Big needles and wide reversible cables produce a comfy cowl, whether you’re using a luxury yarn, or a sturdy, washable acrylic. I made several with both Red Heart and Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere blend, and all of them were soft and warm.

This bag is quickly double-knit on US #13 needles with yarn held double. It can be made any size by simply casting on more/fewer stitches and knitting more/fewer rows.

This cute little shamrock is quick and easy to make and would look adorable sitting on a plate of St Patty’s Day cookies!

If you have to make a swatch anyway, you can turn it into a useful tool – a “tool belt” bracelet that holds the knitting tools you most frequently need to get at. Or if you’re swatchless, you can knit this up in no time flat.