Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Download Yarnspirations Patterns to Help Charity

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This summer, Yarnspirations is working to support Dress for Success, a charitable organization that provides women with support and professional clothing to help them achieve economic independence.

From now through July 23, 2023, if you download a selection of free patterns from the Yarnspirations website, they will donate to Dress for Success ($1 for every 20 patterns donated, up to $20,000 Canadian).

You can find the knitting patterns here (there’s a filter so you can choose to see just knitting patterns, just crochet patterns or both). In all there are 47 free knitting patterns that are eligible to count for this program, mostly for blankets and hats. There are also 75 crochet patterns, if you also do crochet or are ready to learn.

A few of my favorites from the free knitting patterns include:

  • Knit Foxy Toy: worked in one piece, this sweet little fox features a little cabled sweater that’s part of its body
  • On the Go Knit Shawl: uses a multicolored yarn and a mesh like stitch for a design that looks complicated but isn’t really that hard
  • Lumberjack Blanket: worked in mitered squares of different colors and patterns for a buffalo plaid look made easy
  • Turning Points Knit Blanket: I guess I’m attracted to mitered squares today, because this blanket with half squares of different colors is also made with mitered squares but has a totally different look

If you’re into crochet, I’m a little obsessed with waffle stitch right now, so you know I had to download the crochet Waffle Stitch Hat. It’s so cute, and can be worked in color blocks, stripes or a solid color.

I hope you’ll check these patterns out, download a bunch and come back and let us know which ones you’re itching to stitch! Thanks to Yarnspirations for supporting the community and spreading the word about Dress for Success.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

 

Have you read?

Book Review: Best Dressed Crab and Friends – Knitted Sea Creatures With an Ocean of Outfits

I knew I was going to like this book the moment I saw a crab wearing a puffer vest.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends by Karla Courtney is one of those knitting books that’s completely unnecessary in the very best possible way. Do we need knitted sea creatures with entire wardrobes? Probably not. Do I now want a lobster in a sweater sitting on my craft-room shelf? Absolutely.

The book includes patterns for six knitted sea creatures, including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin, along with an impressive 44 little garments and accessories.

And the outfits are where this book really becomes fun.

There’s a crab with a bum bag and puffer vest, a puffin in a varsity jacket and a turtle with interchangeable shells. You can knit pumpkin, strawberry, peppermint, gingerbread and Christmas tree shell designs, so apparently even turtles need seasonal wardrobes now.

There is also an oversized turtle shell with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle, which is both slightly bonkers and rather brilliant.

Plenty of Room to Make Them Your Own

Looking through the preview pages, I particularly like the little colourwork sweater charts. You can follow the designs provided or start mixing colours and motifs to create completely different outfits.

The patterns are supported by a techniques section, photos and charts, so although the finished creatures look quite detailed, the instructions are designed to be approachable.

If knitted animals with wardrobes are already your thing, have a look at our review of Knitted Wild Animal Friends, which includes 12 knitted animals and their clothes.

We’ve also previously reviewed Knitted Animal Friends, another lovely choice if your yarn stash is slowly turning into a miniature knitted zoo.

More Than Just Cute Knitting Patterns

One nice extra is that Best Dressed Crab and Friends also includes marine facts from scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles.

Author Karla Courtney is already known online for her wonderfully quirky knitted sea creatures, with her videos clocking up millions of views, so turning them into a full pattern collection feels like a very natural next step.

What I like most about this book is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These are the sorts of knitting projects that make people smile.

They’re fun to make, fun to photograph and would make very memorable handmade gifts.

Would I Buy It?

Yes.

Especially for the knitter who already owns plenty of sensible knitting books and needs something a little more playful.

It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys knitted toys, colourwork, novelty knitting or making ridiculously tiny clothes.

And really, if you’ve ever wanted to knit a fashionable crab, this may finally be your moment.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends: Knitted Sea Creatures with an Ocean of Outfits is published by GMC Publications and is due for release on September 8, 2026.