Over 50 Websites to Get Free Knitting Patterns

Designed by © Knit Crush

Looking for free knitting patterns? There are thousands of legitimate patterns available online for baby clothes, sweaters, blankets, scarves, socks, hats, toys and almost every other knitting project you can imagine.

The challenge is no longer simply finding a pattern. It is finding a reliable free pattern from a legitimate source, especially when older Pinterest pins and search results may lead to discontinued pages, outdated downloads or unofficial copies.

This guide will help you find free knitting patterns more safely and efficiently, whether you are searching the Amazing Knitting archive, a designer's website, a yarn company or a large knitting-pattern database.

About This Updated Guide

This Amazing Knitting article was originally published in 2019 as a link to an external roundup of more than 50 free-pattern websites. We have expanded the page into an independent resource for finding legitimate free knitting patterns without reproducing another publisher's list.

Where Can You Find Free Knitting Patterns?

Free knitting patterns are published by many different types of websites.

Some come directly from independent designers. Others are published by yarn manufacturers, knitting magazines, craft websites or pattern databases.

The best source depends on what you are looking for, so it helps to understand the major types of free-pattern resources before beginning your search.

1. Designer Websites

One of the best places to find a knitting pattern is the designer's own website.

Independent designers frequently publish selected patterns free while selling other designs.

Going directly to the designer has several advantages. You are more likely to find the current version of the pattern, corrections, additional photographs and notes from the person who actually created it.

If a pattern has been updated since its original publication, the designer's current page is usually preferable to an old copied version circulating elsewhere.

2. Yarn Company Pattern Libraries

Major yarn companies can be excellent sources of free knitting patterns.

These companies publish patterns to demonstrate how their yarns can be used, which means their libraries often contain projects across many categories and skill levels.

You can find designs for:

• Baby sweaters and cardigans
• Baby blankets
• Adult sweaters and pullovers
• Hats
• Scarves and cowls
• Socks and slippers
• Shawls
• Home accessories
• Seasonal projects

Yarn-company libraries are especially useful because older patterns sometimes remain available long after the original printed booklet has disappeared.

3. Ravelry

Ravelry is one of the most useful resources for researching knitting patterns.

Rather than simply searching the web for a phrase such as “free baby cardigan,” you can narrow results using filters such as category, yarn weight, needle size, age, construction and availability.

Pattern records can also provide useful historical information such as the designer, publication date, suggested yarn and links to the current pattern source.

Remember that a Ravelry record does not automatically mean the pattern itself is still available. Always check the current availability shown on the pattern page.

4. Knitting Magazines and Online Publications

Online knitting magazines have published many excellent free patterns over the years.

Some older designs remain available in permanent online archives, making these publications particularly useful when searching for classic knitting projects.

These sources can also be valuable because they often preserve useful information about the designer, yarn, gauge, construction and original publication date.

5. Large Craft and Pattern Websites

Large craft websites often organize patterns by project type or skill level, which can make them useful when you are looking for inspiration rather than one particular design.

A collection might focus on beginner scarves, baby booties, knitted toys or quick gifts.

When using a roundup, however, follow the link to the original pattern source whenever possible.

6. Knitting Blogs

Knitting blogs remain another useful source of free patterns, tutorials and project inspiration.

Some bloggers are also pattern designers and publish complete original designs. Others curate projects from different designers.

The distinction matters.

When a blog is discussing somebody else's pattern, look for the designer's name and a clear link to the legitimate original source.

7. Vintage and Public-Domain Knitting Resources

Knitters interested in historical projects can also explore digitized vintage knitting books, magazines and pattern leaflets.

Older knitting publications can contain fascinating sweaters, lace, socks, mittens and household projects that differ significantly from modern designs.

However, old does not automatically mean public domain. Copyright status depends on factors including publication date, jurisdiction and publication history.

If you plan to republish rather than simply knit from a vintage pattern, verify its copyright status first.

8. Amazing Knitting

You can also browse the Amazing Knitting archive.

Our library includes hundreds of knitting discoveries covering baby clothes, blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats, socks, slippers, stitches, tutorials and other projects.

We are progressively reviewing older articles to identify original designers, verify pattern availability and direct readers toward legitimate current sources whenever possible.

