We each have leftover partial skeins of yarn, mini skeins, or scraps. Their beauty just as admirable as when they were full skeins, but somehow feel less useful. Their purpose shifts because the weight isn’t a nice even 100g, but that is when creativity can be embraced for even more fun. I love the versatility of smaller lengths of leftover knitting wool, so I wanted to create this Useful List of Knitting Patterns I’ve Designed for Yarn Scraps and Mini Skeins. This describes my seven shawl patterns best suited for use with mini skeins, yarn countdown calendars, scraps, and partial skeins. I offer a brief overview of the pattern with details on which combination of yarns (wild scraps, fades, etc) work best to help you work with what you have.
First, I’ve listed my shawl patterns using 4ply/sock/fingering weight yarn that are fab for yarn scraps or mini skeins, then below that I go into detail. The pattern is pictured then the pattern name links to a blog post I’ve written on EvinOK about the design. Then details, including the story behind the design, yarns used in sample, construction, shape, style, and finished measurements. I also offer information on which yarns generally work best for the pattern so you can substitute more easily or work with yarns from your stash. Finally, I offer notes about the photo or if the pattern is a charitable fundraiser.
Separately, I created a Comprehensive List of Patterns to Use with Mini Skeins & Yarn Calendar Sets, which is an exhaustive list of patterns (not just my designs), organised by what kind of mini skeins or sets work best. All Ultraviolet Knits patterns are available now as part of the book on Ravelry (the only text-based Ravelry link in this post) or available as individual patterns on LoveCrafts. Here is a list of the patterns, which I’ll detail below with links to buy them individually on LoveCrafts or buy the entire book on Ravelry.
- Aerglo Wrap from Ultraviolet Knits
- Betelgeuse Shawl from Ultraviolet Knits
- Cassiopeia Mini Skein Shawl from Ultraviolet Knits
- Elara Shawl from Ultraviolet Knits
- Falling Petals Lace Shawl from Bake Knit Sew: A Recipe and Craft Project Annual
- Porch Light Wrap from Ultraviolet Knits
- School Gate Shawlette
Aerglo Shawl
This slipped stitch triangle shawl with mock cable spine can be made in two sizes, both of which are knit using three full skeins and three mini skeins. Bold stripes contrast with neutrals for a vibrant effect.
The story behind the design: Knit with a background created by the two darker neutral skeins, so the UV-reactive yarn colors pop all the more — like a pink sunset against a dark creeping ceiling of stars.
Yarns used in sample: To knit BOTH sizes, the yarns I used were 1 skein of Olann Grá SPORT (navy), 1 skein Easy Knits TINSEL SOCK (Venom), 1 skein Mothy and the Squid 4-PLY SOCK (That’s Enough Crazy – you can see the yarn here in skein form), PLUS three 20-gram mini skeins: 1 mini skein Orange/Purple Speckle, 1 mini skein Purple/Magenta, 1 mini skein Orange Speckle.
Construction, shape, and style: Top down triangle with bold stripes. Slipped stitches bring the colors together beautifully. The spine of the shawl is a mock cable, in keeping with the shawl’s overall appreciation of the slipped stitch.
Finished measurements: Small: Height: 55cm. Width: 128cm. Medium: Height: 87cm. Width: 155cm
Generally, which yarns work best: 2 skeins of neutral 100g sock weight yarns, 1 skein of vibrant/wild/speckled 100g sock weight yarn, and 3 vibrant/wild/speckled 20g mini skeins. This works really well as a stash busting project, using mini skeins, scraps, and partial balls of yarn.
Notes: Modelled by Georsan. Styled by Martina Leahy. Photo by Niall Twamley.
Betelgeuse Shawl
A single-skein bottom-up triangle shawl is knit flat. Makes the most of a single skein of 4ply/fingering/sock, but can also be continued to create a larger shawl.
The story behind the design: Named for one of the largest stars visible to the naked eye, Betelgeuse is the ninth-brightest star in the night sky and second-brightest in the constellation of Orion. The star itself is a distinct orange-red, much like this yarn when viewed under black light.
Yarns used in sample: It was knit for the book in Qing Fibre SINGLES in Firaja.
Construction, shape, and style: Bottom-up triangle shawl is knit flat. Versatile style that can be knit in neutral to go with just about everything, or with a vibrant treasured skein for a statement shawl.
Finished measurements: Height: 70cm. Width: 129cm
Generally, which yarns work best: You can use any skein of 4ply, the subtle eyelet pattern will shine with semi-solids or wild skeins, even self-striping. This works really well as a stash busting project, using mini skeins, scraps, and partial balls of yarn.
Notes: Modelled by Evin. Photo by Niall Twamley.
Cassiopeia Wrap
This shawl is knit on the bias with easy-to-memorize stitches, making for an approachable wrap. But you can use any number or combination you want.
The story behind the design: The stitch pattern emulates the Cassiopeia constellation after which the pattern is named with subtle W-shaped eyelets.
Yarns used in sample: I used 16 20-gram mini skeins (a total of 320 grams total) from Eve Chambers Textiles, Mad Scientist Yarns, Mothy and the Squid, and My Mama Knits.
Construction, shape, and style: Bias rectangle knit side-to-side.
Finished measurements: Using 320 grams of 4ply/fingering/sock resulted in a voluminous wrap measuring 50cm (l) x 242cm (w) after blocking.
Generally, which yarns work best: Knit it with eight skeins for Hanukkah, 24 for the Advent season, 31 to count down to the next year, seven for a one-week shawl challenge – or just use this pattern with leftover scraps of various amounts for a fun, vibrant wrap. This pattern can also be knit with 3 100g skeins in a fade or combination you love. This works really well as a stash busting project, using mini skeins, scraps, and partial balls of yarn. Any colors, any order, have some fun!
