Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: A to Z of Knitting

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a to z of knitting giveaway

Congratulations to Ella!

A few weeks ago I gave away a good collection of learn-to-knit booklets that I reviewed all at once with some other books over at About.

This week I’ve got another one for you. A to Z of Knitting is a reference book for knitters of all skill levels, covering everything from the basics of how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off to various ways to shape, embellish, add color and texture to and fix mistakes in our knitting.

It even has a bit of the history of knitting, an overview of types of yarn, needles and other supplies, and tutorials on everything from aran and beaded knitting to working in the round, Fair Isle, loop knitting, surface embroidery and much more.

Even better, the book has a lot of pictures and a spiral binding that makes it easy to look at the book and keep your place while you are working through a technique.

One copy (and I actually have a hardcover despite the photo above saying paperback) of this book is going to someone who comments on this post before the end of the day Sunday, November 1. (I cannot believe it’s almost November, but that’s another story.)

I’d love to know if there’s something in knitting you’d like to learn but haven’t tried yet, or something you were daunted by that didn’t turn out to be so bad once you tried it. Mine was probably double knitting, which I put off learning for a long time but actually isn’t that difficult if you’re paying attention to what you’re doing.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  1. I still need to really learn steeling and putting in zippers. This prize is awesome, thank you so much for offering it.

  3. Double knitting, entrelac and steeking are the all techniques I keep putting off, but I know I’ll get there in the end!

  5. Oddly, the thing I keep putting off is the long tail cast on. It’s easy, I”m sure, but it seems daunting. I’ve done lots of other castons, but each time I try it I get confused and put it aside. *embarrassed smile*

  8. I would like to improve surface embroidery and putting in a zip. Thank you for the giveaway chance.

  10. I would have to say making cables was pretty intimidating for me, but once I was able to learn not so difficult. I just love the results.

  11. The next thing on my list include short rows I haven’t done then yet! This book would be a great reference. Thanks for the chance to win.

  16. i need to learn how to use double point needles. I always use 2 sets of circular needles when I need double point needles. The thing I am most afraid of with double point needles is that there are no stoppers at the ends of needles to keep the stitches for falling off the needles. One of these days I will try to knit a baby hat on double point needles. I like to knit complicated lace patterns but double point needles scares me.

  17. I need to work on mitered squares that end up the same size even when I use the same yarn and needles. ( Probably the glass of wine I sip when I make some of the squares!)

  20. I would love to learn Brioche and double knitting, I just have to build up the nerve to try it. I was a little bit afraid to try DPN’s, but have learned they aren’t as bad as I thought they would be. They are a little bit hard to start with, but once you get going they are not hard at all. I love learning new techniques!

  22. There is a problem I stumbled on the other day.
    How to knit a border at the bottom of a sweater that doesn’t curl up. I mean another border than knit one, purl one.

  23. I just got the hang of using circular needles – next I would like to try cable knits, then fair isle!

  24. With this book, I hope I can overcome my reluctance to try entrelac knitting and making socks with 2 dpn.

  26. I want to try knitting a sweater and fair isle. Already bought a yarn lazy Susan for doing fair isle but haven’t attempted it yet. I think my next project is a vest, a step towards the sweater, lol.

  27. Fair isle knitting was something I put off, but then when I tried it I was pleased at how easy it was. Now I just need to practice it enough to make it look really good.

  28. I tried lacy knitting, but because of the yarn & how it knits up, I had a hard time seeing the pattern come together. I got lost several times at the beginning & finally gave up after a dozen starts. I will have to change to a different yarn & try again.

  29. I am learning how to knit via youtube and blogs and would love this book, I was amazed at how many things there are to learn in knitting, I love DPNs. Amazed at how many diff stitches there are out there or so many ways to bind on…..love it all

  39. Cables were a big hurdle for me. I was afraid I’d never get the hang of them, but when it clicked I never looked back. Now I love cable knitting!

  40. Beginner to advance, would be good to see if there is anything I have not tried and if there are better ways of explaining different technics to help teach others to knit!

  41. I’ve just started learning to knit, and just (yesterday) learned how to wrangle circulars. Maybe this would help with dp needles! I really want to make an army of socks and gloves. 😀 And how to do cables! Reading through some of the comments… I have a lot to learn yet haha.

  42. For some reason, socks are challenging and I’ve attempted to start a few times without success.

  43. I’m currently trying to learn brioche. I think it’s more the combination of yarn and needles I chose that’s hindering my progress than the stitch pattern

Have you read?

10 Knitted Christmas Bauble Patterns for a Tree Full of Handmade Charm

There’s always room for one more Christmas decoration, especially when it uses yarn you already own. That’s my reasoning, anyway. Those little leftover balls that aren’t quite enough for a hat suddenly look much more promising when you start thinking about knitted baubles.

I love the idea of adding a few handmade ornaments to the tree each year. They don’t all have to match, either. A traditional colourwork ball beside a slightly cheeky Christmas pudding feels far more interesting than a tree where everything arrived in the same box.

These knitted Christmas bauble patterns include flat-knit designs, festive characters and detailed colourwork ornaments. Most are free, with a paid collection included for anyone who wants plenty of designs to work through. Some suit newer knitters; others are small projects for practising skills you already know.

