Hello folks, I’m in the process of organizing my yarn. I face a dilemma because I do not know what to do with the project leftover yarn. The project leftover yarn has accumulated quite a bit over the years I’ve been knitting or crocheting.
I sometimes have a whole skein or two left over and sometimes just a small amount of yarn left over. With a skein or two of leftover yarn, making a hat, a dishcloth, or other small knitted items is possible. I have made such items in the past. I have also donated leftover skeins of yarn to charity.
The small amount of project leftover yarn puzzles me. I have no idea what to do with these bits of yarn leftover from a knitting or crochet project. Below is a picture of a small sample of the leftover yarn that I have. I probably have about 2 bags full of these bits and pieces of yarn.
Leftover yarn a, b, c, d, and e in the image above are from these knitting and crochet projects:
a. Sweaterb. Sweaterc. Blanket (crochet)d. Hate. Cushion Cover (crochet)
Is there something I can make out of this that is aesthetically pleasing? It’s hard for me to find the time. I struggle to find the motivation to mix them up to knit or crochet something. I don’t find the prospect of just knitting or crocheting for the sake of making something very appealing.
Your Suggestions/Feedback:
Do you also have an accumulation of project leftover yarn? Comment below on how you deal with these bits and pieces of project leftover yarn?
The Skp is a method used to decrease one stitch in knitting. Skp means to slip 1 stitch, either knitwise or purlwise. Then, knit 1 stitch. Finally, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch. Unlike K2tog (Tutorial Series: K2tog and P2tog) which is a right slanting decrease, Skp is a left slanting decrease. When you slip the stitch knitwise or purlwise, the knitting looks different. This topic is covered in the Tutorial Series: Slipping Stitches (knitwise and purlwise). A knitting pattern usually will specify how to slip a stitch. Below are samples of Skp knitwise and Skp purlwise.
The video and written instructions below show how to slip stitches knitwise and purlwise for right-hand knitting.
Slip, Knit, Pass (Skp):Video below shows how to Skp knitwise and then purlwise
Written Instructions for Skp (knitwise and then purlwise):
Slip the next stitch (knitwise or purlwise) on the left knitting needle onto the right knitting needle
Slipped Stitches are stitches that have not been worked (knitted or purled) with the working yarn. These stitches are just transferred from the left knitting needle to the right knitting needle. The stitches can be slipped to the right knitting needle either knitwise or purlwise. A knit pattern will usually specify how the stitches are to be slipped. Otherwise the default is to slip stitches purlwise. Below is a garter stitch sample with stitches slipped either knitwise or purlwise on the right side. These slipped stitches are then purled on the wrong side of the work. There is some difference in how the stitches look when slipped knitwise versus when they are slipped purlwise.
Slipped stitches can be used at the end of the row to create a neat border edge. The Hydrangea Dishcloth is one example where I’ve used slipped stitches at the end of the rows. The Knotted Dishcloth also uses slipped stitches for a neat border edge. Slipped stitches are used to create textured patterns in knitting. The Dotted Dishcloth is an example where slipped stitches create a textured knit stitch pattern. The Light Unexpected Find Wrap as well as The Unexpected Find Wrap also uses the same technique. Slipped stitches are also used in colorwork knitting such as mosaic knitting. An example of slipped stitches in colorwork knitting is The Brick and Mortar Dishcloth.
The video and written instructions below show how to slip stitches knitwise and purlwise for right-hand knitting.
Slipping Stitches (Knitwise):
Slipping Stitches (Knitwise) written instructions:
Insert the right knitting needle from back to front in the front loop of the first stitch on the left knitting needle
Holding the stitch with the right needle, slip the first stitch off the left knitting needle and onto the right knitting needle
Slipping Stitches (Purlwise):
Slipping Stitches (Purlwise) written instructions:
Insert the right knitting needle from front to back in the front loop of the first stitch on the left knitting needle
Holding the stitch with the right knitting needle, slip the stitch off the left knitting needle and onto the right knitting needle
Leave a comment below on how you use slipped stitches in your knitting
It’s the end of September and the leaves have begun to show their glorious autumnal colors. Nature is preparing to slow down and there is anticipation in the air. It’s a season to pause, to wait. We expect and linger to admire the glorious colors of autumnal leaves. We know that pretty soon the trees will be bare and Nature will rest for a few months. As a knitter/crocheter I wait for this season to start knitting with wool yarn again. It’s a season of fiber festivals and warm beverages. A season to curl up with our knitting/crochet projects and dream of all the new things to make.
