Rewards
Everyone has one. The single skein you bought because the color stopped you in the aisle, or the one that came in a box, or the one left over when the blanket was done. It's too good to waste and too little for anything "real."
Except it isn't. A single skein is a scarf, a hat, a bag, a set of coasters, a shawl if the weight is right. The trick is matching the project to the yardage you've got. Here are eighteen, sorted by yarn weight, with the yards each one needs.
Not sure what weight your skein is? Our yarn weight chart will tell you in two minutes.
Lace and fingering (one skein, 350 to 450 yards)
1. A crescent shawl. Fingering is the shawl weight. 400 yards makes a generous one-skein crescent in a simple mesh or V-stitch.
2. A lacy cowl. Chain a loop, work rounds of shells or picots. Around 200 yards, so you'll have half the skein left for coasters.
3. Fingerless mitts. 150 to 200 yards for a pair. Silk fingering makes a mitt that feels like jewelry.
4. A triangle kerchief. Smaller than a shawl, worn knotted at the neck. 250 yards.
Sport and DK (one skein, 200 to 300 yards)
5. A slouchy hat. 200 yards of DK in half double crochet is a hat for anyone over the age of ten.
6. A market bag. Open mesh stretches, so 250 yards of DK makes a surprisingly roomy bag. Silk and cotton both hold up.
7. A headband or ear warmer. 60 to 80 yards. Make three from one skein and you've got stocking stuffers.
8. A Japanese knot bag. One skein of DK silk, a few hours, and a small bag with real charm. Free pattern here.
9. A baby blanket (small). 300 yards of DK makes a stroller-sized blanket in a loose stitch. It'll be a bit lighter than store blankets, which parents tend to like.
Worsted (one skein, 150 to 250 yards)
10. A scarf with tassels. The classic single-skein project. Our Motley Fling Scarf is written for one skein of worsted silk and finishes in an evening.
11. A beanie. 150 yards. The most-made one-skein project in the world for a reason.
12. A waffle-stitch washcloth or two. 80 to 100 yards each. Free pattern. Silk and cotton both work; acrylic doesn't absorb.
13. A mini bucket bag. Worsted in single crochet makes a bag with structure. Alpine Mini Bucket Bag pattern.
14. A set of coasters. Six coasters from 120 yards. The project for the last half of a skein.
15. A plant hanger. 150 yards of worsted, a ring, and a pot. Silk's drape makes a beautiful one.
Bulky and super bulky (one skein, 80 to 130 yards)
16. A chunky cowl. 100 yards. One evening. Everyone asks where you bought it.
17. A basket. Super bulky in tight single crochet stands up on its own. 120 yards makes a small one.
18. A pet bed liner or a floor cushion cover. If the skein is big (some super bulky skeins run 200+ yards), this is the project.
How to make one skein go further
- Loosen up. Go up a hook size. The fabric drapes more and uses 10 to 15 percent less yarn.
- Choose open stitches. Mesh, V-stitch and shells cover more area per yard than single crochet.
- Weigh, don't guess. A kitchen scale tells you exactly how much is left. Weigh at the halfway point of a symmetrical project so you know when to turn around.
- Add a second yarn. A contrasting edge or tassels in another skein stretches a short one.
Where single skeins come from
Half the skeins in any stash arrived one at a time: a souvenir from a trip, a color too good to leave, a gift. The other half came in boxes. Our Yarn of the Month box sends three hand-dyed skeins of recycled silk every month with a crochet pattern written for them, so the "what do I make with this" question is answered before the box is open. $29 a month plus shipping. Everything on this list works with what a typical month sends.
One skein crochet FAQ
What can I crochet with one skein of yarn?
Hats, cowls, scarves, fingerless mitts, small bags, washcloths, coasters and, in fingering weight, a full shawl. Match the project to the yardage on the label.
How many yards do I need for a one-skein scarf?
About 150 to 250 yards of worsted for a standard scarf, or 100 yards of bulky for a short, chunky one. Open stitches and tassels stretch a shorter skein.
What is the easiest one skein crochet project?
A beanie in half double crochet or a simple cowl worked in the round. Both use about 150 yards and finish in an evening.