Browse Free Knitting Patterns →

Free Baby Knitting Patterns

Baby projects are an excellent place to explore free patterns because there are designs for many different skill levels.

You can start with baby cardigans and sweaters:

Explore Free Baby Cardigans →

Or browse baby booties:

Explore Free Baby Booties →

And baby blankets:

Explore Free Baby Blankets →

Free Sweater and Cardigan Patterns

Sweaters range from simple first-garment projects to advanced designs involving cables, lace or colorwork.

When choosing one, pay particular attention to:

• Finished measurements
• Recommended ease
• Gauge
• Yarn weight
• Construction method
• Available sizes
• Required techniques

Explore Free Sweater Patterns →

Free Blanket Knitting Patterns

Blankets are another large category of free knitting patterns.

Depending on the design, a blanket can be a simple beginner project or an advanced combination of lace, cables, colorwork or modular knitting.

Baby blankets are particularly useful for practicing new techniques on a manageable scale.

Explore Free Blanket Patterns →

Free Scarf and Cowl Patterns

Scarves and cowls are useful projects for testing unfamiliar stitches without committing to the fit requirements of a sweater.

They are also good projects for experimenting with cables, lace, texture and unusual yarn.

Explore Free Scarf Patterns →

How to Tell Whether a Pattern Is Really Free

One of the biggest problems with older knitting links is that pattern availability changes.

A pattern that was free ten years ago may now be paid, discontinued or completely unavailable.

Before calling a pattern free, check the current original source.

Look for clear wording such as:

• Free pattern
• Free download
• Download PDF
• Pattern available free on the designer's website

If the only evidence that a pattern is free comes from an old Pinterest pin or an old roundup, verify it before downloading.

Free Web Pattern vs. Free PDF

A pattern does not need to include a downloadable PDF to be genuinely free.

Some designers publish the complete pattern as a free webpage while offering an optional printable or ad-free PDF for a fee.

In that situation, describe the availability accurately: free web version with optional paid PDF.

This is more useful than simply labeling everything “free” or “paid.”

Watch for Discontinued Patterns

Older pattern databases can contain records for designs whose original downloads have disappeared.

A historical record is useful for identifying the designer and project, but it does not necessarily provide permission to download a copied PDF from another website.

If the legitimate source is gone, look for a currently available alternative instead of using an unauthorized copy.

Avoid Suspicious Pattern Downloads

Be cautious when a website offers a designer's PDF without clearly identifying itself as the designer, publisher or an authorized distributor.

A safer route is usually:

1. Identify the exact pattern name.
2. Identify the designer.
3. Find the designer or publisher's current page.
4. Check the current availability.
5. Download or follow the pattern from that legitimate source.

Check for Pattern Corrections

Another advantage of using the current source is access to corrections and updates.

Designers sometimes discover errors after publication and issue an updated PDF or an errata notice.

An old copy saved elsewhere may not include those corrections.

Check the Yarn Before You Buy It

Older patterns frequently recommend yarns that have since been discontinued.

That does not necessarily make the pattern unusable.

Instead of searching only for the exact old yarn, compare:

• Yarn weight
• Gauge
• Fiber content
• Yardage or meterage
• Fabric characteristics

Always make a gauge swatch before committing to a substitute yarn for a fitted garment.

Start with the Project You Want to Make

Searching “free knitting patterns” can return an overwhelming number of results.

A more effective approach is to begin with a specific project:

• Free newborn cardigan knitting pattern
• Free baby booties knitting pattern
• Free cable blanket knitting pattern
• Free beginner scarf knitting pattern
• Free top-down sweater knitting pattern
• Free lace shawl knitting pattern

Then narrow your choices according to yarn weight, size and skill level.

Save the Designer's Name

When you find a pattern you love, save more than the photograph.

Record the pattern name and designer.

This makes it much easier to find the legitimate pattern again if a Pinterest pin, bookmark or old website link stops working in the future.

Our Approach at Amazing Knitting

Amazing Knitting is a curated discovery library rather than the owner of every pattern featured in its archive.

When a project belongs to another designer, our goal is to identify and credit that designer, provide useful independent information about the project and direct knitters to the legitimate pattern source.

If an old pattern that was once free has become paid or unavailable, we aim to make that clear rather than continuing to promise a free download that no longer exists.