The Waiting Season Cowl is a rectangular scarf crocheted using the alternate crochet moss stitch like the Silky Long Scarf. The bind off edge is then joined to the side of the rectangular scarf to make the cowl. Stitches are picked up at the collar edge to knit a few rounds of 1×1 ribbing. The bottom edge of the cowl is finished with a round of the crochet moss. After that, a round of crochet shell stitch is added to complete the bottom edge of the cowl. The fingering weight budget friendly yarn is 100% superwash merino wool. This hand dyed tonal yarn reflects the vibrant autumnal colors. The Waiting Season Cowl was such an enjoyable project to crochet and knit.
The Waiting Season Cowl Pattern (text and images for personal use only)
Materials Needed: Yarn: Yarn Bee Authentic Hand-Dyed Tonal in Chestnut Ember Colorway (this colorway may not be currently available) Gauge: 6.5 stitches per inch in the variation crochet moss stitch pattern after blocking Crochet hook: US size E-4 (3.50 mm) and US size G-6 (4.00 mm) Circular Knitting Needle: US size 4 (3.50 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needle Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Abbreviations: sc: single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet) […]: pattern repeat Skill Level: Advanced Beginner pattern with single crochet, crochet increases and decreases, crochet slip stitches, knit rib stitch, and crochet chains
The making of the Waiting Season Cowl can be divided into four parts:
The corner to corner rectangle crochet scarf
The joining of the top edge to the side of the scarf
Knitting the collar of the cowl with a 1×1 rib stitch
Finishing the bottom edge of the Cowl with a crochet shell stitch border
Row 1 (RS): Single crochet, chain 1 in the second foundation chain stitch from the crochet hook, sc, chain 1 again in the same second stitch and turn
Row 2 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, skip a stitch and sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn (4 stitches)
Row 3 (RS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, sc in the same stitch again, chain 1, skip a stitch, and sc in the last stitch, chain 1, sc in the same last stitch again, chain 1 and turn
Row 4 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch, sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn (8 stitches)
Row 5 (RS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, sc in the same stitch again, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch of the row, sc in the last stitch, chain 1, sc again in the same last stitch, chain 1 and turn
Row 6 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch, sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn (12 stitches)
Repeat Rows 5 and 6 of the increase section till 64 stitches in the row. The width can be increased by continuing repeats of Rows 5 and 6 till preferred width reached. The rectangle scarf part of the Waiting Season Cowl is 6 inches wide.
Length Extension Section:
Row 1 (RS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, sc in the same stitch again, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till 4 stitches left, insert crochet hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (there are 2 loops on the crochet hook), skip a stitch and insert hook in the last stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (three loops on the hook), yarn over and pull loop through the three loops on the hook, chain 1 and turn
Row 2 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch, sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 of the length extension section till preferred length is reached. The scarf part of the Waiting Season Cowl is 28 inches in length
Decrease Section:
Row 1 (RS): Skip the first stitch, insert crochet hook into the next stitch, wrap yarn around the crochet hook and pull the loop under and through that stitch (there are 2 loops on the crochet hook), skip a stitch and insert hook in the next stitch (4th stitch from the beginning), wrap yarn around the crochet hook and pull the loop under and through that stitch (three loops on the hook now), yarn over and pull loop through the three loops on the hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till 4 stitches left, insert crochet hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (there are 2 loops on the crochet hook), skip a stitch and insert hook in the last stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (three loops on the hook), yarn over and pull loop through the three loops on the hook, chain 1 and turn
Row 2 (WS): [Skip the first stitch and sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till 2 stitches left, sc in the last stitch, chain 1, and turn
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 of the decrease section till 4 stitches left. Facing the right side of the work, insert hook into the second stitch, yarn over and pull the working yarn through that stitch (2 loops on the hook). Skip a stitch and insert crochet hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull working yarn through that stitch (three loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull working yarn through all three loops. One loop remains on the crochet hook.
Crochet Moss Stitch Border (in the round):
Round 1: With the remaining loop on the hook, chain 2, sc in the same stitch again and chain 1 (beginning of round). Facing the top left corner of right side of the scarf turn counter clockwise
Pick up stitches in the crochet in moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 2, skip the next stitch and repeat) all along the left side. This will become the bottom edge of the cowl
At the bottom left corner edge stitch of the right side of the scarf, sc, chain 2, sc again in the same corner stitch, chain 1
Turn and pick up stitches in the crochet moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 1, skip the next stitch and repeat) along the bottom edge.
