4 Knitting Patterns Perfect for Your Handspun Yarn

Knit a pair of handspun socks by Devin Helmen from the Winter 2018 issue. Photos by George Boe

1. Spindle-Spun Socks! by Devin Helmen

What spinner doesn’t love a warm and cozy pair of handspun socks? Find Devin Helmen’s adaptation of his great aunt’s socks in the Winter 2018 issue of Spin Off. Devin prefers a tightly plied 2-ply yarn and favors spinning for socks on low-whorl spindles. When knitting handspun socks, Devin says, “The important thing is to choose a gauge appropriately firm for socks. I knit my socks on size 1 needles, and I would use size 0 if my hands did not hate that needle size.” Good advice!

Get tips on knitting with energized singles from Amy Tyler in the Spring 2018 issue.

2. Energized Cinder Blocks Cowl by Amy Tyler

One of the reasons many of us became handspinners was to have control over our yarn, and a great way to add dimension and depth to our knitted projects is to spin and knit yarn with lots of energy. Handspun-energized singles contain active twist, but all of the pent-up energy can make working with the singles a challenge. In the Spring 2018 issue of Spin Off, Amy Tyler shares her tips for knitting with energized yarn. The Energized Cinder Blocks Cowl makes a great first project.

Learn about dyeing with marigolds and black walnuts in the Summer 2018 issue of Spin Off.

3. Helianthus Mitts by Stefanie Johnson

Ever wonder what colors the plants in your yard will yield? In the Summer 2018 issue of Spin Off, Stefanie Johnson explores two common plants, marigold and black walnut, in her article “Easy Methods of Dyeing Fiber Naturally with Ubiquitous Midwestern Plants.” It’s not too early to plan your summer dye garden and experiments with color. These stranded colorwork Helianthus Mitts show off Stefanie’s handspun, hand-dyed yarn beautifully!

Join us for a Hapalong and knit Sara Greer’s half hap.

4. Handspun Shetland Half Hap original design by Rebecca Blair, adapted for handspinning by Sara Greer

Looking for a larger project? Sara Greer tailored Rebecca Blair’s full hap, which was featured in Interweave Knits Gifts 2018, to work with her bulky-weight handspun yarn. —Elizabeth

Featured Image: Have you knit a handspun hap? Check out the Fall 2018 issue of Spin Off to learn more about haps.