10 Beautiful Projects You Can Make with Sock Yarn (That Aren’t Socks)

Let’s be honest—sock yarn gets typecast. It’s right there in the name, after all. But if you’ve ever looked at a gorgeous skein of hand-dyed sock yarn and thought, “I don’t actually feel like knitting socks right now,” you’re not alone. And guess what? That’s totally okay.

Sock yarn is one of the most versatile yarns out there, and it’s time we give it a little more love beyond the toes.

☕ So… What Exactly Is Sock Yarn?

When we talk about “sock yarn,” we’re usually talking about fingering weight yarn—a lightweight yarn that’s thinner than DK or worsted, but thicker than lace. It’s soft, often springy, and works up beautifully with detail and drape. But it’s not just about weight—it’s also about strength.

Most sock yarns are made from a blend like:

• 80% superwash  (or nonsuperwash) wool

• 20% nylon or polyamide

That nylon? It’s not just filler—it adds durability and stretch, making it ideal for socks (which take a real beating). The wool brings the softness and temperature-regulating magic, while the superwash treatment means your finished item can handle a gentle bath without too much fuss.

So yes, sock yarn is great for socks—but it’s also:

• Soft enough for shawls and baby items

• Light enough for summer tops

• Strong enough for gloves or bags

• Pretty enough for just about anything

🧶 When You’re Not in the Mood to Knit Socks...

Sometimes you just want to enjoy that glorious skein of speckled or tonal fingering-weight yarn—without stressing about heel flaps, negative ease, or whether it’ll fit someone’s size 8 feet. Maybe you're more in the mood for a lightweight shawl, a lacy scarf, or a textured cowl that really shows off the colours.

Or maybe… you’re like me and just needed to buy that skein because it was too pretty not to, and now you’re wondering what to do with it. (No judgment here. Pirate’s honour.)

Whatever the reason, sock yarn deserves to shine in all kinds of projects—not just socks.

✨ Patterns That Use Sock Yarn (But Aren’t Socks)

I did the deep dive into Ravelry so you don’t have to—gathering 10 beautiful patterns that are well-loved and a little under the radar. Each one comes from a lesser-known designer with great reviews, and they’re all available right on Ravelry.

1.  Filoli Shawl by Ksenia Naidyon.  

This beautiful colour work shawl is made with just one colour per row and features two types of mosaic patterns and garter stitch.  The designer states the pattern is easily adjustable to fit the available yardage of yarn.

2.  That's Belfast Shawl by Brenda Brayfield

This pattern actually comes with 4 separate patterns.  You can make the full sized shawl in one colour or two or make the shawlette in one colour or two!  You also get a separate Tips and Tricks PDF that contains so much information to help you make this shawl.  

3.  Floriculture Cowl by Karlie Paige

This is a free pattern on Ravelry.  I love the colour work pattern!  The designer states the design is perfect for beginners and a great way to use up scraps.

4.  School Mittens by Janis Kristjansson

These mittens are knit using three strands of superwash sock yarn held together to make them very warm and cushy.  

5.  Smith's Gloves by Sanne Kalmbacher

This is a free pattern.  Looking through the projects on Ravelry, some people made them in solid colours, speckled, stripped and variegated.  This pattern looked great no matter what!  

6.  Shine Bright by Jem Arrowsmith

Another free pattern.  The description states "simple yo, k2tog stitches create large diamond shapes across the shawl".  There is also a video tutorial included.

7.  Pioneer Gloves by Kelly McClure

The first of a few patterns from designer Kelly McClure, the Pioneer Gloves are a simple fingers glove made with ribbed stitches.  Make them as long or as short as you would like.

8.  Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure 

Another free pattern by Kelly McClure.  This project is miles of stockinette stitches making it a great pattern for TV watching, travel or zen knitting.

9.  Sockhead Cowl by Kelly McClure

I didn't purposely go looking for patterns from Kelly McClure but they did find me!  This free pattern is a perfect pairing for the sockhead slouch hat above.

10.  Never Not Gnoming by Sarah Schira

I couldn't help but include this one.  Maybe you don't want to make any accessories but still want to use your sock yarn for something other than socks.  How about gnomes!  The colour combinations are endless.

You can find these, plus other patterns in a bundle I've created in Ravelry called Not Just For Socks.  In case you didn't know, I have bundles created with inspiration for various yarns that we stock as well.  You can check them out on Ravelry - The Wool Pirate.

I hope these patterns have inspired you to use that sock yarn, even if you don't feel like making socks.

Happy Making!