What to Knit with Leftover Yarn: 9 Free Patterns You’ll Love
Wondering what to knit with leftover yarn? I’ve got you covered! Check out my free knitting pattern page for inspiration and ideas.
If your yarn stash looks anything like mine, it’s a colorful mix of left over skeins from sweaters where I ordered too many, nearly-finished skeins and tiny yarn balls that are too nice to toss but too small for a full project. The eternal question pops up: what to knit with leftover yarn?
The truth is, those small bits can turn into some of the most satisfying projects you’ll ever make. Whether it’s a quick knit for gifting, a baby photo prop, or just something to use up those last few yards, I’ve gathered my favorite free patterns that answer what to knit with leftover yarn—and trust me, you’ll want to make them all.
Martha Headband
When it comes to what to knit with leftover yarn, the Martha Headband is one of my first picks. It’s worked lengthwise, which means you can easily adjust the length to match your yarn amount. The easy-to-memorize lace pattern makes it great for a quick evening knit—you can watch your favorite show and still keep up without losing your place.
I knit mine using Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday (affiliate link), and the stitch definition was perfect for showing off that lace design. This is one of those projects that looks complicated but isn’t. Plus, if you’ve got a few coordinating leftovers, you could even stripe it for a fun twist. It’s practical, pretty, and perfect for using up those DK or worsted-weight scraps you’ve been holding onto.
Newborn Everyday Beanie
If you’ve ever wondered what to knit with leftover yarn that’s meaningful, this one’s it. The Newborn Everyday Beanie is a tiny 1×1 rib hat that’s perfect for hospital donations or gifting to new parents. The stretchiness means it fits babies from about 6–12 lbs, and the simple design knits up quickly—ideal for when you have just half a skein left.
I knit mine with Bernat Softee Baby (affiliate link), and it came out beautifully soft and smooth, exactly what you want for delicate newborn skin. Because it uses such a small amount of yarn, you could easily make several hats from your leftovers. And if you love giving handmade gifts, this is a sweet and purposeful way to turn scraps into something special.
Newborn Everyday Beanie Free Pattern
Nicolas Headband
Still wondering what to knit with leftover yarn that feels stylish and functional? The Nicolas Headband might just be your next favorite. It starts in 1×1 rib, transitions into a small cable section, then finishes back in rib again. The changing textures make it engaging to knit while staying stash-friendly.
I used Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash (affiliate link) for mine, which holds up so well and gives the cables a crisp, defined look. It’s such a versatile pattern—you can make it thinner or wider depending on how much yarn you have. It’s a great option for leftovers from hat or mitten projects, and the cables give it that extra something that makes it look store-bought.
Peace Headband
Sometimes the simplest knits bring the most peace—literally! The Peace Headband is one of my favorite answers to what to knit with leftover yarn. It’s a mix of 1×1 ribbing and garter stitch, giving it that plush, stretchy feel that stays put when worn.
I used Premier Yarns Bamboo Chunky (affiliate link), which makes the texture pop and feels incredibly soft. This one’s also great for gift knitting—quick, easy, and flattering on everyone. You can even mix your scraps and alternate colors every few rows for a trendy striped version. When you need a mindful, relaxing project, this one’s perfect.
Lewis Bonnet
For those tiny baby skeins you can’t let go of, the Lewis Bonnet is a perfect stash-buster. If you’ve been debating what to knit with leftover yarn that’s both adorable and practical, this bonnet checks both boxes. It features beautiful cable details and an I-cord edge that gives it a polished finish.
Mine was knit with KnitPicks Comfy Worsted (affiliate link), which has a soft, buttery texture that makes it ideal for baby knits. This pattern uses small amounts of yarn, and since it’s worked flat, it’s great for mixing colors or striping if you have coordinating leftovers. It’s timeless, sweet, and a wonderful use for those small balls of cotton blends.
Mary Bonnet
Next up in my what to knit with leftover yarn lineup is the Mary Bonnet, a dainty lace bonnet with a picot face edge and I-cord ties. It’s delicate and airy, perfect for those smaller bits of light yarns.