Explore Free Knitting Patterns

Ready to find your next project? Browse the Amazing Knitting archive by project type.

• Free Baby Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Cardigan Patterns
• Free Baby Booties Patterns
• Free Baby Blanket Patterns
• Free Sweater Knitting Patterns
• Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Free Hat Knitting Patterns
• Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Before Downloading a Free Pattern

Take a moment to confirm that you are using the current legitimate version.

Check the designer's name, current availability, size range, yarn requirements and whether any corrections have been published.

A few minutes of checking before casting on can prevent hours of frustration later in the project.

Editorial note: This article was originally published by Amazing Knitting in 2019 as a discovery link to a Knit Crush roundup. It has since been expanded into an original Amazing Knitting resource for finding and evaluating free knitting patterns. The original image used on this page is credited to Knit Crush.

Stitch Stripe Shawl Knitting Patterns

Beauitiful Knitting Shawls 

Stitch stripe shawls are a wonderful way to combine several knitting techniques in one wearable project.

Instead of relying only on color stripes, these shawls alternate sections of garter stitch, lace, slipped stitches, moss stitch, eyelets, dropped stitches and other textures.

The result can look complex while still allowing you to work through one manageable stitch pattern at a time.

About This Guide

This Amazing Knitting page is an independent guide to textured stripe shawls. We do not reproduce designers' complete knitting instructions. Pattern availability can change, so use the original designer or publisher links for the current pattern.

What Is a Stitch Stripe Shawl?

A stitch stripe shawl is built from visible bands or sections where the knitting technique changes.

One section might be simple garter stitch, while the next introduces lace, slipped stitches, moss stitch, eyelets or another texture.

Color changes can make those sections even more obvious, but they are not essential. A single-color shawl can still show dramatic striping when the stitch patterns create enough contrast.

Why These Shawls Are So Interesting to Knit

Long shawls can sometimes become repetitive. A sampler-style design solves that by changing the knitting experience as the fabric grows.

You may spend one section working relaxing garter stitch and the next following a lace or slipped-stitch motif.

This makes textured stripe shawls especially useful for knitters who enjoy variety without wanting to make many separate small projects.

Good Techniques for Stitch Stripe Shawls

Common techniques include:

• Garter stitch
• Stockinette and reverse stockinette
• Moss or seed stitch
• Lace and eyelets
• Slipped stitches
• Mosaic-style colorwork
• Dropped stitches
• Twisted stitches
• Bobbles
• Textured ribs

You do not need all of these techniques in one design. Even two or three contrasting stitch patterns can produce a strong striped effect.

Free Pattern: Lueur Shawl

Lueur by Audrey Borrego is an excellent modern example of the stitch-sampler idea.

It combines several textures including twisted stitches, bicolour moss stitch, bobbles and a garter tweed motif.

The shawl is an asymmetrical triangle worked sideways and uses two colors of sport-weight yarn.

Lueur is currently available as a free Ravelry download.

View the Free Lueur Shawl Pattern →

Free Pattern: Guild Park

Guild Park by Laura Chau is another interesting textured wrap.

Published by Knitty, it combines a zigzag lace mesh with twisted stitches and dropped-stitch sections that create soft waves across the fabric.

Guild Park is a rectangular wrap worked flat in sport-weight yarn and remains available as a free Knitty pattern.

View the Free Guild Park Pattern →

Free Web Pattern: Cambria Wrap

Cambria Wrap by Alexandra Tavel is a large triangular wrap that alternates simple fabric with eyelet and lace details.

The design uses worsted-weight yarn and is approximately 76 inches / 193 cm wide with a depth of about 38 inches / 97 cm.

The designer currently offers a free web version, while a paid PDF version is also available for knitters who prefer that format.

View Cambria Wrap Pattern Information →

One Color or Several?

Both approaches work.

With a single color, the eye is drawn to the changing stitch texture. This can produce an elegant and understated shawl.

With two or more colors, the stripe structure becomes much more graphic.

If the stitch pattern is already elaborate, consider using relatively simple color combinations so that color and texture do not compete for attention.

These Patterns Are Excellent for Stash Yarn

Multi-section shawls can be useful stash projects because different colors can be assigned to different bands.

