Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Free Knitting Pattern: Ladybug (or Ladybird)

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ladybug knittingI have to admit that this year was the first time I’d ever heard of a ladybug called a ladybird, but it is, in fact, a thing. Julie Cartwright from My Life in Stitches has a really cute free pattern for a ladybird, or ladybug if you want to go with the less-poetic name.

Whatever you call it you’re going to want to knit one of these cuties. It uses just scraps of yarn and the body is just 26 rows long. Add wings and crocheted legs and you’ve got a cute little embellishment to add to kitchen or bath items (I think it would be really cute sewn to an apron), decorate a gift or even put on a summer-themed scrapbook page. Adorable!

[Photo by Julie Cartwright.]

Comments

  1. Ladybird is the British word – the nursery rhyme “Ladybird, Ladybird fly away home, your hose is on fire and your children are flown” I though was universal?

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Cute Little Backpack Knitting Patterns

While no one would likely use a knit backpack for school, knitting a backpack is a fun way to show off your knitting skills and carry around your project or everyday essentials instead of using a purse. Check out these cute backpack knitting patterns and stitch one up for your next project. 

I couldn’t resist sharing this adorable bunny backpack (you can also make it without the ears) that is made on a circular knitting machine. This pattern is from Orange Olive Road and you can use a 46 or 48 needle machine for the bag but will also need a 22 needle machine if you opt for the bunny version. 

If you prefer knitting by hand, check out the bucket bag pattern from WoolFans Knitting. This one calls for super bulky yarn in two or three colors (you could make it all in one color, too, if you’d rather) and it looks like the base is knit flat and then the sides are worked in the round. 

You know I love a stashbuster, and that’s what you get with the Whidbey Bag from Wool and Pine Designs. This one calls for DK weight yarn for the body of the bag, which is actually worked in a single color from the top down. The colorful bits are woven in after the knitting is done, allowing you to use up all sorts of odd balls quickly. 

Adding hardware to a knit bag makes it look that much more interesting, and the combination of leather accents and a sari silk yarn makes Le Backpack from Vanrey Knits a lot of fun. This pattern is on Ravelry and uses a super bulky yarn and seed stitch for a ton of texture. 

Mama in a Stitch has a great free pattern for a little backpack with a flap closure. This one is worked in worsted weight cotton yarn with two strands held together for extra stability. It starts with a flat base with the body worked in the round and a knit flap and I-cord straps.