Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Free Knitting Pattern – Bounce Socks

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Knitting your own socks has many benefits. One of the most obvious benefits is that you can make them to fit your feet perfectly. When you knit your own socks, you can adjust the pattern to fit your foot size and shape, ensuring a comfortable fit that is tailored to your needs. Additionally, handmade socks are often made with higher-quality materials, making them more durable and long-lasting than store-bought socks.

Another benefit of knitting your own socks is that you can customize them to your liking. You can choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to create socks that match your personal style. You can also add different embellishments such as cables, lace or colorwork to make them unique. Homemade socks also make great gifts for family and friends, as they are unique and personalized.

When it comes to yarns, there are many options available, but some yarns are better suited for socks than others. Wool and wool-blend yarns are considered some of the warmest options for socks. Wool is naturally insulating, so it keeps your feet warm even in cold temperatures. Additionally, wool fibers have a natural elasticity, which helps to keep the socks from sagging and stretching out of shape. Other options include alpaca, cashmere, and synthetic yarns like nylon. These fibers are also known for their warm and durable properties.

This particular pattern uses “Bounce” yarn, a yarn that is made from a blend of wool and nylon. It’s a soft and durable yarn that is perfect for socks and it’s machine washable and dryable. The pattern is free to download on the Mary Maxim website and it’s a great way to create a warm and comfortable pair of socks that will last for years to come.

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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.