Before mixing leftover yarns, make sure they behave reasonably well together.

Similar yarn weights and compatible washing instructions usually make finishing easier.

Watch Your Gauge When the Stitch Changes

Different stitch patterns can produce very different fabric widths even when worked with the same yarn and needle.

Garter stitch, lace, slipped stitches and seed stitch may not all have the same natural gauge.

In a well-designed pattern, the designer has already accounted for these differences. Avoid changing stitch counts or needle sizes inside individual sections unless you understand how that will affect the overall shawl shape.

Use Lifelines in Lace Sections

If a shawl alternates easy texture with more complicated lace, a lifeline can be useful before beginning a difficult section.

That gives you a known-correct row to return to without undoing an earlier completed stripe.

Keep Notes as You Work

Sampler shawls are much easier to manage when you keep a simple record of your progress.

Note which section you are working, which color you used and where you stopped.

This is especially useful if the project is set aside for several days or weeks.

Blocking Makes a Big Difference

Blocking is especially important when several textures appear in one shawl.

Lace usually opens after blocking, while garter and moss stitch settle into a more even surface.

Use a method appropriate for your yarn and follow the designer's finished measurements rather than stretching every section as far as possible.

How to Choose a Stitch Stripe Shawl

Before choosing a pattern, consider what you want from the project.

• Choose garter and simple texture if you want relaxing knitting.
• Choose lace sections if you enjoy charts and openwork.
• Choose slipped stitches if you want color effects without traditional stranded knitting.
• Choose a sampler shawl if your goal is to practice several techniques in one project.
• Choose a multicolor design if you want to use leftover yarn or mini skeins.

More Stitch Stripe Shawl Patterns

The original inspiration for this older Amazing Knitting post was a collection from In the Loop Knitting, which continues to maintain a large roundup of stitch-stripe shawl patterns from many different designers.

Some are free, while pattern availability can change over time. Always follow through to the individual designer or publisher before assuming that a pattern is still free.

Explore More Stitch Stripe Shawls at In the Loop Knitting →

Explore More Free Shawls on Amazing Knitting

• Free Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Textured Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Scarves & Shawls

Before You Start

Check the current pattern source before purchasing yarn because older roundup pages can remain online long after an individual designer has changed a pattern from free to paid or discontinued it.

Once you choose a design, read through all of its stitch sections before casting on and make sure you understand any unfamiliar techniques.

Then choose colors that allow the texture to remain visible and enjoy the changing rhythm of the different stitch patterns.

Editorial note: This Amazing Knitting page is an independent educational and discovery guide. The linked patterns belong to their respective designers and publishers. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce their complete copyrighted instructions.

Boy Sweater - Knitting Pattern

Photos above © milainemicoton

Looking for a stylish boy sweater knitting pattern with practical cold-weather details? Boy Sweater by Lisa Chemery is a seamless top-down pullover for babies and children, featuring a cozy shawl collar, buttoned neck opening, raglan shaping, and textured stitch details.

The close-fitting design is intended to sit comfortably under a jacket, while the shawl collar provides extra warmth around the neck — especially useful for children who do not enjoy wearing scarves.

Boy Sweater at a Glance

Pattern: Boy Sweater

Designer: Lisa Chemery

Craft: Knitting

Category: Baby & Child Pullover

Construction: Top-down and seamless

Yarn Weight: Worsted / DK

Needles: US 6 / 4.0 mm and US 8 / 5.0 mm

Main Gauge: 20 stitches × 30 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette

Yardage: Approximately 275–700 yards / 251–640 m

Sizes: 3 months to 8 years

Languages: English and French

Pattern Availability: Paid pattern

About the Boy Sweater

Designed by Lisa Chemery, Boy Sweater combines the practicality of a children's pullover with several details that give it a more polished look.

The most recognizable feature is the shawl collar, which wraps softly around the neck and is paired with a small buttoned opening.

Textured knitting and twisted-rib details add visual interest without turning the sweater into a heavily decorated garment, making the design suitable for both boys and girls.

Seamless Top-Down Construction

The sweater is knitted seamlessly from the top down. The upper section begins flat, after which stitches are added for the neck placket and the body continues in the round.

The sleeves are also worked in the round, reducing the amount of garment seaming required at the end.

