Knitting – Page 66 – New England's Narrow Road

Where to Find Free Knitting Patterns

Pinterest is one of the best online places to find free knitting patterns for everything from hats and scarves to shawls and blankets. For the beginner knitter, this is a wonderful thing. Many links will take you to the Ravelry site, a place where serious knitters show off their projects. Join for free to see everything.

Please be aware that some previously free patterns may no longer be free. I try to update, but may overlook something.

When we are not sure of our knitting skills and mainly need practice, starting a free, simple project is less stressful. I feel that I can make mistakes and learn from them. Free offerings are usually pretty basic. Pattern designers will often pull you in with something free from them. They hope you will enjoy their free design so much that you will come back and perhaps purchase one of their patterns. And that would be a nice thing to do.

free knitting mitten pattern — The World’s Simplest Mittens

spindrift shawl — The World’s Simplest Mittens

A free pattern download also gives you an idea of how that designer presents the pattern. Is it written well with helpful advice along the way? Are there written directions as well as a graph to follow? Are photos, or images of the finished item included?

Once I felt more comfortable with my knitting, I began to gather some projects to purchase. Patterns are affordable, and I don’t mind paying for some designer’s hard work. I will end up with a beautiful and unique item.

Free Patterns For Shawls

At the present time I am working on three different shawls. Two are free patterns, and one is a MKAL (Mystery Knit-Along) pattern which I purchased. I learned to use stitch markers for sections – something the more experienced knitters taught me. Try doing that if your shawl has a repeating pattern.

The Spindrift shawl was a free pattern and is nearly finished. It is very easy to knit, with good directions. I can recommend this one.

Chic and Strong Crescent Shawl at Ravelry
Onete Scarf at NobleKnits
Reyna Triangle Shawl at Ravelry
Larch (small shawl) at Ravelry
Boneyard Shawl at Ravelry
Wrapped in Elegance at Ravelry

Also, see two more free, beginner shawl suggestions on this post. And… I am working on a fun, free triangle shawl in gradient colors called the Scrappy Bias Shawl. Another shawl which knits from skinny to fat and back to skinny again, is the Baktus. At this link you will see many ways to knit this easy shaw. I love the stripes so many knitters chose.

Free Patterns For Socks

I have never knit socks, and I really can’t understand why so many people knit them. One day I may decide to knit a pair, and I’ll choose one of these free patterns to try. **Update: I have knit some socks, but don’t see the thrill. Maybe because in Florida I seldom wear socks at all. It also bores me to have to knit the same thing over immediately once I finish one sock!

Sock yarn is so pretty that it is used for much more than socks. But if socks are the project, look for quality yarn with nylon added for strength. Also look for washable wool, or “superwash” in the title.

Basic Socks
Hermione’s Everyday Socks
Vanilla Latte Socks
Espresso Shot Shortie Socks

Free Patterns For Hats

If you can knit in the round, you may fall in love with knitting hats. I love to knit hats! They can be super simple and fast to knit – especially with thick wool yarn. Or, they can have cables and color work and take weeks to finish. Start with easy patterns or simple knits and purls (this can make a cool hat too.) The decreases at the top will require using DPN’s (double-pointed needles) and that can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not so bad!

Classic Cuffed Hat at PurlSoho
Snow Day Hat (link takes you to the hat I knit, with link to PurlSoho)
Sockhead Slouch Hat
Top-Down Earflap Hat at PurlSoho

plates of plotulopi wool yarn — Plotulopi plates of yarn

Knit Small Items to Try New Stitches

Once you have knitting and purling down, stretch that knowledge by learning yarn-overs, knit 2 together, more types of increases and decreases, and other stitches that may show up in more advanced patterns. Get to know your yarn types and what to choose for each project. Cotton for washcloths and such, merino wool is softer than plain wool, and combining yarn by knitting two colors or types together give you a whole other realm of creativity.