At the bottom right corner edge stitch of the right side of the scarf, sc, chain 2, sc again in the same corner stitch, chain 1
Turn and pick up stitches in the crochet in moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 1, skip the next stitch and repeat) going up all along the right side
At the top right corner edge stitch of the right side of the scarf, sc, chain 2, sc again in the same corner stitch, chain 1
Turn and pick up stitches in the last row in the crochet in moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 2, skip the next stitch and repeat) along that last row till the beginning of the round.
Insert hook into the chain 2 space of the beginning of round stitch, yarn over and pull working yarn through the remaining loop on the crochet hook.
The rectangular scarf (image below) measures 6 x 28 inches
2. Join Top Edge of Scarf to the Side Edge:
With the US Size E-4 (3.50 mm) and the remaining loop on the hook, join the top edge (6 inches) to 6 inches of the bottom of the right side edge (the crochet foundation chain edge) with the zig zag crochet slip stitch method (how to video below)
The joined cowl:
3. The Knitted Collar Edge:
Slip the remaining loop on the crochet hook to a US Size 4 (3.50 mm) 16 inch circular needle and yarn over. [Pick up 1 stitch from the chain 1 space of the crochet moss stitch border, yarn over], repeat […] all around the collar edge till the first loop (stitch). I picked up a total of 100 stitches including the yarn overs for the Waiting Season Cowl. Place a beginning of round marker and join round
Round 1: [Knit 1, purl the yarn overs] repeat […] till the beginning of round marker, slip marker Round 2: [K1, P1] repeat […] till the beginning of round marker, slip marker Repeat Round 2 thirteen more times Bind off in pattern using Jeny’s stretchy bind off method (video tutorials available on YouTube)
4. Finishing the Bottom Edge of the Cowl:
Make a slip knot. Insert a US size G-6 (4.00 mm) crochet hook into the first stitch of the zig zag crochet slip stitch join edge. Pull the slip knot through the first stitch (beginning of round) and chain 1.
Round 1 (Crochet Moss Stitch Border): [Insert crochet hook into the chain 2 space of the cowl bottom edge border, single crochet, chain 1], repeat […] till the corner edge stitch. At the corner edge stitch, single crochet, chain 1, single crochet again in the same stitch, chain 1 and turn. [Insert crochet hook into the chain 2 space of the crochet stitch border, single crochet, chain 1], repeat […] till the beginning of round stitch
Round 2 (Crochet Shell Stitch Border): [In the chain 1 space make 5 single crochets. Insert hook into the next chain 1 space and pull up a loop. Slip stitch into the loop on the hook, chain 1], repeat […] till the corner stitch. In the chain 1 space of the corner stitch make 6 single crochets. Insert hook into the next chain 1 space and pull up a loop. Slip stitch into the loop on the hook, chain 1. [In the next chain 1 space make 5 single crochets. Insert hook into the next chain 1 space and pull up a loop. Slip stitch into the loop on the hook, chain 1], repeat […] till the beginning of round stitch. Slip stitch into the first stitch of the round, break working yarn and pull through the stitch.
Weave in ends, wash and block the Waiting Season Cowl.
JoAnn Fabrics closed it stores May 2025. Of course I went on a yarn-buying spree there before it closed. I’m sure other knitters and crocheters did too. One of my purchases was KC Botanical by K+C Yarns, a yarn exclusive to JoAnn Fabrics. Unfortunately it’s not available now since the store has closed. While the yarn is discontinued, there may be some still be available on eBay, Amazon, etc. Yarn Sub offers a list of yarns the can be substituted for the KC Botanical yarn. This yarn is a bamboo viscose and cotton blend with a soft shiny sheen. It’s smooth and drapes well. I used this yarn in a different colorway to crochet The Favorite Things Cowl. The yarn is thick and made up of several (I counted 18) strands of thinner threads. Because of the several strands it has a tendency to split at times while crocheting. Overall I like this yarn and crocheted The Silky Long Scarf with it.
The Silky Long Scarf is a rectangular scarf. It is crocheted flat from corner to corner using a single crochet, chain one stitch pattern. The Silky Long Scarf like The Springtime Baby Blanket and Favorite Things Cowl starts with a chain of 2. There is an increase section, a length extension section, and a decrease section. In the increase section, four stitches are increased every other row. This continues until a specific number of stitches is reached. In the length extending section the number of stitches stays the same while the scarf increases in length. Finally in the decrease section, four stitches are decreased every other row down to one stitch. A crochet moss stitch in the round is used as a border to finish the scarf. The Silky Long Scarf pattern is beginner friendly and the length or the width can be customized easily.
