Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit Projects Covered with Butterflies

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Butterflies are a common source of inspiration for all sorts of artists, and their colors and shapes are a lot of fun for knitters, too. Check out these knitting patterns that include butterfly motifs. 

If you want to start simple, try this knit and purl butterfly washcloth pattern from Daisy and Storm. This project uses DK weight yarn and can be used as a washcloth if knit in cotton, or use other fibers and knit a bunch to make a blanket. Both written and charted patterns are included. 

You can also make butterflies with eyelets as on this blanket knitting pattern from Knit Hit Shop. The pattern notes say “medium or somewhat heavier yarn,” but given that the pattern also calls for a US4/3.5 mm knitting needle I feel like you might want sport weight or DK yarn instead. It’s meant to be a throw blanket size, so hitting the exact measurements probably isn’t vital. 

I also like the mosaic knit Butterfly Flight pattern, which can be used a coaster or potholder, depending on what weight of yarn you use. The pattern is by Arella Seaton and calls for worsted weight to make a washcloth or fingering or sport weight to make a colorful set of coasters. You can find the pattern on Ravelry. 

If monarchs are your favorite, you can try the Monarchs of the Central Coast beanie pattern from Nancy Bates (Ravelry), which calls for worsted weight yarn and fits an average adult. 

Swallowtail fans can stitch up the Swallowtail sweater from Jamie Hoffman, which calls for fingering weight yarn and is a top down circular yoke pattern with stranded colorwork as well as stripes. The pattern comes in 10 sizes with a chest measurement from 28 to 64 inches (71 to 162.5 cm) and you can find it on Ravelry. 

How about some butterfly socks? Coriander’s Butterfly Sock (Ravelry) features butterflies around the leg and on the heel flap. These short socks are worked from the top down and there are eight sizes available in this free pattern download. 

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Cute Little Backpack Knitting Patterns

While no one would likely use a knit backpack for school, knitting a backpack is a fun way to show off your knitting skills and carry around your project or everyday essentials instead of using a purse. Check out these cute backpack knitting patterns and stitch one up for your next project. 

I couldn’t resist sharing this adorable bunny backpack (you can also make it without the ears) that is made on a circular knitting machine. This pattern is from Orange Olive Road and you can use a 46 or 48 needle machine for the bag but will also need a 22 needle machine if you opt for the bunny version. 

If you prefer knitting by hand, check out the bucket bag pattern from WoolFans Knitting. This one calls for super bulky yarn in two or three colors (you could make it all in one color, too, if you’d rather) and it looks like the base is knit flat and then the sides are worked in the round. 

You know I love a stashbuster, and that’s what you get with the Whidbey Bag from Wool and Pine Designs. This one calls for DK weight yarn for the body of the bag, which is actually worked in a single color from the top down. The colorful bits are woven in after the knitting is done, allowing you to use up all sorts of odd balls quickly. 

Adding hardware to a knit bag makes it look that much more interesting, and the combination of leather accents and a sari silk yarn makes Le Backpack from Vanrey Knits a lot of fun. This pattern is on Ravelry and uses a super bulky yarn and seed stitch for a ton of texture. 

Mama in a Stitch has a great free pattern for a little backpack with a flap closure. This one is worked in worsted weight cotton yarn with two strands held together for extra stability. It starts with a flat base with the body worked in the round and a knit flap and I-cord straps.