One great way to build up your knitting skills is to try various stitches, or a combination pattern to create a lace look. The Bromefields site has written patterns and videos for the Top 34 Lace Knit Stitches. You will probably have to rip projects out, but don’t be afraid to do so. It’s how we all learn.

Maybe you will find a stitch you love and convert that into a scarf or wrap. When I began doing the Fisherman’s rib, I fell in love. I’m now making my second scarf in this stitch, using the chunky Rasta yarn by Malabrigo.

I have scoured YouTube and pulled together some of the best basic knitting tutorials for various stitches you will probably need to know at some point.

See more of my collection of How To Knit videos at my Pinterest Knitting Boards.

Knitters and Our Many Projects

by Pam 01/04/2026

Happy New Year 2026 and Time to Cast On

by Pam 01/01/202612/31/2025

Christmas Day Project off the Needles

by Pam 12/27/2025

Saying Good-bye to 2025 and Another Year of Knitting in the Books

by Pam 12/19/202512/08/2025

Year-Round Camping in Florida; Enjoying Nature While I Knit

by Pam 12/16/2025

Knitting Project Review: Magnolia Chunky Cardigan

by Pam 11/12/202511/28/2025

My First Mystery Shawl Knit Along (MKAL)

Ever see abbreviations while searching knitting yarn and patterns and wonder what that was all about? Until I found Ravelry, I was pretty clueless, but now I know KAL stands for “knit along” where knitters knit the same pattern at the same time and help each other out along the way.

“M” is For Mystery

Putting the “M” in front simply means that what we are knitting is a “mystery” to all but the designer. This MKAL (or MSKAL- because it’s a Shawl) takes place at Ravelry, with forum posts to update the group on what is happening, with photos as the project progresses… very cool! I love this idea of sharing when we are all doing the same thing.

I don’t know what made me jump in and join the knit along except that I thought it was about time to stretch my abilities. I’ve knit one complete shawl, and started a couple more, (still working on the Spindrift) but this one will be different, in a more difficult sort of way.

The pattern was on sale for $4.00 before the event began, so I thought I couldn’t loose. This is the first time I have purchased an online pattern to knit. Another reason I was interested in this project is that the item is an asymmetrical triangle shawl. It requires approximately 2 skeins of yarn, so it will be large.

I have ordered some lovely yarn from one of my favorite shops, Miss Babs, I chose the suggested “Woodbury” in yellow “Cumin” and light blue “Coventry” colors. Since I was a bit late in joining and ordering the yarn, I am still waiting for delivery. Yarn photo to come. (Update: yarn has arrived!)

yellow and blue balls of yarn — Balls of yarn are ready for knitting

June 22 – Clue #1 – Let the Fun Begin

The first “clue” (which is the beginning of the pattern) has been shared and lots of knitters have begun the shawl. I will be a little behind, but at least I have a chance to look at the pattern. It will be the most involved thing I have ever knit, so the challenge is real! Even so, there is an air of excitement that I am caught up in as (almost) everyone begins. I’m starting with the yellow Cumin color.

The clues are given out about once a week, with the last one coming July 27th. I have a feeling I will not be able to keep up, but eventually I will get there! This will take some real concentration on my part.

An Experienced Knitter Has Created This MKAL

The MKAL is by Kristen Kapur at Through the Loops and you can find her at Ravelry, or at her website: Kristenkapurdesigns.com. She has so many lovely patterns and does these KAL’s often it looks like.

The shawl directions are written very well, with charts and written instructions. I can’t read a chart yet, so I prefer to follow the written lines. My printer is giving me trouble too and I will need to print out the directions.

Give it a Try, or Wait Until the Next KAL

There is still time to buy into the knit-along. The pattern will cost $6.00 and you will be knitting with many others. I look forward to seeing the end products done by all the knitters in this group. They can share photos on the Ravelry forum pages, which makes this knit along thing so nice.

