15 Fabulous & Free Ways to Use Up Leftover Sock Yarn

Leftover sock yarn isn’t just for socks! You can use leftover sock yarn to create a wide variety of delightful projects

I have all kinds of leftover yarn, but I probably have more leftover sock yarn than any other kind of yarn.

And that’s frustrating. Leftover sock yarn sometimes seems far too piddling to even consider saving it, let alone having any hope in being able to use it in another project.

That’s where the patterns listed here come in!

It probably seems obvious to you that you could make a new pair of socks with your leftover yarn (if you have a fair amount of it). But… you can do so much more than that!

In this collection you will find a whole lot more patterns than merely socks! You’ll find fingerless mitts, squares, scarves, and an assortment of whimsical yet practical goodies you’ll love.

Read on and enjoy the leftover goodness!

1. Using Leftover Sock Yarn As God Intended (Socks)

A Farewell to Yarns: More than simply a striped sock pattern, this pattern uses slipped stitches and colorwork to produce intricately patterned socks. You can plan colors carefully or throw caution to the winds!

Pilates or Yoga Socks: These are ordinary ribbed socks with openings for the toes and heels, making them perfect for yoga or Pilates enthusiasts.

2. Make a Blanket Out of It

Sock Yarn Squares: Sew these squares to make a beautiful afghan, use them separately as pretty coasters, or sew them together to make a scarf. These are just a few possible uses for these darling squares.

The Coziest Memory: This pattern works similarly to the previous pattern, except that rather than knitting individual squares that you sew together, you gradually add square after square within the knitting process. No sewing seams afterwards!

3. For Accessories You Can Wear

Leftover Sock Yarn Mitts: The beauty of these mitts is that they are knit from the fingerless cuffs downward, so you can stop knitting whenever you run out of yarn.

Unisex Leftover Sock Yarn Neckwarmer: Who couldn’t use a neckwarmer? No one, unless they live in the desert. This neckwarmer features corrugated ribbing and works for either a man or a woman.

Mini-Mania Scarf and Linen Stitch Scarf: Both of these scarves are knitted from side to side (rather than from one short end to another) to create long fringed stripes. They are very similar; just choose whichever pattern you feel is easiest to follow.

Smidge Headband: I love this simple, quick-knitting headband! It looks lovely and makes a great last-minute gift.

Chapstick Necklace: Know any young girls who are constantly losing their Chapsticks or lip gloss? This necklace is the perfect solution!

Elven Brooch: This beautiful design requires the triple-threat of knitting, crochet, and embroidery. If you’re feeling brave enough to take it on, you’ll be richly rewarded in beauty!

Bow Pouch: This is such a fun idea: a little pouch that you can wear on your wrist like a bracelet!

4. Practical and Playful Things You Can Use Around Your Home

Pinwheel Purse: Here’s a cute little idea that will knit up in no time. From the ingenious mind of Frankie Brown comes this fabulous little purse. This tiny purse’s design is based on origami, and the more colors of yarn you have, the more adorable it will be.

Olive Oil Drip Catcher: It couldn’t be simpler; pop this bit of ruffle around the mouth of the jar of olive oil (or any kind of oil, really), and it’ll catch those pesky drips. You can toss it in the washer periodically to make it good as new, too.

Jelly Rings: What a cute idea for leftover sock yarn! And don’t worry. I know it looks like you have to make a bunch of knitted I-cords (eek!). But you don’t!

Instead, you’ll create little strips of knitted stockinette stitch fabric and sew them together. The stockinette stitch rolls in on itself, and the sewn-together strips resemble tubes. Clever, isn’t it? Use it as a necklace, as a modern stylish scarf, or even as decoration for your home or tree during Christmas.

Reusable Produce Bag: This is an especially useful project if you enjoy frequenting farmers markets. Tuck this beauty into your pocket, then pull it out when you’re ready to take home your finds. The open pattern allows your produce to breathe on the trip home!

Sock Yarn Rug: This is actually a crochet pattern, not a knitting pattern. But I had to add it because it’s such a cute idea. And as a bonus, it’s a great way to practice your crochet skills, if they’re rusty.

Ready to use up some sock yarn? Get out those knitting needles (and/or your crochet hook) and let’s whittle down our leftover sock yarn stash!