Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Checking out the New Knit Simple

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knit simple fall 13I spent a little time this hot weekend perusing the fall issue of Knit Simple, which got me dreaming of bulky knits, vivid colors and simple but striking designs.

There are so many cute things in this issue, so I’ll bet you’ll want to spend some time imagining with it, too.

I’m inexplicably drawn to Mari Lynn Patrick’s cable yoke pullover, with its turtleneck, woven-cable yoke and twisted stockinette body worked in a contrasting color.

There’s a collection of 10 hats you can knit for less than $20 each (great for getting a jump on your holiday gift knitting); I particularly love the slouchy diagonal striped hat designed by Brenda Castiel in stripy Noro Kureyon.

The knitted striped afghan is a classic worked in unexpected purple, orange and pink, and the fun striped garter stitch scarf and mitts (shown on the cover and designed by Holli Yeoh) are a great choice for beginners.

Are you thinking about fall knitting yet? Or knitting something warm because it’s winter where you live? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo via Knit Simple.]

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

Comments

  1. The title alone of this magazine fascinates me. I am always pleased to knit something that doesn’t cause headaches or tantrums.

  2. I’m working on a dorm blanket for my son right now. When that is completed, I’m looking forward to some fall knitting. Right now I’m in the mood for socks, hats, and cowls. I love the idea of simple but striking.

Have you read?

Knit a Classic Aran Cardigan with this Free Knitting Pattern

Not too long ago I did a test knit for another designer that was for a cabled cardigan. It’s really cozy and nice but it just about broke me in a ton of different ways. I couldn’t get gauge, which I suppose is my own problem, but mainly I was somehow both bored and forced to pay attention at the same time. 

Because it used the same cable all over, I always had to know what row I was on, but nine out of ten of those rows, nothing in particular was going on. So I couldn’t stop paying attention, but what I needed to attend to was boring. 

It may have ruined me for knitting cabled sweaters, but maybe I just need something that’s more engaging. Like this Modern Aran Cardigan pattern from Lion Brand Yarn. 

This is a reworking of an old pattern from their archives, and you can tell that form the classic look of the cables and the oversized feel (nothing cropped about this one!). It has allover cables, but like a classic Aran sweater it’s not the same cable, so you’ll have to pay attention to what row you’re on and what cable turns happen for which cables on that row. 

Because of this, it’s considered an intermediate knitting pattern, but if you’re comfortable working from multiple charts at once it shouldn’t be a problem for you. There are three different charts and seven different cable moves. 

Also because the pattern is so big and boxy there are only two sizes available, with a finished chest measurement of either 49 or 63 inches (that’s 124.5 or 160 cm). It’s up to you to decide how much ease you would like and whether that will work for your body. 

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn (and calls for another classic, Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool). It calls for six buttons and includes pockets to make it extra cozy. 

This one looks like a great winter project to make and to wear if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. You can grab the free pattern or buy a kit with the yarn needed direct from Lion Brand Yarn. 

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]