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The Perky Little Hat by Sharon Lentsch is a quick, chunky knitted beanie designed for super bulky yarn. Its simple shape, textured brim and oversized pom-pom make it a fun cold-weather project for both children and adults.
With only about 80–85 yards of yarn required, this is also a practical one-skein project and a good choice when you want to knit a handmade gift without committing to a long project.
Designer: Sharon Lentsch
Craft: Knitting
Category: Beanie / Toque
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
Suggested Yarn: Malabrigo Rasta
Yardage: 80–85 yd (73–78 m)
Needles: US 15 (10 mm)
Gauge: 2 sts and 3 rows = 1 in
Sizes: Child and Adult
Construction: Worked in the round
Instructions: Written pattern
Current Availability: Paid PDF pattern
Perky Little Hat is designed as a fast, satisfying knit with a playful finished look. The super bulky yarn creates a thick fabric quickly, while the decorative brim and pom-pom give the hat its distinctive personality.
The original designer describes it as a quick project and a good gift idea. Because the pattern includes both child and adult sizing, it can also work well for coordinating family hats.
The pattern recommends Malabrigo Rasta, a super bulky 100% merino yarn. The listed requirement is approximately 80–85 yards (73–78 meters).
A smooth or lightly spun super bulky yarn will help preserve the definition of the brim while keeping the hat warm and substantial. Always compare your substitute yarn with the pattern gauge before beginning.
The recommended needle size is US 15 (10 mm).
The pattern gauge is approximately 2 stitches and 3 rows per inch. Because super bulky yarn can vary considerably between brands, a gauge swatch is useful if you want the finished hat to match the intended size.
The original pattern includes both Child and Adult sizes.
This makes Perky Little Hat useful for gift knitting, especially when you need a quick project in more than one size.
The hat is worked in the round, so familiarity with circular knitting is useful. The pattern is written rather than charted.
Its combination of super bulky yarn and straightforward construction makes it a relatively fast project, while the finished brim and pom-pom add enough detail to keep the design visually interesting.
No. Although older pages around the web may describe Perky Little Hat as a free knitting pattern, the current authorized Ravelry listing is a paid PDF pattern.
Pattern pricing can change over time, so use the original designer's listing below for the latest price and availability.
Visit Sharon Lentsch's official Ravelry listing to see the complete pattern details and current purchase options.
Amazing Knitting provides project information and links readers to the authorized source rather than reproducing the designer's complete copyrighted instructions.
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| Photos above © Jennifer - Brome Fields |
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| Designed by © Sandy Chapman of MotherOfPurlPatterns |
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| Photos above © Alicia Paulson |
The Anisah Shawl by Dee O'Keefe is a beautifully textured asymmetrical shawl that brings together classic garter stitch, cables and lace in one striking design.
Worked in worsted-weight yarn, the shawl combines a textured cable and lace panel with a generous garter-stitch body. The pattern is designed to be approachable while still offering enough variety to keep the knitting interesting.
Designer: Dee O'Keefe
Pattern: Anisah
Craft: Knitting
Category: Shawl / Wrap
Shape: Asymmetrical triangle
Yarn Weight: Worsted
Yardage: Approximately 540–590 yards (494–539 m)
Main Needle: US 8 (5 mm)
Finished Size: Approximately 63 × 27 in (160 × 69 cm)
Construction: Worked flat, one piece
Techniques: Garter stitch, cables and lace
Pattern Language: English
Anisah begins with just a few stitches and develops into an asymmetrical triangular shawl. A decorative panel forms one edge of the design, combining a graceful cable with mesh lace, while garter stitch fills the main body of the shawl.
The combination gives the finished piece plenty of texture without losing the relaxed character of a garter-stitch shawl.
The pattern is written for worsted-weight yarn. The standard size uses approximately 540–590 yards (494–539 m).
The main knitting is worked with US 8 (5 mm) needles. The designer also lists a larger US 10 (6 mm) needle for the bind-off.
The standard finished size is approximately 63 × 27 inches (160 × 69 cm) after blocking. The design can also be customized to create a larger or smaller shawl by adjusting the number of repeats as described in the designer's instructions.
The designer rates Anisah as suitable for an advanced beginner. It offers an opportunity to practice simple lace, cables and triangular shaping while much of the shawl remains relaxing garter-stitch knitting.
Both charted and written instructions are included in the original pattern, making it useful for knitters who prefer either method.
Anisah was designed by Dee O'Keefe. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's instructions. Visit the designer's original pattern page below for current pattern details and availability.
Pattern and photo © Dee O'Keefe. Pattern availability and pricing are controlled by the designer and may change over time.
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| Photos above © Button and Blue |
Does your knitting ribbing sometimes look loose, uneven, or less defined than you would like? One simple technique worth trying is twisted rib stitch.
