Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Combine Lines and Texture in This Shawl Knitting Pattern

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It feels like shawl season is just around the corner, so that must mean that shawl knitting season is already here! I love shawls that are relatively easy to knit but still include some fun techniques and details that make them fun to make and to wear. Something that will ensure that people know that you made it yourself instead of buying it from a shop.

The Synclines Shawl from Kavitha Raman is definitely one of those distinctive shawls that isn’t too difficult to knit. It’s worked with two colors and includes stripes made with slipped stitches and a striped mesh lace pattern.

The shawl starts with a short cast on and is increased to make an asymmetrical triangle shape. The main body of the shawl is worked in two color slip stitch on the bias, while the border adds mesh stitch stripes.

As the name suggests this gives the scarf the look of synclines, which is a fold in rock where the axis shifts. Who knew you could learn about geology while you are knitting?

While the pattern calls for DK weight yarn in two colors, you can use other weights or color combinations as you like. With a wingspan of 67.5 inches, this shawl is perfect for wrapping around your neck a couple of times and wearing more like a scarf.

This pattern is available for purchase on its own from Ravelry, or you can buy the ebook it is part of, The Sun and Fog winter 2022 collection (see all the patterns on Ravelry here). It’s a collection of nine knit and crochet patterns from Northern California designers that evoke the feeling of winter on the coast with muted hues and geologic forms. Most of the patterns are for knitters and they include wraps, a cowl, a cardigan, mitts and a hat.

[Photo: Ksenia Naidyon]

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Pencil Knitting Patterns

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns! 

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil. 

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn. 

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point. 

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up. 

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.