57 Stash Busting Knitting Patterns
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see 57 stash-busting knitting patterns.
All knitters have a yarn stash full of one-skein wonders and leftovers from other projects.
A great way to use them up is to choose projects like knitted dishcloths, trendy hats, gloves, or baby knits.
You could also choose larger projects like striped sweaters, striped baby blankets, or a scrap yarn throw blanket with stripes.
Related Post: 10 Free Knitted Dishcloth Patterns
What Does Stash Buster Mean?
A “stash buster” refers to a project or pattern that is designed to help knitters use up their yarn stash, particularly leftover or odd bits of yarn from previous projects.
Knitters often stockpile various yarns over time, and sometimes they end up with small amounts of yarn that aren’t sufficient for larger projects on their own.
A stash buster pattern typically uses multiple colors or different types of yarn and blends them creatively to create a new and interesting design.
These patterns can range from simple and repetitive projects like scarves, hats, or blankets, to more intricate and complex designs like multi-colored garments or accessories with colorwork.
They can also be a fun way for knitters to experiment with color combinations and test their creativity by mixing and matching different yarns to achieve unique and eye-catching results.
Shopping Your Own Stash
If you feel like you need to make room in your collection for a new yarn or two.
Shop your own stash, and make fun projects with the fun yarns you already own!
Our yarn stashes are just waiting to be used up.
How Do You Organize A Yarn Stash?
Keeping track of your yarn stash is essential for any yarn crafter to stay organized and make the most of their supplies.
Here are some easy tips you can use to manage your yarn stash:
- Inventory spreadsheet: Create a spreadsheet using software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Include columns for yarn brand, color, weight, fiber content, quantity, and any notes or project ideas. This method allows you to easily sort and search your stash by various criteria.
- Yarn tags or labels: Attach labels or tags to your yarn skeins or balls with relevant information like yarn type, color, and yardage. You can use physical tags or create printable labels and attach them using a string or safety pin.
- Ziplock bags or clear bins: Sort your yarn by color or type and store them in clear plastic bags or transparent bins. This way, you can easily see what you have without having to open every container.
- Yarn stash notebook or binder: Use a dedicated notebook or binder to write down details about each yarn skein or ball, including its origin, price, and intended use.
- Yarn sample cards: Create small swatches of each yarn in your stash and attach them to index cards with relevant information. This method is particularly useful for color matching and comparing textures.
- Digital photo catalog: Take photos of your yarn stash and organize them in folders on your computer or smartphone. You can add descriptions or notes to the image files.
- Categorize by project: If you have specific projects in mind for certain yarn, group those yarns together so you can easily access them when you’re ready to start the project.
One Skein Knitting Patterns
A great way to use up the leftover skeins you may have is to look for one skein patterns.
You can make hats, mittens, fingerless gloves, a tea cosy, and perhaps even a cowl.
These all make great gifts, so even if you don’t want them for yourself, you can donate them or gift them.
What About A Stash Busting Blanket?
Smaller projects may take you a while to use up those leftovers but a larger project like a blanket will do it much faster.
Think of a patchwork blanket or stripes and those yarn scraps will definitely become useful.
Baby blankets or larger throw blankets can be made with lots of different colors, weights, and textures.
More Yarn Stash Patterns
If you want to see more patterns that will help you to use up your scrap yarn, then take a look at this post: 20 Patterns To Use Up Your Yarn Stash.
This pattern roundup includes both knitting and crochet patterns.
There are many small projects to choose from as well as larger projects like blankets.
You may also like this crochet pattern round-up – 50 Stash Busting Crochet Patterns (Quick Projects)
The round-up includes patterns like face scrubbies, baskets, granny square designs, and more.
57 Stash Busting Knitting Patterns
Choose a new project to cast on and use up those yarns you have in your yarn stash.
There are 57 patterns to choose from, ranging from smaller projects to larger projects.
Scrap Yarn Shawl Knitting Pattern
This scrap yarn shawl is an asymmetrical shawl knit in garter stitch with worsted weight yarn and 5 mm (US 8) needles.
The shawl is a great stash buster knit in stripes to use up those mini skeins or one-skein wonders in your yarn stash.
Celtic Cable Dishcloth Knitting Pattern
Make your own dishcloths featuring the intricate Celtic cable knit stitch pattern.
Grab a skein of your favorite cotton yarn and get ready to knit a new dishcloth or two!
