Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit a Shawl with a Quilt-Styled Star

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I was just talking the other day about my love for quilt inspired knitting projects, and then another one came upon my screen: the Clint pattern from Natasja Hornby.

This large boomerang shawl calls for sport weight yarn in four colors, though you could use heavier yarn and make it even bigger. It’s already plenty large, though, at 75 inches/190 cm across the top of the triangle and 23.5 inches/60 cm deep.

The pattern begins with the modular colorwork star design that makes up the center back of the shawl. The blocks are worked individually and attached to each other seamlessly as you knit. They’re bias knit squares worked in garter stitch, and there’s a video tutorial showing how to join them together. 

Once the star portion has been worked, you pick up stitches for the upper and lower parts of the center block, then for the sides. The top edge of the shawl is finished with an attached I-cord, while stitches are picked up along the bottom sides to work the scalloped edging. 

There’s a lot going on in this project but at the same time the finished shawl looks simple somehow. Maybe it’s the rustic color choices and the simplicity of the garter stitch squares that gives a sort of feeling of ease to the look. 

One of the projects on Ravelry says that nothing about the shawl was hard, but it was interesting, and I think that’s what I mean, too, is that it’s interesting but also has an ease about it, like it’s quite natural that it turned out the way it turned out. Which I know as a designer is actually a hard thing to do!

The designer describes it as rhythmic and soothing as well as engaging and fun because of the modular design. I think all of that is true, too. It just looks like it would be a lot of fun to knit and to wear. 

Learn more and get a copy of the pattern on Ravelry. 

[Photo: Natasja Hornby]

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Selected Yarns Advertised at $2, $4 and $6

There’s a particular kind of optimism that appears when a knitter sees a yarn sale. Suddenly, the cardigan we’ve been thinking about seems entirely achievable, handmade Christmas gifts sound manageable, and there’s probably room for another project bag beside the sofa.

If that sounds familiar, the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale deserves a look. Selected yarns are advertised at up to 60% off, making this a useful opportunity to shop for planned projects, small handmade gifts and those colours missing from your stash.

The trick, of course, is remembering what you actually need before a lovely shade of green talks you into an entirely different project.

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Browse the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale here.

What’s Included in the Knit Picks Yarn Sale?

There are two advertised yarn offers to check:

  • Up to 60% off selected yarns, ending 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
  • Selected yarns advertised at $2, $4 and $6, ending 5 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

The $2, $4 and $6 promotion finishes sooner, so check that offer first if you’re reading this while it is still running. Prices displayed can vary with your selected shopping currency.

These promotions apply to selected products and colours, with exclusions. Check the individual listing, current terms and checkout total before ordering.

Start With Cotton for Useful Handmade Gifts

If your Christmas knitting list needs a little encouragement, cotton yarn for dishcloths is a practical place to start. Small projects are easier to fit around everyday life, and you don’t need to discreetly measure anyone’s chest before casting on.

Selected Dishie colours appear in the sale listings. Check the colour and price carefully, as a discount on one shade doesn’t mean the whole range has the same offer.

Our dishcloth knitting patterns for Christmas gifts offer plenty of inspiration for turning suitable cotton into useful presents.

Choose the pattern first, then check its yarn weight and quantity. Two or three coordinating cloths tied with ribbon can make a lovely gift without requiring a trolley full of supplies.

Look for Yarn That Suits Your Pattern

A discounted skein is only useful if it works for something you want to make.

For socks, check the pattern’s recommended yarn construction, fibre content and yardage. For a cardigan or jumper, calculate the full quantity before buying and check dye-lot information where available.

If you’re substituting yarn, matching the weight is only the starting point. Fibre, drape and your washed gauge swatch all affect the finished result.

For smaller projects that let you explore texture, our feature on the Clean and Crafty dishcloth collection is another helpful starting point. A manageable project can be a lovely way to try a stitch before committing to an entire blanket.

Shop Your Stash Before Adding to Your Basket

Before placing an order, pull out the yarn you already own. You might only need a contrasting colour or enough extra cotton to finish a gift set.

If you enjoy colourful kitchen projects, the Kitchen Kaleidoscope dishcloth collection might help you find a purpose for those existing balls.

Then compare yarn by its usable yardage, rather than the price per ball alone. Check washing instructions too, particularly for gifts. And include delivery in your budget, because postage has a habit of making its presence felt just when you think you’ve found a bargain.

Shop the current Knit Picks yarn offers here.

Choose a project you’re excited to make, keep the pattern with the yarn when it arrives, and give yourself the pleasure of a purchase with a plan. One finished gift feels rather better than another bag of yarn you’re afraid to open.