The Silky Long Scarf Pattern (text and images for personal use only)
Materials Needed: Yarn: KC Botanical by K+C Yarn in the Camel colorway (2 skeins used for the scarf). An image of the yarn label with more information is shown below
Gauge: 4.5 stitches per inch in the variation crochet moss stitch pattern Crochet hook: US size H-8 (5.00 mm) Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Abbreviations: sc: single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet) […]: pattern repeat Skill Level: Beginner friendly pattern with single crochet and crochet chains
Crochet Foundation Chain:
Chain 2 using US size H-8 (5.00 mm) crochet hook
Increase Section:
Row 1 (RS): Single crochet, chain 1 in the second foundation chain stitch from the crochet hook, sc, chain 1 again in the same second stitch and turn
Row 2 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, skip a stitch and sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn (4 stitches)
Row 3 (RS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, sc in the same stitch again, chain 1, skip a stitch, and sc in the last stitch, chain 1, sc in the same last stitch again, chain 1 and turn
Row 4 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch, sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn (8 stitches)
Row 5 (RS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, sc in the same stitch again, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch of the row, sc in the last stitch, chain 1, sc again in the same last stitch, chain 1 and turn
Row 6 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch, sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn (12 stitches)
Repeat Rows 5 and 6 of the increase section till 28 stitches in the row. The width can be increased by continuing repeats of Rows 5 and 6 till preferred width reached. The Silky Long Scarf is about 5 inches wide.
Length Extension Section: There is an increase of two stitches in the beginning of the row and a decrease of two stitches at the end of the row.
Row 1 (RS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, sc in the same stitch again, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till 4 stitches left, insert crochet hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (there are 2 loops on the crochet hook), skip a stitch and insert hook in the last stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (three loops on the hook), yarn over and pull loop through the three loops on the hook, chain 1 and turn
Row 2 (WS): Single crochet in the second stitch from the crochet hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till the last stitch, sc in the last stitch, chain 1 and turn
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 of the length extension section till preferred length is reached. The Silky Long Scarf is about 94 inches in length
Decrease Section:
Row 1 (RS): Skip the first stitch, insert crochet hook into the next stitch, wrap yarn around the crochet hook and pull the loop under and through that stitch (there are 2 loops on the crochet hook), skip a stitch and insert hook in the next stitch (4th stitch from the beginning), wrap yarn around the crochet hook and pull the loop under and through that stitch (three loops on the hook now), yarn over and pull loop through the three loops on the hook, chain 1, [skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till 4 stitches left, insert crochet hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (there are 2 loops on the crochet hook), skip a stitch and insert hook in the last stitch, yarn over and pull the loop under and through that stitch (three loops on the hook), yarn over and pull loop through the three loops on the hook, chain 1 and turn
Row 2 (WS): [Skip the first stitch and sc in the next stitch, chain 1], repeat […] till 2 stitches left, sc in the last stitch, chain 1, and turn
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 of the decrease section till 4 stitches left. Facing the right side of the work, insert hook into the second stitch, yarn over and pull the working yarn through that stitch (2 loops on the hook). Skip a stitch and insert crochet hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull working yarn through that stitch (three loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull working yarn through all three loops. One loop remains on the crochet hook.
Crochet Moss Stitch Border (in the round):
Round 1:
With the remaining loop on the hook, chain 2, sc in the same stitch again and chain 1 (beginning of round). Facing the top left corner of right side of the scarf turn counter clockwise
Pick up stitches in the crochet in moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 2, skip the next stitch and repeat) all along the left side
At the bottom left corner edge stitch of the right side of the scarf, sc, chain 2, sc again in the same corner stitch, chain 2
Turn and pick up stitches in the crochet moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 2, skip the next stitch and repeat) along the bottom edge.
At the bottom right corner edge stitch of the right side of the scarf, sc, chain 2, sc again in the same corner stitch, chain 2
Turn and pick up stitches in the crochet in moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 2, skip the next stitch and repeat) going up all along the right side
At the top right corner edge stitch of the right side of the scarf, sc, chain 2, sc again in the same corner stitch, chain 2
Turn and pick up stitches in the last row in the crochet in moss stitch pattern (pick up a stitch and sc, chain 2, skip the next stitch and repeat) along that last row till the beginning of the round.
Insert hook into the chain 2 space of the beginning of round stitch, yarn over and pull working yarn through the remaining loop on the crochet hook.
Weave in the ends. Wash and block the Silky Long Scarf.
Coffee Tea Knits 