Top-down construction has another practical advantage: it allows knitters to see the garment taking shape from the neckline toward the hem.

The Shawl Collar

The shawl collar is one of the defining features of this sweater. After the body is completed, stitches are picked up around the neckline and the collar is worked flat.

Short rows are used to create the characteristic shawl shape, and the lower edges of the collar are then attached to the sweater body.

Besides giving the sweater its classic appearance, the collar provides extra knitted fabric around the child's neck without requiring a separate scarf.

Baby and Child Sizes

The current pattern includes a particularly useful range of sizes:

• 3 months
• 6 months
• 12 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 4 years
• 6 years
• 8 years

The designer provides finished garment measurements as well as intended chest measurements, so check the original pattern carefully when deciding which size to knit.

Yarn Requirements

Boy Sweater is designed for approximately:

275–700 yards / 251–640 meters

The exact amount depends on size. The designer recommends a worsted-to-DK-weight merino or merino-blend yarn.

Suggested yarns listed with the pattern include Malabrigo Rios and several DK and worsted options.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern uses two main needle sizes:

• US 6 / 4.0 mm
• US 8 / 5.0 mm

The published stockinette gauge after blocking is:

20 stitches × 30 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm

The textured portion has a separate row gauge, so use the designer's current pattern instructions when swatching and selecting needle sizes.

Knitting Skills Used

This project involves more than basic stockinette knitting. Techniques used in the design include:

• Knitting and purling
• Increasing and decreasing
• Top-down raglan construction
• Knitting in the round
• Picking up stitches
• Short rows
• Twisted stitches
• Textured stitch patterns
• Buttonholes and finishing

The combination makes Boy Sweater an interesting project for knitters who already understand the basics and want to develop their garment-knitting skills.

Is the Boy Sweater Pattern Free?

No. Boy Sweater by Lisa Chemery is currently a paid knitting pattern.

The pattern is sold through the designer's Ravelry listing. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted instructions.

Visit the original listing below for the current price, complete sizing, materials, and purchase information.

View the Original Boy Sweater Pattern →

Pattern credit: Boy Sweater was designed by Lisa Chemery. Pattern pricing, availability, sizing, and technical information are controlled by the designer and may change over time.

Prefer a Free Alternative?

If you love the cozy shawl-collar style but would prefer a free knitting pattern, Amazing Knitting has a similar baby and child project in our archive.

Double Breasted Jacket with Shawl Collar — Free Knitting Pattern

This is a different design — not a free copy of Boy Sweater — but it offers a similar cozy shawl-collar look for babies and children and is available as a free knitting pattern.

View the Free Shawl Collar Pattern →

You can also browse our free baby sweater patterns for more no-cost options.

More Baby and Child Sweaters

Explore more boy sweater knitting patterns, baby sweater knitting patterns, and children's sweater knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

If you choose the original Boy Sweater, check Lisa Chemery's current Ravelry listing before purchasing yarn. Confirm your chosen size, yarn requirement, needle sizes, gauge, notions, and any current pattern updates before casting on.

Birds Nest Shawl - Free Pattern

Photo above © Athanasia Andritsou

Birds Nest Shawl by Athanasia Andritsou is a beautiful deep triangular lace shawl that brings together delicate lace knitting and traditional Estonian-inspired stitches.

Designed for lace-weight yarn, the shawl features intricate texture, elegant openwork and the distinctive raised details created by nupps. Best of all, the designer still offers the pattern as a free Ravelry download.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Birds Nest Shawl is currently available as a free download directly from the designer's Ravelry store. The designer specifies that the pattern is offered for personal, non-commercial use, so please read and respect the usage terms included with the pattern.

Birds Nest Shawl at a Glance

Pattern: Birds Nest Shawl

Designer: Athanasia Andritsou

First Published: February 2015

Craft: Knitting

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Shape: Deep triangle

Yarn Weight: Lace

Suggested Yarn: Posh Yarn Miranda Lace

Yardage: 766–875 yards / 700–800 m

Needle Size: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Notable Techniques: Estonian-inspired lace and nupps

Sizing: Modular / adjustable

Current Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the Birds Nest Shawl

Designed by Athanasia Andritsou, Birds Nest Shawl is a lace project intended for knitters who want to explore something beyond basic triangular shawl construction.

