Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Hold onto Summer with the Hipster Top Knitting Pattern

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As I write this, summer is winding down and kids are going back to school, but I know that in a lot of the Northern Hemisphere it will still be warm for a long time, and it’s probably already getting warmer in the Southern Hemisphere.

So it’s basically the perfect time for anyone to knit a tee shirt.

Especially when it’s one that’s as full of cute details as the Hipster Top by Joji Locatelli.

Inspired by the stripes and design details of the Hip Stripes Shawl (Ravelry link), the top has the same narrow stripes in two colors, and the fun lace detail has been added to the shoulders of the cap sleeves.

The tee begins with that little bit of crossed stitch lace and then is worked down in pieces until it is joined for working in the round at the underarm. It makes for a totally seamless construction so all you have to do when you’re done is weave in your ends (if you want; I promise I won’t tell if you don’t).

The V-neck makes it easy and comfortable to wear, and the shirt is made with a light fingering weight yarn that’s a blend of yak and cotton, which sounds super interesting.

The pattern comes in 10 sizes, meant to fit a bust circumference ranging from 30 to 64 inches (76.2 to 162.5 cm), with positive ease of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) built in.

This looks like a really easy pattern because once you get past that little bit of lace (there’s a video to help you along if you need it) it’s all stockinette down to the ribbing at the bottom of the top. And those little stripes are sure to make you knit this project at lightning speed because you’ll want to knit “just one more stripe!” all the time until it’s done. That’s just science.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Joji Locatelli]

More Summer Top Knitting Patterns to Finish Out the Season

Knit a Summer Top with a Textured Twist

Knit a Summer Top with a Little Frill

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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.