Notes: Modelled by Evin. Styled by Martina Leahy. Photo by Niall Twamley.
Elara Shawl
This top-down triangle shawl includes purl stitches, eyelets, and bobbles for a delightful combination of textures.
The story behind the design: Elara is the eighth-largest moon of Jupiter. This design reflects the moon’s shape through purl stitches, eyelets, and bobbles.
Yarns used in sample: The shawl is knit with Eve Chambers Textiles SOCK in her Flamingo Moon colorway. Read my Interview with Eve Chambers Textiles, Hand-dyer.
Construction, shape, and style: Top-down triangle rich in texture.
Finished measurements: Once blocked, the shawl measures 69cm (h) x 150cm (w).
Generally, which yarns work best: This design works best with a semi-solid or solid colorway in 4ply/sock/fingering to show off the texture. This pattern will not suit self-striping colorways which would overshadow the textures. This works really well as a stash busting project, using mini skeins, scraps, and partial balls of yarn in a fade or similar color scheme.
Notes: Modelled by Evin. Photo by Niall Twamley.
Falling Petals Shawl
Lacy shawls enthral and intimidate me, so I developed this design from my longing to create one that is an ideal first lace knitting project. After each row’s instructions, the stitch count is noted in parenthesis.
The story behind the design: It reminds me of the end of Spring when the Cherry Blossom trees shed their petals, like nature’s confetti. Which is especially fitting since the Dragonfly Fibres colorway is Springtime In Washington.
Yarns used in sample: It was knit with Dragonfly Fibres Lace yarn 957yd / 875m / 125g (Springtime in Washington colorway), but has been knit also in Sweet Georgia Cashluxe Fine 840yd / 768m / 242g (Elderberry colorway)
Construction, shape, and style: Top-down semi-circle-ish shawl is knit flat.
Finished measurements: 35in across at the straight edge; 13in from CO to lace edge straight down; 48in around the crescent lace edge (after blocking)
Generally, which yarns work best: You can use any skein of 4ply, the subtle eyelet pattern will shine with semi-solids or wild skeins, even self-striping. This works really well as a stash busting project, using mini skeins, scraps, and partial balls of yarn in a fade or similar color scheme.
Notes: Modelled by Evin.
Porch Light Shawl
This fun, sideways asymmetrical triangle shawl grows as you knit it. You can keep going as long as you like – or your skeins allow – making this a flexible pattern. There is a subtle eyelet detail along the edge.
The story behind the design: The warm illumination of a porch light shares its beam to cast shadows and play with light in the night. Insects flock to its mesmerizing glow.
Yarns used in sample: This shawl is started on the narrow end with Martin’s Lab BOUNCY SPORT to balance the weight of the wider end, which is in 4ply/sock/fingering weight. The yarns shift and include My Mama Knits CHOUFUNGA SOCK and Green Elephant BFL SOCK in Rosa.
Construction, shape, and style: This sideways asymmetrical triangle shawl is knit flat. Started small and grows wider, can be continued as wide as you’d like the final shawl to be.
Finished measurements: Length: 170cm. Width: 4cm (at the starting end) and 133cm (at the widest end) (blocked)
Generally, which yarns work best: 3 100-gram skeins of sock weight yarn in a fade. Or start with a semi-solid in one color, finish with a semi-solid in another color, and have the centre color be a colourful or speckled yarn with both colors. This works really well as a stash busting project, using mini skeins, scraps, and partial balls of yarn.
Notes: Modelled by Georsan. Styled by Martina Leahy. Photo by Niall Twamley.
School Gate Shawlette
This bottom-up crescent-shaped shawlette features two lace patterns. The body of shawl is comprised of columns of eyelets reaching up to the top edge which is a texture-rich lattice design. Increases are made along the edge.
The story behind the design: This pattern is inspired by the ironwork openings and lattice textures of a school gate.
Yarns used in sample: The entire shawl is knit with one six-skein mini fade set, which has a total of 552yds/504m, 120g. This shawl is Les Belles Lainages 4ply Merino Singles (92yds/84m,20g, 100% Merino Wool). 6 mini skeins used (total 552yds/504m, 100g).
Construction, shape, and style: Bottom-up crescent-shaped shawlette with two lace designs, knit in a mini skein fade set (120g total) with the rich texture and burst of color beside the face.
Finished measurements: 18.5in H x 73.5in W / 47cm H x 187cm W (blocked)
Generally, which yarns work best: You can create your own custom fade or mini skein sequence. It is an excellent stash busting pattern. This would also be a beautiful shawl to knit the body with a single 100g skein, then knit the top edge with a contrasting 20g mini skein. This works really well as a stash busting project, using mini skeins, scraps, and partial balls of yarn.
Notes: All proceeds from the sale of this pattern go to Every Child Is Your Child Ireland. Details HERE. Modelled by Evin. Photo by Optimus (age 8).
Related EvinOK Posts
Comprehensive List of Patterns to Use with Mini Skeins, Scraps & Yarn Calendar Sets
How to Create Your Own Yarn Calendar with Leftover Sock Scraps
If you want a few new sock mini skeins to mix into your existing leftovers, I listed some fun ones in my December Knitmas post.
How my friends, the Holiday Yarn ladies do their ADVENTurous Wrap KAL with mini skein swap in which you each buy a certain number of full skeins then one member breaks those down into equal mini skeins.
What have you knit lately with mini skeins? Do you have leftovers you don’t know what to do with – or have you found some fun destashing patterns, like Marseille did with the mini granny squares or Leftie? Do tell!