Twisted rib is a variation of ordinary ribbing in which selected stitches are worked through the back loop. This small change twists the stitch and can create sharper, more clearly defined columns — especially around cuffs, sweater hems, neckbands, and hat brims.
Technique: Twisted Rib Stitch
Craft: Knitting
Skill Level: Beginner / Easy
Based on: Knit and purl ribbing
Main Technique: Working stitches through the back loop
Best For: Cuffs, hems, neckbands and hat brims
Result: Firm, clearly defined rib columns
Ribbing looks simple because it is built from basic knit and purl stitches, but achieving perfectly even rib columns can take practice.
One common trouble spot occurs when the working yarn moves between a knit stitch and a purl stitch. That transition can introduce a little extra yarn between stitches, making one side of a rib column appear looser than the other.
Differences between your knit and purl tension can make the effect even more noticeable, particularly in 1x1 and 2x2 ribbing.
Twisted rib is a variation of standard ribbing. Instead of working every stitch in the usual way, one or more stitches are worked through the back loop.
Working through the back loop changes the orientation of the stitch and creates the characteristic twisted appearance.
On the finished fabric, the knit columns can look narrower and more sharply defined than they do in ordinary ribbing.
The abbreviation ktbl means knit through the back loop.
Unlike an ordinary knit stitch, working through the back loop twists the base of the stitch.
You may also encounter the abbreviation ptbl, meaning purl through the back loop.
Purling through the back loop can feel awkward at first. Work slowly until the needle movement becomes comfortable.
A common way to experiment with twisted rib is to replace the knit stitches in ordinary 1x1 ribbing with knit-through-the-back-loop stitches.
Simple twisted rib repeat:
*K1 tbl, P1; repeat from * across.
This produces twisted knit columns separated by ordinary purl stitches. Depending on the project, pattern, and desired appearance, other twisted-rib variations may twist both knit and purl stitches.
Both techniques create vertical ribbing, but the finished fabrics are not identical.
Regular ribbing generally produces a soft, highly elastic fabric. It is the familiar choice for sweater cuffs, hems, neckbands, socks, and hats.
Twisted ribbing tends to create tighter-looking, more defined stitch columns. Because twisting changes the structure of the stitches, however, the fabric can behave differently from ordinary ribbing.
For that reason, twisted rib is not automatically a replacement for every ribbed section. The best choice depends on the look, stretch, and structure you want for the project.
Twisted rib can be an attractive choice anywhere you want a neat, structured ribbed edge, including:
Twisted stitches are not the only solution for uneven ribbing. If your regular rib stitch still looks loose or irregular, try these simple adjustments:
Not necessarily.
Twisting stitches changes more than their appearance. It can also change the elasticity, density, and overall behavior of the fabric.
If a knitting pattern specifically calls for ordinary ribbing, consider making a small swatch before substituting twisted rib. This is particularly important for fitted cuffs, necklines, socks, and other areas where stretch matters.
The easiest way to understand the difference is to make two small swatches using the same yarn and needles.
Knit one in ordinary 1x1 rib and the other in twisted 1x1 rib. Compare the stitch definition, width, stretch, and overall appearance.
This simple experiment will show you whether twisted rib gives you the result you want for your next project.
This Amazing Knitting article was originally published after discovering a twisted-rib tutorial from Button and Blue. The original photographs on this page are credited to Button and Blue.
The original external tutorial may no longer be consistently available online, so this page has been expanded with an independent Amazing Knitting explanation of the technique rather than reproducing the original author's tutorial.
Continue learning with more knitting stitch tutorials, rib stitch ideas, and knitting stitches from the Amazing Knitting archive.
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| Photos above © stitchnerd |
Looking for a simple but eye-catching free cowl knitting pattern? That Nice Stitch by Susan Ashcroft is a clever accessory pattern that uses an easy slipped-stitch texture to create a fabric that looks interesting on both sides.
The design was created especially to show off variegated yarns, which can sometimes be difficult to match with the right knitting pattern. The result is a lightweight, textured cowl that can be adjusted in length and adapted to different yarn weights.
Pattern: That Nice Stitch
Designer: Susan Ashcroft
Published by: Stitchnerd Designs
Craft: Knitting
Category: Cowl
Technique: Slipped-stitch texture
Suggested Needle Size: US 6 / 4.0 mm
Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches
Yardage: Approximately 219–437 yards (200–400 m)
Size: Length is easy to adjust
Pattern Availability: Free
That Nice Stitch is a cowl pattern designed by Susan Ashcroft of Stitchnerd Designs. The pattern grew from a request from the designer's mother, who wanted a cowl made with the same attractive stitch texture Susan had used in another design.
The finished fabric has a subtle woven-looking texture created with slipped stitches. One of the most appealing features of the pattern is that both sides of the fabric look attractive, making it particularly well suited to a cowl that naturally twists and folds while being worn.