Irish Moss Stitch Dishcloth Knitting Pattern
Make an easy knitted dishcloth with a textured Irish moss stitch pattern for your home.
Great for beginners who are learning basic knitting stitches.
And the best part is you don't even need a whole skein of yarn.
Dishcloth Knitting Patterns {To Practice Basic Knitting Stitches}
Dishcloth knitting patterns to practice basic knitting stitches.
Make a set of three knitted dishcloths each with knit and purl stitches.
Including the garter stitch, the stocking stitch, and the moss stitch.
Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern (Free + Easy For Beginners)
Make fun dishcloths for your kitchen with this free pattern.
This is a great pattern for a beginner knitter as it teaches you how to knit garter stitch, how to increase through yarn overs, and how to decrease.
Plus it’s a great stash buster so you can use up those small bits of yarn in your stash.
How To Knit The Linen Stitch (Tutorial + Pattern)
Make useful dishcloths and learn how to knit the linen stitch with this free pattern.
Plus there is a video tutorial to help you along.
Free Knitted Dishcloth Patterns
Free knitted dishcloth patterns including lots of easy designs for you to choose from.
Great for beginner knitters to practice their skills.
Tea Cosy Knitting Pattern
Make this lovely tea cosy with this free pattern.
It’s an easy knitting pattern that looks great knit in any color of your choice.
The cozy is made with DK weight yarn and 1 pair of 4mm (US 6) knitting needles.
Plus it's a creative stash buster!
Coaster Knitting Pattern {Herringbone Stitch}
Make a set of knitted coasters with this coaster knitting pattern.
Easy to make and great for using up leftover yarns in your yarn stash.
This set of coasters features a unique pattern – the herringbone stitch.
Baby Beanie Hat Pattern {Cable Knit}
This baby beanie hat pattern is a great project for anyone who loves knitting cables.
The hat is knit with worsted/Aran yarn and uses less than 1 skein in total (with two colors).
A perfect quick knit gift. x
How To Knit A Hat With Straight Needles
Make a simple hat with this free knitting pattern.
This pattern will show you how to knit a hat with straight needles for complete beginners, worked flat, back and forth.
This cool toned beanie is a great project for anyone who is learning how to knit.
Dog Jumper Knitting Pattern - Rainbow Stripes
Make a colorful dog jumper with rainbow stripes with this free knitting pattern.
This bright sweater will make anyone you pass on your daily walks smile.
Made in rainbow stripes, you can knit this dog jumper in any color you like!
Knitted Heart Pattern {Quick + Easy!}
Make a tiny knitted heart with this free pattern.
Perfect for using up scrap yarns and donating to a worthy cause.
Plus they will make a perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day decor.
You can use any yarn you like from your favorite DK to heavier weight yarns.
Baby Blanket Pattern (Patchwork + 4 Stitch Patterns)
Make an adorable baby blanket with this free pattern.
You will see four different stitch patterns within this blanket design.
The knit baby blanket is made up of 16 squares in total, made separately, then stitched together.
This project is a fun stash busting challenge as you can use any different yarn color you like.
Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern
This dog sweater knitting pattern has three sizes, so whatever dog breed you have, you can make something that will fit.
You can knit with the stripes or without, using one block color if that is your preference.
Knitted Pumpkin Pattern {Easy And Quick}
Make an easy and quick knitted pumpkin with free pattern.
All you need is lightweight (03) yarn (DK yarn) in orange with scraps of brown for the stalk.
This was knit up quite quickly and used leftovers in my yarn stash, around 20g per pumpkin.
This cute little pumpkin is a perfect stash-busting project.
Corner To Corner Baby Blanket Pattern
Cast on a new project with this super easy corner-to-corner baby blanket pattern.
The blanket is C2C meaning that you knit the blanket diagonally from corner to corner.
I made this blanket in three pastel shades of chenille yarn, making it warm, soft, and snuggly for babies.
For more baby blanket knitting patterns check out this post- 15 Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns
Baby Booties Knitting Pattern For Beginners
Make your little cuties a pair of cotton knit booties for the warmer weather with this baby booties knitting pattern for beginners.
You need around 50g of yarn for the booties.
Easy Mittens Knitting Pattern
This easy mittens knitting pattern is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit in the round using the magic loop technique.
You need one skein of super bulky yarn to make the mittens.
Make one in your favorite solid color yarn.
Pumpkin Knitting Pattern {Beginner Friendly!}
Learn how to knit a pumpkin with this beginner pumpkin knitting pattern.
