Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Book Review – 3 Skeins or Less – Modern Baby Knits

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If you’re looking for the cutest baby knits that use only 1, 2, or 3 skeins of yarn, then “3 Skeins or Less – Modern Baby Knits: 23 Knitted Baby Garments, Blankets, Toys, and More!” is the perfect book for you. This book offers an amazing collection of baby knit patterns that are perfect for creating something special for your own little one or for an easy gift for a baby shower.

The book includes a wide range of adorable options, from a chic, kimono-style sweater for a budding fashionista to an adorable striped romper for a bouncing baby boy. You’ll find patterns for cozy colorwork beanies to keep little one’s head warm through the winter months and handmade loveys or cabled nursery blankets that make the perfect welcome-home gift for a brand-new bundle of joy.

The designs in the book are knitted in chic neutrals and fresh, modern brights in a range of sizes from newborn to toddler, which makes it easy to find something that will please babies and moms alike. The book is well-written and the patterns are easy to follow, making it perfect for knitters of all skill levels.

Overall, “3 Skeins or Less – Modern Baby Knits: 23 Knitted Baby Garments, Blankets, Toys, and More!” is a must-have

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Totoro Knitting Patterns

We’re a big Studio Ghibli household, and while they are sometimes very protective of their copyrights (as evidenced by the number of patterns on Ravelry that were removed from the service when it received a takedown notice back in 2021), there are still a fair number of Totoro knitting patterns (as well as other designs I’m sure we’ll get to someday). Let’s check them out!

Yaya Labs has a cute plush Totoro that looks like it might stand up on its own. The pattern is available on LoveCrafts, and it calls for DK or light worsted weight yarn in four colors. The pattern is considered advanced but it does include a photo tutorial. It stands 10.6 inches or 27 cm tall.

A similar pattern can be found a Shino Craft, which doesn’t have the leaf hat but does include little hands, and the legs aren’t as separate from the body. This one calls for sport weight yarn and is knit flat on two needles. 

All Made Here has a Totoro pouch that is super cute and looks pretty easy to knit. It measures 14 by 18 cm and is rated for advanced beginners. You can get the pattern when you subscribe to updates or follow the designer on Instagram. 

Stitch Totoro on a sweater with the Totorogenseren sweater from Anna-Sofia Vintersol. This free download on Ravelry uses worsted/aran weight yarn in two or three colors. The pattern comes in nine sizes, with a chest measurement ranging from 77 to 149 cm. 

The Forest Spirit Fair Isle Jumper from Kraft with Kindrex features a row of Totoros on the circular yoke, along with other little colorwork designs. The design includes three sizes, with chest measurements ranging from 91 to 101 cm. It calls for 4 ply (that’s fingering/sock weight in other parts of the world). 

Or you can stitch Totoro as part of a project with more Ghibli characters, as on the Magical Anime Knit Sweater (a longtime bucket list item for me) from The Bearded Sewist. This on has a circular yoke and rows of different characters including Totoro, Ponyo, soot sprites, Calcifer and more. The pattern comes in four sizes and is rated intermediate/advanced. It calls for DK weight yarn and you can grab a copy on Ravelry. 

Or try Katharina Kuntz’s Anime Scarf, also on Ravelry. This one is a double knit scarf worked in fingering weight yarn in two colors, with allover designs from Studio Ghibli movies. She started by knitting the movies in chronological order but gave that up after she realized all her favorites would be in the middle and therefore not visible when worn. You can probably rearrange the motifs further somewhat if you want to showcase your favorites.