Variegated yarns can be beautiful in the skein but sometimes difficult to pair with complicated stitch patterns. That Nice Stitch was designed specifically to make the most of those changing colors.
The slipped-stitch texture adds visual interest without competing too strongly with the color changes in the yarn. This makes the pattern an appealing option for hand-dyed, multicolored, and other variegated yarns.
The original version was made using sock-style yarn, with the designer suggesting yarns such as Malabrigo Sock and Malabrigo Arroyo.
The published yardage range is approximately:
219–437 yards (200–400 meters)
The exact amount you need will depend on your yarn choice and how long or wide you decide to make the cowl.
The pattern lists US 6 / 4.0 mm needles and a published gauge of:
22 stitches = 4 inches
If you substitute a different yarn weight, your gauge and finished measurements will change. Check the designer's original notes before choosing yarn and needles.
One of the useful features of this pattern is its flexibility. The length can be adjusted, so you can make a shorter single-loop cowl or a longer version that can be wrapped around the neck more than once.
The original sample was designed as a relatively slim double-loop accessory, but the pattern also includes guidance for adapting the project to different yarn weights and finished sizes.
That Nice Stitch uses a relatively simple textured knitting technique, but the complete cowl also introduces a few useful finishing skills.
The stitch pattern itself is described by the designer as easy to knit. The finishing techniques help create a continuous-looking cowl with an attractive result on both sides.
That Nice Stitch combines several qualities knitters often look for in an accessory: a memorable texture, simple repetitive knitting, flexible sizing, and the ability to showcase colorful yarn.
It is also a practical project when you have a special skein of variegated yarn and want the yarn itself to remain the focus of the finished piece.
Yes. That Nice Stitch by Susan Ashcroft is currently available as a free Ravelry download.
The pattern and knitting instructions remain the copyrighted work of Susan Ashcroft. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the pattern instructions here.
Visit the designer's original Ravelry page to download the pattern and view the complete instructions, sizing guidance, yarn information, and any updates.
Get the Free That Nice Stitch Pattern →
Pattern credit: That Nice Stitch was designed by Susan Ashcroft and published through Stitchnerd Designs. Pattern availability and technical details are controlled by the designer and may change over time.
If you enjoy textured knitting, explore more knitting stitch patterns and free cowl knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.
Check the original pattern page before choosing your yarn so you can confirm the latest yarn suggestions, gauge, finishing instructions, and pattern updates.
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| Photos above © Katerina Mushyn |
Two Needle Socks by Katerina Mushyn is a simple flat-knit sock design created for knitters who prefer working back and forth on two straight needles rather than using double-pointed needles or circular needles.
The socks are worked flat and then seamed, making the construction approachable for knitters who are comfortable with ordinary straight needles.
Pattern Availability Update
The original Two Needle Socks pattern was previously available free through the Prjaga website. Ravelry now lists that original source as no longer available. We have updated this page so readers are not sent to an unavailable pattern source.
Pattern: Two Needle Socks
Designer: Katerina Mushyn
First Published: July 2019
Craft: Knitting
Category: Ankle Socks
Yarn Weight: DK / 8 ply
Needle Size: US 4 / 3.5 mm
Construction: Worked flat and seamed
Languages: English and Russian
Current Availability: Original source unavailable
Many sock patterns are knitted in the round with double-pointed needles, magic loop, or a small circular needle. This design takes a different approach by allowing the sock to be knitted back and forth on two needles.
Once the knitting is complete, the flat piece is seamed to form the finished sock. This style of construction can be appealing to knitters who enjoy straight needles or who are not yet comfortable knitting small circumferences in the round.
The original pattern lists Alize Lanagold, a DK-weight wool/acrylic yarn, and recommends:
US 4 / 3.5 mm knitting needles
If you substitute another DK yarn, choose one that will produce a comfortable sock fabric rather than relying only on the yarn label's recommended needle size.
The main feature of this design is its two-needle construction. The sock is knitted in rows rather than continuously in the round and is then joined with a seam.
This can make flat-knit sock patterns useful for knitters who want to learn the basic shape of a sock without immediately learning double-pointed needles or magic loop.
Useful knitting skills for this type of project include:
Unfortunately, the original free source linked to this pattern is no longer available.
Ravelry still keeps the pattern listing for reference, but identifies the former Prjaga website source as unavailable.
For that reason, Amazing Knitting does not provide or reproduce an archived copy of the designer's instructions. The pattern remains the work of Katerina Mushyn.
View the Original Pattern Record on Ravelry →
If you came here specifically because you want to knit socks on two straight needles, there is still a good free option.
