The Promise of One Skein
Why one-skein projects are so popular, Shuffle Scarf pattern testing call, A Flash sale, etc.
As I was finishing up the sample for my next design, I started thinking about why one-skein projects are such a joy to knit.
Yarn-Focused One-Skein Projects
More often than not, one-skein projects are born out of a desire to showcase a precious skein.
In my own designing process, I work better within creative constraints. A design prompt that limits me to one skein never gets boring. One-skein projects become little challenges to solve: how much knitting fun can we pack into just one skein?
We often hear knitters talk about a special skein in their stash, patiently waiting for that perfect project!
If you like my newsletter, please consider sharing it with a friend. ♥️
Difficulty Levels in One-Skein Projects
Projects of all difficulty levels can be imagined within the bounds of one skein.
Newer knitters—those who have steadied their knits and purls, can choose a one-skein project for their first shawl, first lace piece, or first fingering-weight knit. Completing a whole skein in a single project can be a huge confidence boost.
Experienced knitters, on the other hand, may reach for a one-skein project to try out a new technique or simply to enjoy a beautiful stitch pattern.
Adaptable Projects
One-skein projects are also well-suited for experimenting with different yarn weights or adjustable sizing. They’re great exercises in yarn substitution and in making the most of what's available.
They also offer a guilt-free excuse to try a unique dye styles such as speckled, variegated, gradient, tonal, marled or a fiber blend we've never used before. And of course, they make lovely gifts, whether in skein form or as a finished item.
The Irresistible “One”
The most attractive part of a one-skein project is probably the “one.”
One skein is an irresistible invitation—a little luring promise… of yarn, of fun, of knitting, of being done. ♥️
Is there a favorite one-skein project you've made, or one you’re dreaming of casting on! I’d love to hear in the comments. ♥️
To let me know you liked what you read, you can also press the little heart icon at the bottom of the newsletter. ♥️ However, if you are clicking it from your inbox, you might have to wait until Substack opens in a browser and make sure the heart icon is indeed red. Thanks! 🥰
CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
A testing call went up in my Ravelry group this morning, for Shuffle Scarf.
Shuffle Scarf - Currently up for testing Please check my class schedule on Fillory Yarn website for the months of May and June and see if you are interested in any.
FEATURED PATTERN & A FLASH SALE
Soar Scarf can be knit using either one skein of sport weight yarn or one skein of fingering weight yarn. The unique V shaping is the highlight of this shawl and is enjoyed by many knitters.
I have a flash sale in my Ravelry store for you this weekend.
Through May 12, 2025 midnight PT, if you buy 3 patterns from my store, the least expensive one will be free. No code needed. ♥️
I hope you find some you like one-skein or otherwise, to knit up during the changing seasons. :)
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
READING UPDATES
Currently Reading 📖
The Grey Wolf - Louise Penny
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
Currently, this newsletter is free to subscribe. If you like my work, please consider these other ways to support:
Click the ❤️ at the bottom of this post. If you are reading from your email inbox, this will open substack in web browser. Please allow it to open and make sure you see the red heart.
Share your thoughts in comments. I am here for the conversations. I hope you are too!
Introduce this newsletter to a friend!
Buy my patterns. I hope you find something you like.
I accept any of these with immense gratitude. Thank you!
What a lovely newsletter today! :)
I had to impose a fingering ban on myself, bc while I was accumulating special skeins, I couldn't bring myself to use them and so in the end, I am faster knitting a full longsleeved sweater in size 5 for a very tall person than a single miniscarf XD
I have a project sitting, though, that uses one special skein and a coordinating cc, it's an alpaca blend in light grey with dark red spots for assigned pooling by ladybugyarn, the cc being also dark red. I started the "shawl for every body" by Fatimah Hinds, who has made it her goal to design patterns that use every last bit of the yarn suggested. (And some truly cool, cozy and creative cardigans!)
My most common ‘one skein’ project is the Wingspan although I have been known to use a different yarn for each panel just to use up little bits.