I used KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link), and it gave the bonnet the perfect mix of structure and softness. This one’s particularly great for photo props or baby gifts—you don’t need much yarn at all. It’s also a fun way to practice lace if you’re newer to it, and the picot edging adds that lovely, handmade charm.
Simple Bulky Mittens
Sometimes the question what to knit with leftover yarn calls for something warm and practical—and the Simple Bulky Mittens are just that. These mittens knit up incredibly fast and use very little yarn, especially the toddler size. They’re perfect for using up chunky yarn scraps that aren’t quite enough for a hat.
I used Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Bulky (affiliate link) for mine, and they turned out soft, squishy, and warm. One of my favorite ways to use scraps in this pattern is to make striped mittens—just switch colors every few rows. The result looks intentional and fun, like you planned it all along. I’ve also used worsted and dk weight scraps held double for a marled look.
If you’re like me and can’t stand to see even small leftovers go to waste, this pattern will become a winter favorite.
Simple Bulky Mittens Free Pattern
September Socks
If your question is what to knit with leftover yarn in the sock-weight category, then the September Socks are your answer. These are classic top-down, heel-flap socks that can easily be made striped using all your small bits of fingering yarn.
I’ve made several pairs of these using my sock leftovers, and they’re always so fun to knit because every pair turns out unique. You can even use this same pattern to make baby socks! It’s a perfect stash-buster for knitters who always have little bits of sock yarn hiding in baskets or jars.
If you love playing with color combinations and hate wasting beautiful hand-dyed yarns, this is the pattern to try next.
Cable Crossbody Bag
When I first started wondering what to knit with leftover yarn, this project was one of my proudest moments. The Cable Crossbody Bag was originally made from the leftover yarn from a sweater I had just finished. It features a cable center panel on both sides, raglan-style increases up the edges for shaping, and an optional cloth lining with a zipper.
I used KnitPicks CotLin (affiliate link), and it held up beautifully. The bag’s texture is sturdy and detailed, and the cables add such a lovely handmade touch. The best part? You can make this bag with partial skeins of cotton yarn, and it still looks cohesive. It’s both practical and stylish—perfect for turning forgotten yarns into something you’ll actually use every day.
Cable Crossbody Bag Free Knitting Pattern
More Ideas for What to Knit with Leftover Yarn
Even after these nine projects, you might still have scraps left—don’t worry, I always do too. Here are a few more quick suggestions for what to knit with leftover yarn:
- Scrap blankets – Join yarns together with Russian joins and make a striped blanket over time.
- Colorwork accessories – Use tiny bits for colorwork motifs in hats or mittens.
- Pom-poms and tassels – Perfect for adding flair to hats or scarves.
- Mini gifts – Think mug cozies, bookmarks, or little knitted hearts for gifting.
The possibilities really are endless. Every leftover ball of yarn has potential—you just need the right project.
Why You’ll Love Knitting from Leftovers
Part of the joy of figuring out what to knit with leftover yarn is that it feels like you’re getting something for free. You already bought the yarn once, used most of it, and now you’re squeezing out a bonus project. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to knit—it keeps small scraps out of the trash and puts them to good use.
Another perk is creativity. When you’re limited by what’s in your stash, you think differently. You might combine fibers or colors you wouldn’t normally try—and sometimes, that’s where the most beautiful projects come from. There’s a certain freedom in letting the yarn decide what it wants to become.
So, what to knit with leftover yarn? The answer is—pretty much anything! From headbands to bonnets, mittens to bags, those little bits can turn into beautiful and practical knits you’ll actually use and love.
Whether you’re looking for something quick, giftable, or just satisfying to make from what you already have, each of these free knitting patterns makes the most of your yarn stash and your creativity.
You can find all of them (and hundreds more!) over on my free knitting pattern page.
Now I’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite way to use up leftover yarn? Tell me in the comments below!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through those links. Thank you for supporting my knitting designs!
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