Free Alternative: Easy Flat Knit Two Needle Socks
Designed by Hanna Gough, this sock pattern is also worked flat on two straight needles. It uses fingering-weight sock yarn and includes an integrated heel before the sock is seamed together.
A free web version is currently available from the designer.
Get the Free Two-Needle Sock Alternative →
Explore more two-needle sock patterns, flat-knit socks, and free knitted slipper patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.
If you already saved the original Katerina Mushyn pattern while it was available, use the designer's copy you obtained legitimately. If you do not already have it, choose a currently available pattern rather than downloading an unauthorized reproduction from another website.
Pattern credit: Two Needle Socks was designed by Katerina Mushyn. The project photos on this Amazing Knitting page are credited to Katerina Mushyn. This editorial guide does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted knitting instructions.
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| Photos above © AlliH & © Amethyst05 |
Looking for a cozy pair of free knitted slipper boots? Better Dorm Boots Slippers by Kris Basta of Kriskrafter are warm, practical house slippers worked flat and seamed at the end.
The design uses two strands of worsted-weight yarn held together to create a thick, cozy fabric, while the ribbed cuff gives the slippers their recognizable dorm-boot shape. They are a great choice for cold floors, relaxing at home, or making a practical handmade gift.
Pattern: Better Dorm Boots Slippers
Designer: Kris Basta – Kriskrafter, LLC
Craft: Knitting
Category: Adult Slippers / Dorm Boots
Construction: Worked flat and seamed
Yarn: Two strands of worsted-weight yarn held together
Fabric Weight: Approximately bulky
Needle Size: US 9 / 5.5 mm
Gauge: 14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette with yarn held double
Yardage: Approximately 184–240 yards / 168–219 m
Sizes: Women's Small, Medium/Large and XL
Pattern Availability: Free
Better Dorm Boots were designed by Kris Basta as a cozy variation on the traditional knitted dorm boot.
The designer had noticed knitters modifying another of her slipper designs by replacing its decorative cuff with simple ribbing. Better Dorm Boots turned that popular idea into its own dedicated pattern.
The result is a straightforward knitted slipper with a comfortable foot, shaped toe, and tall ribbed cuff.
One particularly useful feature is that the slippers are knitted flat.
You do not need to knit the entire slipper as a small circumference in the round. Instead, the pieces are shaped while working back and forth and the slipper is seamed during finishing.
This construction can be attractive to knitters who enjoy making socks and slippers but prefer straight or back-and-forth knitting.
The original pattern uses two strands of worsted-weight yarn held together.
Combining the strands produces a much thicker fabric than a single strand of worsted yarn, resulting in a weight approximately comparable to bulky yarn.
This thicker fabric is especially appropriate for house slippers because it creates more warmth and substance around the foot.
The Better Dorm Boots pattern provides three women's size groups:
Check the designer's current pattern before casting on, particularly when making the slippers as a gift.
Ravelry lists approximately:
184–240 yards / 168–219 meters
Because the pattern is worked with yarn held double, read the original materials information carefully before purchasing yarn.
Using contrasting colors for the sole, foot, or cuff can also give the same basic slipper design a completely different appearance.
The original pattern specifies:
US 9 / 5.5 mm knitting needles
The published gauge is:
14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette with yarn held double
Gauge matters for slippers because even a relatively small difference can noticeably change how the finished boot fits the foot.
The original pattern uses several familiar knitting techniques and decreases, including:
If one of the decrease techniques is new to you, practice it on a small swatch before beginning the slippers.
Slipper boots sit somewhere between knitted socks and traditional house slippers. The taller cuff adds warmth around the ankle while the knitted construction keeps them soft and flexible.
They're particularly useful during colder months and can make practical handmade gifts because the project requires much less knitting than a sweater or blanket.
Kris Basta also created several variations on the original design. These include a Lace Edition with decorative lace running up the center and a warmer Deluxe version featuring a fold-over cuff.
These are separate designs, so use the appropriate pattern if you want to make one of those variations rather than modifying the original instructions.
Yes. Better Dorm Boots Slippers by Kris Basta is currently available as a free knitting pattern.
Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted instructions. Use the original pattern page for the stitch counts, row-by-row instructions, shaping, and finishing details.
Visit the designer's Ravelry listing for the current free pattern and complete project information.
Get the Free Better Dorm Boots Pattern →
Pattern credit: Better Dorm Boots Slippers was designed by Kris Basta – Kriskrafter, LLC. Pattern availability, sizing, materials, and technical information are controlled by the designer and may change over time.
Looking for another style? Explore more free knitted slipper patterns, adult knitted slippers, and knitted dorm boots from the Amazing Knitting archive.
Open the current designer pattern before purchasing yarn or casting on. Confirm your size, yarn requirements, gauge, needle size, and any pattern updates, then make sure your finished slippers are suitable for the surface where they will be worn.