Seven Sock Yarn Project Ideas - Not just for socks!

We’ve just released some stunning new shades of our Multicoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply, perfect for keeping your toes cosy and colourful in handmade socks. But did you know that you can use it for other projects too?

Read on for some of our favourite non-sock applications for these delightful balls of gradient goodness!

1. Shawls, scarves and cowls!

At 100g, each ball of Multicoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply is perfectly sized to create a squishy shawl, scarf or cowl!

Robyne Conway/minimal knits designed has an array of stunning one-ball-shawls that are specifically designed to showcase the gradient within each colourway. Knit with larger needles than is normally recommended for 4 ply, each of these quick-knit shawls has a drapey, stretchy finish that makes it a delight to make and wear.

2. Baby & Kid Knits

Soft, strong AND machine washable? Multicoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply is a no-brainer to substitute into your favourite 4 ply patterns for the little ones!

We've used it for a cardigan and jumper above, and don't they look darling! The super-soft Merino wool and dreamy, magical shade options mean that this yarn is a perfect choice for your next project for children or babies. With so many super-sweet shade options, using one of our multicoloured shades will take your kids’ projects from great to wow!

3. Garments for Grownups

But why should the kids have all the fun? If you’ve got a favourite garment pattern in 4 ply yarn, why not try it in Multicoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply?

Here, we've knitted the long-sleeve version of PT 8381 4 Ply Cardigan in shade Lolly Bag.

We love the way the soft gradients and variegations of this yarn play across the body of the garment for a dreamy rainbow effect. Along with the glorious colours, the soft Merino & Nylon construction gives this garment extra drape and a luxury feel.

Because of the fineness and softness of the sock yarn, you may want to use smaller needles than recommended by the pattern, so be sure to swatch before you begin!

4. Easy Colourwork & Contrast

Gradient yarns are perfect when you’re looking for a riot of colour – but sometimes, you’d prefer a little bit more subtlety and gentler transitions. For these projects, pairing your gradient yarn with a solid shade can provide some much-needed contrast, while toning down the brighter colours and shifts.

For the Flamel Shawl, designer Vera Stensrud/OGE Knitwear Designs combined one ball of Multcoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply with one ball of Luxury 4 ply (shade Frost), balancing the colour shifts across the shawl to create an almost stained-glass effect that’s so satisfying to knit and easy to wear!

5. Knitting with two strands together

For an even more subtle effect, try holding two strands of yarn together – one of sock yarn and one of a solid colour – and knitting/crocheting with them at the same time!

Here, we’ve combined Luxury 10 ply Rose Petals with Multicoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply Summer Sky. This brings the yarn weight up to an equivalent of 14-16 ply (depending on stitch and tension) but also tones down the colour changes in the sock yarn even more, while giving your project a subtle sheen and adding a marled effect to the solid colour.

6. Mystic & Magical

Leap into the magical colour-changing effects of Multicoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply by using it in a fantasy-inspired make like this Dragon Shawl! Susan created this glistening beauty using a combination of sock yarn and Luxury 4 ply. The sheen & colour shifts of shade Royal Magic suit this dragon perfectly.

Pattern: Sue didn't use a pattern for this one, but for something similar check out patterns using 'Crocodile Stitch', or you could adapt this pattern for an 8 ply dragon scarf.

7. Blankets – motifs or rounds!

For a different effect, why not try a project which combines a selection of motifs? In a pattern like our Hexagon Blanket, each motif is worked from the centre outwards, creating a unique radiant effect in each hexagon (shown here in Caramel Toffee). This means you can arrange them however your heart desires – organise them for subtle colour shifts or bold contrasting blocks of different colours.

Or choose a pattern that’s worked entirely in rounds, like this gorgeous Phoenix Blanket that Kris made using shade Oriental Flowers! The colour changes are more dramatic on some rounds and more subtle on others, creating a stunning overall effect with a variety of complementary and contrasting shades.

We hope we’ve inspired you to try something new with our Multicoloured Sock Yarn 4 ply! Check out the range of exquisite shades & cast on a new project today!