Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Have You Seen Skein Theory?

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skein theoryThe other day I got word that Skein Theory, the sister publication to The Sock Report, had been released and for some reason I didn’t think to go look at it right away. If you haven’t checked it out either, it is certainly worth a look.

This online magazine has 16 patterns, including lots of sweaters, hats, scarves and mitts perfect for this time of year, as well as a few projects that will remind you that winter doesn’t last forever. I particularly like Sunflower, a buttery top with a large floral motif on the back designed by Janel Laidman andVan Alen, a set of hat, fingerless gloves and cowl worked in a staggered two-color rib and offered by Ann Kuo Lukito.

In addition to the patterns there are tips on installing zippers and carrying colors up the side of your knitting, book and needle reviews and more. Individual patterns may be purchased for $6.50 each or the entire collection is available digitally for $16. Starting later this month print editions will also be available from local yarn shops for $16, and you can buy a digital and print bundle for $24.

Have you read?

Knits for the Table for Thanksgiving and Beyond

As we get into the part of the year with a lot of food-forward holidays, it might be time to start thinking about knitting some new things for your table. While a few of these are more fall/Thanksgiving focused, just changing up the colors would make others work for Christmas, or keep it neutral and use them all year long. 

What got me started thinking about this was the lovely and simple Fresh Bread Dishtowel, a free pattern from Purl Soho. Worked in a lovely cotton and linen blend, the towel is mostly stockinette stitch with a bit of texture on the borders. 

You could use this same kind of pattern to make anything from placemats to a table runner, but let’s look at some specific patterns for those kinds of projects as well. 

The easy moss stitch table runner from Glass Bird Knits is beginner friendly can can easily be modified to fit your table (or, again, to make placemats instead of or in addition to a runner). This version is worked in macrame cord, but you could also use bulky yarn. 

Emielle Design has a garter stitch runner pattern that’s made with braided cotton cord for a lot of texture without a lot of work. But be sure to take a lot of breaks when knitting with cord because it can be rough on your hands!

I also love the diamond pattern on the Hamilton Table Runner from Wyndlestraw Designs. It calls for a DK weight cotton and linen blend yarn and comes in three sizes with different widths and lengths. The pattern has both written and charted instructions. 

Amy Marie’s Table Pumpkins (on Ravelry) is a fun mosaic knitting pattern that would be great to use as a table runner through the fall and for Thanksgiving. It uses a worsted weight cotton yarn in two colors, and you can make it as long as you like for your table. 

The no cable knit placemats from Yarn Culture Studio have a fun faux cable look that would be great for the table through the fall and winter. 

Or here’s another pattern from Wyndlestraw Designs, this time for an easy knit and purl stitch placemat pattern that looks different but still good on both sides. It calls for worsted weight cotton and comes in two sizes for placemats, but also has instructions for coasters, a hot pad and a table pad all using the same stitch.