There are so many reasons that you might have a single skein of yarn. You bought one because it was special. You were gifted one from someone who knows you love yarn. Or you had just one leftover from a bigger project. What should you do with those single balls of yarn? Here’s our roundup of one ball projects for quick knit and crochet.
One Ball Projects for Knitters
Here are some of the best one ball / one skein knitting projects I’ve designed over the years:
Super Simple Knit Scarf / Cowl
This great one skein knit project combines lace and ribbing in one piece. You can make it a scarf. However, thanks to the buttons, you can also make it a cowl. It’s one of the most versatile one ball projects I’ve designed.
Chevron Knit Hat for Beginners
This is an easy free beginner knit hat pattern. You’ll use simple stitches to create a single-color chevron pattern. It’s subtle but effective. With no shaping, you don’t need advanced skills to complete this one ball knit hat.
Seed Stitch Knit Hat Pattern
The knit seed stitch is an easy, beautiful beginner stitch pattern. Use it to create this terrific instant gratification one ball knit hat.
Many knit hats are one ball projects. Some of my other favorite knit hat patterns that only use one ball include the Double Dip Knit Ribbed Hat and my Ebb and Flow Chunky Knit Hat.
Topping Scarf Knit Pattern
This is one of my early one ball projects. It’s a terrific knit scarf, made using a single skein of luxury yarn. The beautiful lace design showcases the yarn perfectly.
Loop It Cowl
Loop It is a really unique yarn used for finger knitting. My Loop It Cowl design uses only a single ball of this fun yarn.
One Ball Projects for Crocheters
The crocheters aren’t left out of this roundup at all. Here are some of my favorite one ball / one skein crochet patterns:
Super Simple Crochet Shawl
Use very basic crochet stitches to create this openwork filet mesh shawl. Use one ball of colorful yarn to make the magic of the design.
Roll With it Crochet Shawl
This free crochet shawl pattern is very similar to my Super Simple Shawl. However, I tweaked it a little bit. First of all, I used different yarn. Second, I chose a different border. Finally the seaming is different. Both the Super Simple Shawl and the Roll With It Shawl are great one ball projects.
Caron Go-To One Skein Crochet Shawl
Work this crochet shawl from the center out for a fun one-ball project. It has a beautiful openwork design with stitches that are enjoyable to craft. That terrific border makes a big statement.
Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl
This is one of my favorite one ball projects. It uses a delicate lace crochet stitch pattern. However, I’ve also incorporated post stitches, which add texture to contrast with that lace. I love the effect. It’s a simple crochet cowl pattern.
Many crochet cowl patterns are great one ball projects. For another good one, check out my Jilly Bean Cowl.
Skinny Broomstick Scarf Pattern
Have you ever crocheted broomstick lace? It’s a great technique. And in this pattern you’ll use it to make a single one-ball skinny scarf.
Trinity Stitch One Ball Crochet Hat Pattern
The trinity stitch is an easy stitch pattern that creates beautiful texture. Use one ball of yarn to turn this stitch into an easy new crochet hat.
Blossom Crochet Hat Pattern
This is an advanced crochet pattern. It takes the idea of a messy bun hat but adds a brim to it to make it more sophisticated. Not all hats are one ball projects but many of them, like this one, are.
The When We Were Young crochet hat pattern is another example of a good one ball hat design.
Bumpy Road Headband Crochet Pattern
You don’t even need a full ball of yarn to complete this quick, but adorable, crochet pattern. Make a set of them for all of the gals in the family to wear!
More One Skein Crochet Patterns
Are you looking for even more one ball projects? Look no further than my Leisure Arts book of one skein crochet patterns! All of these are quick and easy crochet projects that make for great instant gratification crafting.
[…] This week’s Free Pattern Friday is the Free Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl. This pattern uses the post stitches to create its texture and next to the delicate lace shell stitch. This is a great project to learn a new stitch and use a new yarn on the market exclusive to Michaels, Red Heart Soft Essentials Stripes. And it’s one of my favorite one ball projects. […]