With a step-by-step photo tutorial and a video tutorial, you will be able to make your pumpkins in no time at all!
Puppy Sweater Knitting Pattern {XS Puppy)
This puppy sweater knitting pattern is really easy and can be made in around 2-3 hours.
Perfect for an XS puppy, this sweater will keep them warm on the coldest of days.
You need one skein of super bulky yarn to make the sweater.
Tartan Christmas Decorations | Knitting Pattern
Make tartan Christmas ornaments with this free knitting pattern.
This a great project to try out if you love knitted decorations.
Knit Placemat Pattern
Make a placemat with this free knitting pattern.
This knit placemat pattern is great for those of you out there who love a simple knit and quick project.
You can make a set of placemats in all sorts of color combinations, from neutrals to holiday reds.
Knitted Bow Tie {Stash Busting Pattern}
Make a quick and easy bow tie for your fur baby with this free pattern.
This pattern is a great stash buster, using up leftovers in your yarn stash.
Striped Socks Knitting Pattern
This striped socks knitting pattern is a great pattern for those of you out there who love stripes!
You can make a pair of socks in all sorts of color combinations, from neutrals to pastel hues and bold brights.
The perfect project if you have leftover sock yarn.
A sock pattern is a great way to work on a small project during work breaks or when you are traveling.
Pumpkin Knitting Patterns
Make these easy pumpkins with this free pattern.
They would look great for Halloween or as table decor, party decor or to use as Thanksgiving decor.
There are 3 sizes to make, including small, medium, and large.
Candy Corn Hat Knitting Pattern
Make a candy corn hat that will be perfect for fall with this free knitting pattern.
This is a great project for anyone who is new to knitting as it is knit back and forth on straight needles, then seamed.
You can make this hat for you or your kids.
Cable Knit Pumpkin Pattern
Knit beautiful cable pumpkins with this free knitting pattern.
Perfect to add to your home decor.
Knitted Halloween Treat Bags {Candy Corn Colors}
Make fun Halloween street bags with this free pattern.
The knitted bags are great for gift giving, placing a small bag of candy inside or a chocolate bar treat.
12 Beginner Pumpkin Knitting Patterns
Knit a pumpkin patch of decorative pumpkins to complete your home fall decor.
Each pumpkin is made with a different beginner knitting stitch and the is a video tutorial to help you along.
Little simple projects that will help you practice your basic skills.
Cable Knit Hat Pattern
This cable knit hat pattern is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit cables in the round.
You need one skein of super bulky yarn to make the hat.
Cable Knit Mittens Pattern
This cable knit mittens pattern is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit cables in the round.
You need one skein of super bulky yarn to make the mittens.
Snow Mountain Mittens Pattern
This snow mountain mittens pattern will knit up quickly and the finished mitts will definitely keep your hands warm in the snow!
This project uses around one skein of super bulky yarn in total - with two colors.
Roger's Ribbed Beanie From Outlander {Easy Knit}
Make an easy ribbed hat with this free knitting pattern.
This is a basic hat pattern knit in the round for those of you who are advanced beginner-level.
This hat uses one skein of yarn only.
Fingerless Mittens Pattern | Outlander Claire
This fingerless mittens pattern will knit up quickly and the finished mitts will definitely keep your hands warm.
You need 100g / one skein of worsted weight yarn to make the mittens
Cable Knit Arm Warmers {Outlander Patterns}
This cable knit arm warmers pattern will allow you to create large, medium, and small twisted cables in an intricate design.
For this project I used two yarns knit together, to give a fluffy texture.
Outlander Claire's Cable Knit Wrist Warmers
The Outlander Claire’s cable knit wrist warmers pattern will allow you to create large twisted cables in an intricate design.
This design uses around 100g of worsted weight yarn.
Fingerless Gloves Pattern {Cable Knit}
This fingerless gloves pattern will allow you to practice a 4-stitch cable and the finished mitts will look great made in any colour.
Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern {From Small to 3X}
Make a striped sweater with this free knitting pattern.
This sweater can be made in any stripe color combination.
Clutch Bag Pattern (Bamboo Stitch Knit)
Make this fun summer bag with this free knitting pattern.
Perfect for all of your summer outings.
The Sea Glass Shawl Knitting Pattern
Perfect for those breezy summer days and nights at the beach take a look at my sea glass shawl knitting pattern.
An advanced beginner knit, this knitted shawl is light and airy and made from 100% cotton.
This can be made in any color combination.
