Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Chunky Pinstripe Cowl Knitting Pattern

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I’ll be getting much deeper into quick and easy knitting patterns with high gift-giving potential really soon, but in the meantime, this cowl would be a great one to knit for yourself when the first cold snap of the season comes on, or to start making a bunch of now for all those gift-giving opportunities that are coming up quicker than we would like to admit.

This pinstripe chunky cowl knitting pattern is an easy project for beginners. The cowl is worked in the round on circular needles and can be completed in an evening while catching up on your favorite show. These cowls, designed by Fox and Pine Stitches, pair nicely with their coordinating hat knitting patterns, so you can make a whole set for yourself or someone else if you like.

The pattern comes in three sizes, to fit toddlers, children and women, and because the body of the cowl is worked in stockinette in one-round stripes, it will work up super fast. (Stripes make the knitting go faster. That’s just science.)

It’s also super fast because it uses super bulky yarn in two colors. Or try holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together for a different look. They’re so quick and easy to make and infinitely giftable, you’re sure to be making a bunch of different versions once you’ve made you first.

The free pattern for the chunky pinstripe cowl is available from Fox and Pine Stitches.

Looking for more projects using super bulky yarn? I’ve got a nice collection of projects that use super bulky yarn leftovers (or small quantities) that you should definitely check out. That roundup has 30 different patterns you can make, including hats, mitts, slippers and more, many of which use less than 100 yards (or about 91 meters) of yarn.

[Photo: Fox and Pine Stitches]

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Summer T-Shirt Knitting Patterns

Knitters are always looking for ways to continue to knit and to wear their knits even when it’s hot outside, so there are tots of great T0shirt knitting patterns to choose from. I love knitting short-sleeved shirts because they feel so much faster than sweaters, and you can wear them on top of dresses or even longer-sleeved items when it gets cooler.

There are lots of different styles of knit tops, from the basic to the more detailed. On the more basic side are things like the Perfect T-Shirt from Originally Lovely, a basic raglan tee with nine sizes and worked in worsted weight yarn; Paper Bloom by Yvonne Hugo (free on Ravelry), available in six sizes and worked with cotton and silk yarn for extra coolness; or Iris H’s Amelia Top, also on Ravelry, a slim fit, DK weight top with nine size.

Jazz it up with a bit of lace like on the Athens Lace Hem top by Sarah Hatton (Ravelry). This otherwise simple project has a bit of lace at the bottom, which is an easy way to make a project more interesting without a ton of work. This one uses fingering weight yarn and comes in nine sizes.

Another simple embellishment is to emphasize the lines of your top with different stitches. The Spring Lines top uses twisted ribbing at the center front and V-neck and along the raglan lines to give it a slimmer fit and more interest. This design from Turquoise Toque Designs has 11 size options and is available on Ravelry.

Silfurberg by Joji Locatelli uses both of these elements, with lace panels at the center front and back and purl ridges throughout to make it a little more fun to knit and to wear. The pattern uses fingering weight yarn and comes in 10 sizes. Learn more on Ravelry.

Keep it simple or add puffed sleeves (and/or long sleeves) to the slim fit Knitty Committee top by Lily Kate France. This one has two length options, waist shaping and optional bust darts to fulfill all your curvy top dreams, and it comes in nine sizes. You’ll find it on Ravelry.

Take it even more romantic with the Daphne Top from Friday Knits, which has puffed sleeves and applied I-cord to emphasize the bust and sweetheart neckline. It comes in eight sizes and uses DK weight yarn.

Or add some sweet flowers with the Gigio pattern from Emilie Luis. This pretty pattern found on Ravelry has cable panels running up the front with the option for adding sweet embroidered flowers. You can also add decorative buttons if you like. It comes in 11 sizes and calls for sport weight yarn.