 2 more rows plus bind-off.

Next Row: Kfb, *yo, K2tog; repeat from* to last 2 stitches, yo, Kfb, K1.

Knit 1 row and bind off.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Sew button on left front and use a yarnover space as a buttonhole.

Flap Hat

Here’s a quick-to-knit version of a classic hat. Sure to keep you warm in even the coldest temperatures, the earflaps are at once practical and fun.

Knitting the Band

With circular needle, cast on 42 stitches. Join into a round, being careful not to twist stitches.

Work K1, P1 rib for 1.5".

Knitting the Hat

Knit 1 round, increasing 2 stitches evenly spaced. You now have 44 stitches.

Work stockinette stitch (knit every round) until hat measures 5.25" from beginning.

Decreasing for the Crown

Decrease Round 1: K2, *K4, K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 37 stitches.

Knit 1 round.

Decrease Round 2: K2, *K3, K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 30 stitches.

Knit 1 round.

Decrease Round 3: K2, *K2, K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 23 stitches.

Knit 1 round.

Decrease Round 4: K2, *K1, K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 16 stitches.

Knit 1 round.

Last Decrease Round: *K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 8 stitches.

Cut yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle, draw through remaining 8 stitches. Pull up snug and fasten off on the inside.

Knitting the Earflaps

With double-point needles, pick up and knit 9 stitches along cast-on edge.

Knit 4 rows.

Decrease Row: K2tog, K5, K2tog. You now have 7 stitches.

Knit 1 row.

Repeat these 2 rows until 3 stitches remain.

Work 3-stitch I-cord (see Glossary, page 229) to desired length.

Bind off.

Fold hat in half and pick up 9 stitches exactly opposite this earflap and work second earflap as above.

Finishing

Weave in ends.

Super Yak Scarf

This pattern uses a unique stitch: Make 7, which means you make seven stitches out of one. This not only creates the necessary stitches for the pattern, but it also produces a lovely eyelet at its base. It’s not just the yarn that will have your friends “yakking” about this scarf!

Knitting the First Ruffle

Cast on 51 stitches.

Rows 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 (wrong side): Knit.

Row 2: *K1, K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 34 stitches.

Row 4: K2, *K2tog; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2. You now have 19 stitches.

Knitting the Body

Row 1 (RS): K3, P4, P2tog, Make 7, P2tog, P4, K3. You now have 23 stitches.

Continue by following the chart below, beginning with Row 2.

Work Rows 1–10 of chart 16 times total.

Next Row (WS): K3, P4, P2tog, P1, P2tog, P4, K3. You now have 17 stitches.

Working the Second Ruffle

Knit 3 rows.

Next Row: *Kfb; repeat from *. You now have 34 stitches.

Knit 1 row.

Next Row: *K1, Kfb; repeat from *. You now have 51 stitches.

Knit 1 row.

Bind off.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Felted Accessory Bag

Use this attractive little bag to pack your jewelry when traveling, to hold together your scissors and other accessories in your knitting bag, or for any number of other things for which small organizers come in handy. Consider the bulkier bag for larger items.

Knitting the Bag

With circular needle, cast on 50 stitches. Knit one row and join into a round, being careful not to twist stitches.

Knit 30 rows. Bind off.

Sew bottom edges together.

Felting the Bag

Set the washer for the lowest water level, longest washing cycle, and hottest temperature. Add a small amount of detergent. Place bag in a zippered pillowcase and close. Place in washer with a pair of jeans or heavy towel to balance the load. Run machine on wash cycle only, checking felting status every 5 minutes. If necessary, reset the machine to wash cycle and agitate again. When desired effect is reached, run bag through cold rinse cycle to remove detergent, then through a spin cycle to remove excess water.

Fill the damp bag with towels to shape and allow to dry.

Making the Closure

With double-point needles, cast on 4 stitches.

Work 4-stitch I cord (see Glossary, page 229) for desired length (5–7"). Bind off.

Sew both ends of the strap to the center top of one edge of the felted bag. Attach button where end of loop meets front of bag.

Optional Bulkier Bag

Follow the same instructions as above with bulkier yarn for a slightly larger, thicker bag.

Fringed Scarf

The Thick ’n Thin yarn used for this scarf feels like the best of two worlds: It has the texture and fun of popular novelty yarn and the earthy feel of homespun wool.

Getting Started

For the fringe, measure and cut 100 pieces of yarn 12" long and set aside.

Knitting the Scarf

Cast on 12 stitches.

Row 1: *K2, P2; repeat from *.

Repeat Row 1 until you have enough left to bind off. Bind off.

Finishing

Block by pressing with a damp cloth.

Tie 6 pairs of fringe yarn on each end.

Tie remaining fringe by folding in half and tying through knit stitches on the front of the scarf in a staggered pattern.

Scalloped-Edge Hat

This cute hat has a garter-stitch border and an oh-so-cute and feminine scalloped edge. Inspiration for the I-cord scallop is from Knitting Over the Edge, by Nicky Epstein (Sixth and Spring Books, 2005). Knitted with Cashmerino Super Chunky, it is soft and warm. And oh so fast to knit!

Knitting the Scallops

Knit 3-stitch I-Cord for 90 (108) rows (see Glossary, page 229).

K3tog onto circular needle.

*Cast on 4 stitches, skip 8 rows I-cord and pick up and knit into next I-cord stitch; repeat from *. You now have 51 (61) stitches.

Place marker at beginning of round.

Knitting the Border

Work circular garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for 3 rounds.

Knitting the Hat

Knit 15 (19) rounds.

Round 16 (20): Knit to last 2 stitches, K2tog. You now have 50 (60) stitches.

Shaping the Crown

Round 1: *K8 (10), K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 45 (55) stitches.

Round 2: *K7 (9), K2tog; repeat from *. You now have 40 (50) stitches.

Round 3: