12 Sock Yarn Knitting Patterns That Aren’t Socks

I’m always looking for sock yarn knitting patterns. The thing is, I don’t really like knitting socks. It’s probably because I also dislike wearing them!

Just because I don’t like socks doesn’t mean I can’t like sock yarn. I’ve collected quite a bit in my stash, mostly in single skeins, and turned them into many things other than socks.

Most of the time, the only thing that sets sock yarn apart from every other kind of yarn is the label proclaiming it is sock yarn. Most of the hanks I’ve brought home are fingering weight and top out between 400 and 450 yards (~50 grams/1.75 ounces), hanks that could theoretically be knit into a pair of socks. All of these patterns can be made with one of these standard hanks of fingering-weight yarn.

1. Close to You Shawlette Knitting Pattern

Close to You is a fun knit that’s easy to follow. It’s a zigzagging cowl with a touch of eyelet lace. While working this one, it’s easy to get into the rhythm and commit it to memory.

Recommended yarn: Malabrigo Mechita

2. Favorite Scarf Ever Knitting Pattern

It’s easy to see why this is Lisa Bruce’s Favorite Scarf Ever: the repeating stitch pattern is easy to remember and the results are beautiful. This is a great project to tuck in your go-everywhere bag.

Recommended yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne

3. Dragonskin Treasure Bag Knitting Pattern

The cascading carried stitches of the Dragonskin Treasure Bag show up beautifully on solid and variegated yarns. If you’d like to carry larger treasures, it’s easy to increase the size of this textured bag.

Recommended yarn: Paton’s Kroy Socks

4. Knotty Gloves Knitting Pattern

These Knotty Gloves are beautiful fingered gloves with optional cabling. Choose a solid yarn to showcase the cables or, if omitting them, use a striped yarn to add interest.

Recommended yarn: Knit Picks Stroll

5. Leda Scarf Knitting Pattern

Leda is a lightweight scarf knit in delicate lace. When paired with a single hank of fingering-weight yarn in a gradient colorway, the result is stunning.

Recommended yarn: KnitPicks Stroll Gradient

6. Pioneer Gloves Knitting Pattern

Pioneer Gloves use a modified, widened rib pattern to ensure a solid fit. These fingerless gloves can be worn all day in all seasons, which is perfect if you have arthritis or a chilly office.

Recommended yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Alpaca Lace

7. Sockhead Slouch Hat & Cowl Knitting Patterns

The Sockhead Slouch Hat is the go-to for sock yarn knitting patterns that aren’t socks. Its newer cousin, The Sockhead Cowl, relies on similar methods to create a cozy over-the-head cowl. Both are simple to master and yield cozy results.

Recommended yarn: Skacel Zauberball

8. One for the Books Book Cover Knitting Pattern

One for the Books is a unique, functional knitting pattern. Cover your treasured tomes with this pattern to customize them or keep them safe from wear and tear.

Recommended yarn: Premier Yarns Serenity Sock

9. Summer Fling Tote Knitting Pattern

Summer Fling is a lovely tote that rests neatly on its flat bottom when it is put down. It can be worked in two colors (as pictured) or in a single color with only 350 yards.

Recommended yarn: Universal Yarns Bamboo Sock

10. Swirl Hat Knitting Pattern

Swirl Hat is a versatile pattern, available in sizes to fit preemies to adults. The namesake swirls form as increases and decreases are worked in a steadily repeating pattern.

Recommended yarn: Cascade Heritage Sock

11. Weightless Produce Bag Knitting Pattern

This Weightless Produce Bag can replace the grocery store’s disposable produce bags without adding too much to the scale. A single skein of fingering weight yarn should yield 4 to 5 produce bags!

Recommended yarn: Lotus Yarns Cotton Cashmere

12. Workday Scarf Knitting Pattern

The Workday Scarf is technically triangular, though it increases so little in the center that it can pass for a traditional scarf. The scalloped edge also contains a bit of lace. This is a perfect scarf for everyday wear.

Recommended yarn: Hikoo Cobasi

What’s your favorite thing to knit with sock yarn?