Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Easy Projects to Knit for Father’s Day

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If you’re looking for something to knit for a dad in your life, check out this list of easy Father’s Day knitting patterns (which of course would be fine to knit for any other occasion).

I wanted to offer a mix of kinds of projects so you can make something that the guy in your life will like without being too stereotypical about what dads are supposed to like.

This basketweave vest from Red Heart/Yarnspirations is easy to knit and a classic style, available in five sizes, free pattern.

The Morton Street Scarf is a pretty Garter Stitch pattern from Lion Brand where the yarn really makes the project shine. You can use whatever multicolored yarn you have on hand or even make an odd ball using scraps to knit this project. Free pattern.

Dana Addy’s Campwear Hat for KnitPicks is a cute and easy-to-knit design for the whole family. Inspired by enamel camping mugs, you can knit one for dad and for all his favorite little campers.

Port is a classic “grandpa” cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers for Berroco. It comes in 7 sizes and has a zipper closure and patch pockets.

A pair of knit gloves is an awesome gift for anyone, and Julie Old Crow has a great, easy and super warm pattern for men’s gloves in her Etsy shop.

Knitting a tie is immensely better than buying dad a tie, and this free pattern from Universal Yarns by Rachel Brockman looks great and is easy to knit.

And because of course your dad is number one in your heart, maybe you should just knit him a washcloth with that sentiment? This free pattern is from Kris Knits.

Do you have a favorite project to knit for the guys in your life? I’d love to hear about it!

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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.