Mariner's Hat Pattern
This mariner’s hat knitting pattern will work up into the perfect ribbed beanie!
The hat is stretchy as it is knit all in the rib stitch, so will fit a variety of adult head sizes.
Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern {Unisex Mariner's Hat}
This ribbed beanie knitting pattern is a great project for anyone who wants to make a hat that never goes out of style!
Irish Moss Stitch Hat Pattern
This Irish moss stitch hat pattern is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit in the round.
Men's Hat Pattern | The Hektor
This simple striped men’s hat pattern is an excellent advanced beginner project.
3 colors - super bulky yarn.
Scrap yarns can be used, as you do not need a full skein for each color.
Ponytail Hat Knitting Pattern
This simple women’s ponytail hat knitting pattern is an excellent beginner project, for anyone who wishes to learn how to knit in the round.
1 skein (or leftover yarn) of super bulky yarn (Lion Brand wool ease thick and quick in grey marble) and leftovers of another color, I used Lion Brand wool ease thick and quick in wheat.
Messy Bun Hat Pattern
This simple women’s messy bun hat pattern is an excellent beginner project, for anyone who wishes to learn how to knit in the round.
1 x skein of super bulky yarn (in black) suitable for size 10.00mm (US 15) needles.
27 Boot Cuffs Knitting Patterns
The easy boot cuffs are easy to make and can be made using only one skein of yarn.
They are great for beginners, using knit and purl stitches to create ribbing and stocking stitches.
Bobble Hat Knitting Pattern | The Demetra
This bobble hat knitting pattern would make a great project to make for the colder weather.
The knitted beanie hat is a relatively easy pattern and can introduce you to working with three yarns.
3 color - scrap yarns of super bulky yarn (in dark brown, brown, and light brown) suitable for size 10.00mm (US 15) needles.
Japanese Knot Bag Knitting Pattern - Free + Simple
Make a versatile summer bag with this free knitting pattern.
The benefit of making a Japanese knot bag is that you can make one over a weekend, using worsted-weight yarn and 5 mm (US 8) knitting needles.
Dog Cowl Pattern (Easy Knit)
Make a dog cowl pattern that is great for stash busting.
If you love Harry Potter knitting patterns, here is a dog cowl pattern inspired by the Gryffindor house colors.
Always ready for getting up to no good this cowl perfectly matches his mischief-managed dog sweater.
Dog Bandana Knitting Pattern
Make an adorable dog bandana with this free knitting pattern.
This pet bandana is a really easy and quick project for any dog lover.
Your furry friend will look super cute wearing this knitted dog scarf.
Baby Socks Knitting Pattern (Stripes)
Make adorable baby socks with this free knitting pattern.
This baby socks knitting pattern is great for those of you out there who love knitting socks and what could be sweeter than a tiny pair of baby socks in candy-colored stripes?!
You can make these socks in all sorts of color combinations, from rainbow brights to soft pastel shades and neutrals.
You can make as many pairs of socks as you want.
Baby Girl Slippers Knitting Pattern
Knit cute baby girl slippers with this free knitting pattern.
Made in one piece and then seamed, the slippers are a basic beginner-level project.
This is an easy free knitting pattern and will make a great gift for friends or family.
Plus it's a perfect way to polish away your yarn leftovers.
Sheep Baby Booties Knitting Pattern
Make fluffy little booties with this free knitting pattern.
These little baby booties will not only look awesome but will keep the baby’s feet really warm.
Made from a baby yarn called snuggly by Sirdar, they are soft and fluffy to touch.
Baby knitting is so much fun and when you make cute animal slippers like these knitted baby booties you will want to make more.
Baby Shoes Knitting Pattern (Mary Jane Style)
Make a pair of Mary Jane’s with this free knitting pattern.
The only thing cuter than little baby feet is the adorable knit booties and slippers that keep them warm.
You’ll fall in love with this pattern and make up a pair of flower-trimmed knitted slippers in no time!
Pirate Baby Booties Pattern (3 Sizes)
Make fun pirate booties with this free knitting pattern.
These pirate baby booties will keep the baby afloat on the high seas and not be afraid of walking the plank!
Made with 100% cotton, these booties have a lightweight yet durable feel and will make any outfit look awesome.
How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
Make a tiny baby hat with this free knitting pattern.
This is a basic pattern for those of you who are beginner-level.
Baby hats are perfect for using stash yarn.
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If you enjoyed making any of the items listed, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy knitting!
