4 Free Quick Cosy Projects to Knit or Crochet This Winter
Not every project needs to be a big, glorious make. With winter settling in and the nights stretching out, it’s the perfect time to curl up with something small and satisfying… something you can actually finish in an evening while scrap busting. Fast little makes that make you feel good when finished.
These are four quick and easy things I made recently using scrap yarn leftover from previous projects. Each one took an evening or less, and they’re all practical, giftable, and honestly just fun to make. Most of the yarns I used are from my own hand-dyed range or stock in my shop, so I’ll link them in where I can.
1. Fingerless Mitts with Thumbs (Knitting)
This pattern is called Easy Fingerless Mittens with Thumbs (free on Ravelry) and it really is as simple as it sounds. I held 4 ply sock yarn double to make it an 8 ply (DK), and it worked beautifully.
I made two pairs: one for my toddler using scraps of "Autumn Litter," and one for me in leftovers of "Moonlit Garden." Both pairs only took an evening to knit.
Pattern: Easy Fingerless Mittens - with Thumbs (Free on Ravelry)
Yarn: 8 ply (DK), I used Fibre of My Being hand-dyed sock yarn (held double)
Needles: 4 mm
Matching mitts for me and my little one.
2. Crochet Mug Cosy
This one’s from a free Ravelry pattern called Mug Cozy (it includes three designs—I chose pattern 1: Just a Little Bean). It closes with a loop rather than a button, which I found super simple and practical.
I held two sock yarn strands together: "Violet Mist" and "Deep Dusty Rose" for a marled look and thicker texture. Perfect scrap-busting project.
Pattern: Mug Cozy (Free on Ravelry)
Yarn: 8 ply (DK), I used Fibre of My Being sock yarn (held double).
Hook: 3.75 mm
My favourite coffee mug, dressed up in a cosy made from leftover yarn. Pretty, simple, quick, and just right for winter
3. Bow Hair Tie – Knit or Crochet
These knit up ridiculously fast and make great hair ties, gift toppers or even embellishments for larger knit/crochet projects. Below I have written super simple patterns to follow: one for knit and one for crochet.
Knit Bow Pattern
Yarn: 8 ply (DK) yarn, I used Heirloom 8 ply cotton in Green
Needle: 2.5 mm
Instructions:
Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1–4: Knit
Row 5: K2, P8, K2
Row 6: Knit
Repeat Rows 5 and 6 two more times.
Knit 4 rows.
Cast off and weave in ends.
Wrap a length of yarn tightly around the middle of the bow to cinch it in. Tie at the back, then wrap it around a hair tie a few times - loose enough so the tie can still slide - sewing through the back of the bow with each pass to keep it secure. Tie off again and weave in the ends.
Crochet Bow Pattern
Yarn: 4 ply (fingering yarn), I used Heirloom 4 ply cotton in Violet
Hook: 2.5 mm
Instructions: Ch 15.
Round 1:
Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in next 12 ch. Work 4 sc in last ch.
Continue around the other side of the foundation chain: Sc in next 12 ch. Work 3 sc in first ch.
Join with a sl st to the first sc. Ch 1.
Round 2:
2 sc in next st. Sc in next 12 sts. 2 sc in next st. Sc in next 2 sts. 2 sc in next st.
Sc in next 12 sts. 2 sc in next st. Sc in next st.
Join with a sl st to beginning sc. Ch 1.
Round 3:
2 sc in next st. Sc in next st. 2 sc in next st. Sc in next 12 sts.
2 sc in next st. Sc in next st. 2 sc in next st. Sc in next st.
2 sc in next st. Sc in next 12 sts. 2 sc in next st. Sc in next st. 2 sc in next st.
Join with a sl st to beginning sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
To finish:
Wrap a length of yarn tightly around the middle of the bow to cinch it in. Tie at the back, then wrap it around a hair tie a few times - loose enough so the tie can still slide - sewing through the back of the bow with each pass to keep it secure. Tie off again and weave in the ends.
One crochet (purple), two knitted (teal green), each bow made from scraps and secured to a hair tie. I flipped one to show how I wrap the yarn around the band at the back.
4. Mini Knitted Sheep
This was a sweet little bonus project, made using the free Blackberry Sheep pattern on Ravelry. I used some of my own handspun yarn, wool stuffing, and embroidered the face with black embroidery thread.
It's heading off to the Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb as part of their Flocking of the Woollen Sheep community project. I might make a few more before sending it off so it’s not alone.
Pattern: Blackberry Sheep (Free on Ravelry)
Yarn: My own handspun wool
Embroidery Thread: DMC 310 cotton thread
Stuffing: Wool roving for stuffing
Project: Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb. Due August 31. If you want to join this project the link to info is here (I’m not affiliated with them at all - just thought it was a fun project and the little handmade lambs go to children’s charities after the festival).
A little sheep made from handspun yarn and stuffed with wool, heading off to the Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb. I’ve named her Flossie 🤍
Final Thoughts
Each of these little projects gave me that very satisfying “hey, I actually finished something” feeling. They’re great for using up scraps, making gifts, or just enjoying some quiet crafting when time is short. I enjoyed a few evening of movie watching while crafting which was lovely.
If you make any of these, tag me on Instagram @fibreofmybeingau or Facebook @fibreofmybeing, I’d love to see what you make! Most of the yarns I used are available in my shop if you’re keen to try something similar.
Stay cosy and happy making! 🙂
All the little makes together: each one quick, cosy, and stitched from scraps. So satisfying. Proof that small makes can still bring big joy.
