Snack Projects: 1–2 Skein Projects to Knit Between Big Ones
May 07 2025 – Angeles R
Sometimes you just need a little something to knit—nothing too complicated, nothing too long. That’s where snack projects come in. These are the in-betweeners: small, fun patterns that require little yarn. one skein or two, and give you the satisfaction of a quick finish without the pressure of a big commitment.
In this post, we’re sharing four of our favourite go-to snack projects, along with the perfect yarns to pair them with. Whether you're in between bigger knits, using up a special skein, or just craving a quick cast-on, there’s something here to keep your needles—and your creativity—buzzing.
Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit
Suggested yarn: Drury DK by Townhouse Yarns
One of the lovely things about the Sophie Scarf is that it’s written for DK weight yarn—so you get all the joy of a quick project, without the bulk of heavier yarns.
That means faster progress on your needles and a finished piece that still feels refined and elegant. We love it in Drury DK , a hand-dyed blend from Townhouse Yarns that’s equal parts plush and practical. With its buttery softness, springy texture, and a hint of cashmere, it gives beautiful stitch definition and drape—just right for a scarf that’s simple in construction but big on style. The best part? You only need one skein!
A Handy Knitting Tip from Joy:
To make the most of your skein, it’s worth weighing your yarn as you go. Cast on and work the increase section of the pattern, keeping an eye on the remaining weight. Once you’ve used up roughly half, that’s your signal to begin the decreases. This way, you can maximise the length of your scarf without worrying about running short!
Codebreaker Scarf by Xandy Peters
The real fun lies in the eyelet pattern—it’s not just decorative. It encodes a message of your choosing, using a stitch-based cipher that echoes the wartime tradition of covert communication through knitting. The designer gives clear instructions on how to make up your own code, stitching in a bit of secret history.
Suggested yarn: Fade St 4ply by Townhouse Yarns
For a project with subtle drama and drape, we’re pairing Codebreaker with Fade St 4ply from Townhouse Yarns. This luscious blend of 70% merino and 30% silk has a silky sheen and incredible softness, making it ideal for shawls with structure and flow. It's a single-ply yarn that shows off lacework beautifully and feels glorious against the skin. Fade St is one of our most popular bases for a reason—its hand-dyed colourways range from rich semi-solids to delicate speckles and bold variegated shades. Choose one that feels personal… just like your message.
A Note on Planning your Knit
Because the eyelets in this pattern form a coded message, the final length of your shawl—and how much yarn you’ll need—depends on the length of that message. The longer the code, the longer the scarf! So keep that in mind as you plan your version. You can always play around with shorter or simpler phrases if you want to keep things compact.
Scribble Lace Stole by Lisa Sisk
If you’re after a bit of instant gratification, the Scribble Lace Shawl ticks every box. This modern stole-style wrap is a real showstopper, pairing chunky yarn texture with airy lightness for a striking contrast. It’s knit on 9mm needles, so it works up quickly, and the finished piece has just the right mix of drama and elegance. You’ll need one skein of a super bulky yarn, a touch of laceweight fluff, and a few easy evenings to make something seriously eye-catching.
Suggested Yarns
We love Lanalpaca by Urth Yarns for this project—it’s luxuriously soft and full of cosy texture. A 50/50 blend of Super Baby Alpaca and Merino Wool, it’s warm, plump, and incredibly squishy, making it ideal for oversized accessories. At a super bulky weight, it knits up in no time and gives the shawl its lovely structure.
To add contrast and that signature scribble effect, pair it with something floaty and fine like Tynn Silk Mohair. This laceweight beauty blends mohair, wool, and silk for an ethereal, slightly fuzzy finish. It brings a bit of lightness and movement, softening the bold texture of Lanalpaca and adding depth without weight.
Get the pattern for FREE
Here’s the best bit: the Scribble Lace Shawl pattern is free when you buy a skein of Lanalpaca from our website. It’s our way of saying thanks—and helping you dive straight into a snack project that’s as satisfying to knit as it is to wear.
Headband with a Twist
Sometimes the simplest projects are the most satisfying—and this stylish little headband is a perfect example. Worked flat in a soft English rib, it’s cosy, comfy, and a brilliant way to dip into texture without much fuss. The clever twist in the centre hides the seam and gives the finished piece a polished look that elevates even the most basic outfit. Quick to knit and easy to size, it’s a great option for last-minute gifts or chilly morning accessories.
Why We Love It
This is exactly the kind of project that proves small doesn’t mean boring. It’s fast, fun, and endlessly useful. Whether you’re stash-busting or treating yourself to a fresh skein in a new shade, this headband makes a lovely palette cleanser between bigger projects—and one you’ll likely knit more than once.
Suggested yarn: Alpakka Ull
We’ve chosen Alpakka Ull for this one—a worsted-weight blend of alpaca and wool that’s as soft as it is practical. The alpaca brings warmth and a gentle halo, while the wool keeps things bouncy and breathable. It’s ideal for showcasing ribbing, thanks to its great stitch definition and plied structure, and it knits up smoothly on the needles. We also love the colour range—there’s a shade to suit every mood, whether you’re going bold or keeping it classic.
More 1 Skein pattern suggestions
We've put together a Ravelry bundle with even more ideas, you can check it out here.
More 2 Skeins Pattern Suggestions
We've put together a Ravelry bundle with even more ideas, you can check it out here.