Read more about my progress on the page, “How is the Mystery Knit-along Going?”

Spindrift Shawl, Day 2 is About Choosing Yarn

I mentioned in a previous post that I would be knitting the Spindrift Shawl as a beginner shawl project.

The second e-mail from Helen at Curious Handmade arrived today. She talks about the yarn she choose for her pretty shawl, which is by the company “Top Draw Sock” in Australia, in colorway “Peace”. I will be using yarn from my stash, which is Miss Babs’ Yummy 2-ply fingering in colorway “Sorcerer”. (That’s it in my photo at the beginning before I did the winding.) I may not have quite enough to finish the shawl, so I may switch to the lavender yarn “Monkey Orchid” by Mrs. Crosby. I think they match well.

Shawl yarn from Miss Babs in fingering weight, and lavender DK by Mrs. Crosby

I am ready to knit a shawl that is easy. Once I began the Lionberry shawl, I had high hopes that I could do it. Sadly, I am frustrated with my inability to understand the instructions. I’m continuing to knit, but have changed to simple knit and purl rows in place of the intricate pattern (click the link to see how pretty this shawl is when knit correctly). My stitch count was off and I figured the pattern would end up a mess because of that.

With all the knitting projects currently in the works, I shouldn’t start another one. What can I say? The blue hat was scrapped, so I’ll let the Spindrift Shawl take it’s place.

I’m ready. The wooden size 5 needles will be used for the first 14 rows, then I will switch to the circular size 6 needles for the remainder of the shawl. By the way, I included my needle measuring gauge in the photo because I’d be lost without it. The ChiaoGoo (red cable circular needles) have the size printed on the metal, but it is tiny print. The Takumi bamboo straight needles also have the size on them, but using the gauge is just easier.

knitting needles and measuring ruler — Needles in two sizes are needed to begin the Spindrift Shawl

I do better work in the morning, so I will wait until then to begin this shawl pattern. I’ve never done the Backward Loop cast on, but it’s pretty simple.

As you knit, the body of the shawl will curl because of the stockinette stitches. It’s hard to believe, but once you get to the rows of holes, you are only 50% done! These last rows are long, but very easy to knit.

I’m now finishing up the last part of the shawl. The rows of knitting are separated by “holes” which make a lace look around the edge of the shawl.

spindrift shawl edge with holes — Knitting the bottom edge of the shawl

Here is a video that shows one way to do a picot bind off. It can be helpful when finishing the Spindrift Shawl.

Now I am working on the bind off. I ran out of yarn, and I knew I would, so I’m making the picot row lavender. The shawl is lumpy and bumpy, which will change once I block it. I’ve never knit anything that needed blocking, so this will be a first for me.

Making Sense of Knitting Talk

Knitting was a favorite pastime when I lived in the Northeast, but I never realized there were certain terms used, which I call “knitting talk”. This is probably because I was always alone when I knit. If I’d been part of a group I’m betting I would have heard them discuss “tinking” and “frogging”.

To “tink” is to un-knit. The word itself is “knit” backwards, which is what you do when you tink your work. When I first began knitting I couldn’t un-knit anything. I would make mistakes and just keep going! That’s why I only knit very simple scarves and hats! Tinking a few stitches is okay, or even a row, but beyond that I think I would lose my mind.

To “frog” something is to completely rip it out. Remove the needle and pull…. it’s so sad. Another useful thing I’ve learned is that some people use a lifeline. I’ve tried this a couple times and have not had success. Perhaps I am doing it incorrectly, but I can’t pick up those stitches once I get back to the lifeline.

Also, if the lifeline itself comes part way out of the project, you are in trouble. This just happened to me on a hat (pictured below). I had done all the k1,p1 rows for a wide, roll up brim, but when I began the top part of the hat I didn’t like it. NO problem, I had (smartly) added a lifeline. But as I frogged back, I realized that the lifeline was not completely around the needle!