Christmas Baubles Knitted Flat

The free Christmas Baubles—Knit Flat pattern from Tat’sgrans Treasures is worth a look if knitting tiny rounds doesn’t appeal. It includes three sizes and charted words such as Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, worked using intarsia. The flat construction is approachable, although the lettering adds a challenge beyond basic stocking stitch. I’d choose this for meaningful gift ornaments, particularly when one of those words suits the person receiving it.

Christmas Pudding Bauble

The free Christmas Pudding Bauble by Amanda Berry has all the appeal of a festive pudding without anyone debating whether they actually like eating it. Knitted flat in DK yarn, it combines shaping, colourwork and seaming, with a little holly topper to finish. It’s best for confident beginners with some experience rather than someone learning their first knit stitch. At approximately 6 cm tall, it would make a lovely tree decoration or an extra treat tied onto a wrapped present.

Rudolf & Friends Character Baubles

The free Rudolf & Friends Ornaments by Claire Fairall bring a playful touch to a handmade Christmas tree. These character baubles are knitted flat, and the instructions include illustrations for assembly and embroidery. Hobbii lists the pattern as suitable for beginners, making it a useful option for knitters who would rather practise finishing details than stranded colourwork. The finished ornaments measure approximately 8 × 6 cm and would also look cheerful tucked into a handmade wreath.

Cute Christmas Baubles With Little Faces

The free Cute Christmas Baubles from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days turn small amounts of DK yarn into cheerful character decorations. Worked flat and seamed, they use simple shaping, stuffing and added facial details to create their personality. They suit knitters comfortable with knit, purl, increases and decreases who enjoy a little assembly afterwards. I rather like Marianna’s idea of using them on the Christmas dinner table before adding hanging loops for the tree.

Rudolph’s Nose Christmas Bauble

The free Rudolph’s Nose Bauble from DROPS Design is a useful choice when you want a traditional ball-shaped ornament. Designed in DROPS Flora, it uses knitting in the round with increases and decreases to create the shape. Choose this if you’re comfortable handling a small circumference and want a project focused on construction. I’d make a few in coordinating colours to bring a little consistency to an otherwise wonderfully mismatched handmade tree.

Merry Mints Bauble

The free Merry Mints Bauble from DROPS Design offers another festive option, this time designed in DROPS Cotton Merino. The instructions include working back-and-forth rows and shaping, so it’s worth considering if you prefer that approach to tiny rounds. Read through the construction before starting and pay attention to the instructions for working yarn overs to avoid unwanted holes. This would be a nice project for a knitter who enjoys seeing a shaped decoration emerge from a small piece of knitting.

Caorann Fair Isle Christmas Bauble

The free Caorann Christmas Bauble by Sarah Berry brings delicate Fair Isle detail to a small ornament. It uses fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles, with instructions sized for an approximately 60 mm bauble insert. Worked in the round, the design includes both written and charted directions for its repeated segments. I’d save this one for knitters with some colourwork experience who want to make a particularly special keepsake.

A Dated 2026 Christmas Bauble

The free 2026 Christmas Bauble by Smaatterier combines the year with two traditional Selbu rose motifs. It’s knitted in the round using stranded colourwork across the middle, with either fibre filling or a suitably sized plastic bauble inside. The charted design is listed as intermediate and finishes at approximately 6.5 cm tall. This is a lovely choice for marking a first Christmas in a new home, a family milestone or simply another year of making things by hand.

Colourful Christmas Balls From Two Strands

The free Christmas Balls by Mary Ann Stephens are full of colourwork detail, with optional touches such as duplicate stitch and nupps. The designer also discusses I-cord hanging loops, which give the ornaments a pleasingly substantial finish. These are better suited to knitters comfortable following charts and managing several colours than complete beginners. Follow the updated download directions in the post to find the patterns on the designer’s current website.

ARNE & CARLOS Christmas Ball Collection

The paid Twenty-four Christmas Balls 2024 collection by ARNE & CARLOS includes a basic ball pattern and 24 different motif charts. The ornaments are worked in the round using stranded colourwork, with a linked tutorial to help you follow the process. Although the designer lists the collection as beginner level, I’d be comfortable knitting in the round and making increases and decreases before starting. This is the pick for someone who wants a whole collection of coordinated ornaments rather than just one small project.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Baubles

Small decorations are tempting stash projects, but check the yarn weight before diving into that leftover basket. A thicker yarn can make a much larger bauble, while changing the yarn in a fitted cover may stop it fitting the recommended insert.

For colourwork, choose shades with enough contrast for the motif to show. Two lovely colours can look surprisingly similar once they’re knitted together, especially on something this small.

Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches. Save the fluffy, sparkly and slightly mysterious leftovers for a pattern where you’re confident they’ll work.

Getting a Nicely Rounded Finish

If your pattern uses stuffing, add it gradually and spread it evenly. You’re aiming for a rounded ornament without stretching the stitches so far apart that the filling shows through. For designs worked over an insert, check the diameter and follow the instructions for when to put it inside.

Give the finishing a little time, too. A neat seam, securely woven ends and a tidy hanging loop help a small decoration feel properly finished.

I’d start with a pair for the tree and one to give away. Of course, once you’ve laid out all those yarn colours, “just three” may become a rather flexible arrangement.