Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit Jewelry Knitting Patterns

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The other day I saw this gorgeous knit wire pendant somewhere on the internet, and it got me thinking that I hadn’t written about knitting jewelry in a while.

While you can knit with wire to make bracelets, necklaces and pendants, you can also use yarn, with or without beads, to make knit jewelry. There’s really something for everyone! Here are a few fun patterns to get you started.

Since I fell down this rabbit hole thanks to the wire mandala pendant from Katherine Walters, it makes sense to start there. This is a free pattern on YouTube (the link is to part one but there are two parts) that uses 16 gauge and 26 gauge wire to make a pretty round pendant. You can add beads in a couple of different places if you like, or keep it just wire.

Probably the easiest bit of knit jewelry you can make is this simple fidget bracelet, made from a tube of knitting with a marble inside. You can get the free pattern on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen.

While we’re on the subject of bracelets, this plaited bracelet from Janelle Martin is a great use for leftover bits of yarn. The pieces are worked in linen stitch and braided together with button accents to make a really cool cuff. You can get the pattern from Ravelry.

Or try the BCBC bracelet, which uses a cable instead of braiding separate strands. You can use any yarn at any gauge for this pattern, which also has a button closure. It’s designed by Molly HatChick and you can get it on Ravelry.

Laura Nelkin has so many great beaded knitting jewelry projects I don’t know how to pick one, but I did. Mingle is a little beaded cuff that can be either knit or crocheted. You string beads onto the embroidery floss before you start knitting, then slide beads into place when you need them. These look great in a stack, and would be a great gift for a tween or a teen who loves sparkle. You can get the pattern alone on Ravelry or buy a kit from Nelkin on Etsy with beads included.

How about a knit necklace? This cable braided necklace from Olga Jazzy is super cute and easy to stitch, and it could double as a headband. It’s actually made from strips that are woven together so no cable experience is needed.

Or if you want something a little fancier, there’s the Dulce mio necklace from Petra Breakstone. This one is on Ravelry, and it’s a little bit of garter stitch lace worked sideways. It’s a really quick knit and you can try it on as you go to ensure it’s the perfect length for you.

Knit Kits Wire Jewelry Patterns

Knit a Heart Pendant for Valentine’s Day

Fun Things to Do that Aren’t Exactly Knitting

Knit a Simple Chain Link Necklace

Have you read?

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.