free knitting patterns – New England's Narrow Road

If you are looking for something to knit up very quickly – like in a few hours time – consider this Winter Morning headband / ear-warmer pattern (link goes to Ravelry where you can download the pattern). Best of all, it’s a free pattern! With the holidays coming, lots of knitters look for quick gifts, and this one would be perfect for any teen, young adult or old lady! (I happen to be an old lady and I’m keeping that gray one for myself and giving the others to my daughter.)

This is how quickly the band can be knit… I finished up the gray one below, and added buttons, then I knit the pink one – all in one day! Here they are drying flat after being hand-washed.

Drying two bulky knit headbands — Drying

Using Wool Addicts “Fire” bulky yarn in gray I knit an “easy” version of the Winter Morning and then finished it off with buttonholes and buttons. **Note here: making buttonholes was not necessary – they don’t have to be unbuttoned to put this on. I should have simply sewn the buttons on through both ends. Now I have to go back and close up the buttonholes because they look stupid – like holes! – when the band is stretched. Live and learn. Otherwise it came out cute and washed up nicely. (Buttons were purchased at Richland Street Yarns on Etsy.)

Buttons cable knit headband — Button ending

To avoid doing the provisional cast-on, and Kitchener stitch at the end, cast-on and bind-off the regular way and then sew on buttons, or stitch the ends together.

Previously I had made this ear-warmer in the pink “cosmopolitan” color only (Mad Tosh yarn) and it wasn’t really bulky enough. See it on my previous post. So this time I held two strands of Madelinetosh A.S.A.P. together and it came out nice and chunky. Colors (below) used are “Cosmopolitan” and “Yoko” and I think they are both discontinued.

Bulky knit cable headband — Soft and bulky

The ASAP yarn washed nicely. Because of the bulkiness this headband took over two days to dry completely. I washed it by hand, but the yarn is Superwash merino, so if it’s put into a mesh bag and washed with clothing, it should hold up.

Well, they say that practice makes perfect, and after doing the Kitchener stitch a few times on recent projects (Playdate baby sweater), it no longer frightens me. My recent attempt was on this headband, and as you can see in the photo below, it looks okay. Where is the seam you ask? I love it… haha…

Double yarn knitted bulky headband — Did the Kitchener here, can you tell?

Quick Christmas Knits – Ideas for using bulky yarn

All this yarn is very nice and because of the bulkiness it knits up quickly. Best of all it is machine washable so gifting to non-hand-washers is okay. I’m thinking a cowl or hat wouldn’t take all that long to knit. Here are some I found posted at Ravelry.

Or make up your own pattern like I did with my bulky Rasta hat and scarf.

Happy gift / holiday knitting!

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.