Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Free Knitting Pattern – Sugar Twist Cowl

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The Sugar Twist Cowl is a cozy and warm accessory that will keep you comfortable all winter long. The easy stitch pattern, worked in bulky yarn, gives the project a unique and twisted look, where even the wrong side looks great. The cowl comes in two sizes, a smaller one for a bit of whimsy under a winter coat, and a larger one that can be wrapped double for added warmth on the coldest days.

The pattern is available for download on the Knitpicks website for free, making it easily accessible for knitters of all levels. The pattern includes clear instructions, and the stitch pattern is easy to follow and work.

The cowl is worked in the round, with a combination of knit and purl stitches, creating a textured fabric that will keep you warm. The bulky yarn used in the pattern will make it a fast project, perfect for last-minute gifts or a quick knit for yourself.

The Sugar Twist Cowl is a great project for knitters who want to learn new techniques or for those who want a quick and easy project that can be worn or given as a gift. So head over to the Knitpicks website, download the free pattern and get your needles ready to start knitting your own Sugar Twist.

 

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.