The designer describes it as a deep triangular shawl featuring some of the beautiful stitches associated with Estonian knitting, including the characteristic raised details known as nupps.

The combination of open lace and dimensional texture gives the finished shawl an intricate appearance that can look especially striking after careful blocking.

The Inspiration Behind Birds Nest

The name has a lovely connection to the designer's surroundings. Athanasia Andritsou originally introduced the design while observing the birds nesting in the trees around her home.

That natural inspiration suits the pattern particularly well: the lace has an organic appearance, with repeating motifs and textured details that create movement across the triangular fabric.

Yarn and Yardage

The original shawl was designed using Posh Yarn Miranda Lace, a luxurious lace-weight yarn.

The published yardage is approximately:

766–875 yards / 700–800 metres

The original Miranda Lace yarn combines fine fibres that produce a soft fabric with a gentle halo.

If you substitute another lace yarn, consider both stitch definition and drape. Highly textured lace details can appear quite different in a very fuzzy yarn compared with a smooth, tightly spun yarn.

Needle Size

The published needle size is:

US 2 / 2.75 mm

Treat the recommended needle size as a starting point. Lace knitters often adjust needle size depending on the yarn and the amount of openness or drape they want in the finished fabric.

A Modular Shawl

One particularly useful feature of Birds Nest Shawl is that its size is modular.

The designer also notes that gauge is not particularly important for this project. That gives the knitter more flexibility than a fitted garment, where a small gauge difference can significantly affect the final size.

Yarn quantity still matters, however. If you plan to make a larger shawl, allow additional yarn rather than relying only on the quantity used for the original project.

What Are Nupps?

Nupps are small raised decorative elements strongly associated with Estonian lace knitting.

They create tiny dimensional points within the lace rather than remaining completely flat like ordinary openwork stitches.

They can require more attention than basic yarn-over lace, particularly when several loops must be handled together. If this is your first project using nupps, practicing the technique on a small swatch before beginning the shawl can make the main project more comfortable.

Charts and Written Support

Birds Nest Shawl is primarily a chart-based lace pattern.

The designer also provides written instructions after the charts, but explains that these are intended as support for the charts rather than a complete replacement for them because the chart repeat boxes need to be taken into account.

For that reason, this pattern is best approached by a knitter who is comfortable reading knitting charts or is willing to learn how chart repeats work.

Skills That Help

Useful skills for Birds Nest Shawl include:

• Knit and purl stitches
• Working yarn overs
• Working decreases
• Reading lace charts
• Following chart repeat boxes
• Working Estonian-style lace techniques
• Making nupps
• Managing fine lace-weight yarn
• Blocking a lace shawl

Blocking the Finished Shawl

Blocking is particularly important for lace knitting.

Freshly knitted lace can look compressed because the stitches have not yet opened into their intended shapes. Careful blocking helps reveal the openwork, defines the triangular shape and allows the decorative motifs to become much easier to see.

Always follow the care instructions appropriate for the yarn you choose.

Pattern Corrections and Updates

Because Birds Nest Shawl has been available for many years, it is worth downloading the current version rather than relying on an old saved copy.

The designer uploaded a corrected version in 2018 addressing specific chart rows. Using the current Ravelry download helps ensure that you are working from the latest version provided by the designer.

Is Birds Nest Shawl Still Free?

Yes. Birds Nest Shawl is currently available as a free Ravelry download from Athanasia Andritsou.

There is an important condition: the designer states that the pattern is provided for personal, non-commercial use.

Please check the designer's complete current terms when downloading the pattern. “Free pattern” means there is no purchase price for the download; it does not mean the designer has given up copyright or usage conditions.

Get the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern

Download the current version directly from the designer's Ravelry listing.

Get the Free Birds Nest Shawl Pattern →

More Free Lace Shawls

If you enjoy this style of project, Amazing Knitting has more shawl and lace knitting ideas in the archive.

Explore Free Lace Shawl Patterns →

You can also browse free knitted shawls, lace knitting patterns, and triangular knitted shawls.

Before You Start

Download the latest version of the pattern first and read through the charts before casting on. If nupps are new to you, make a small practice swatch so you can become comfortable with the technique before reaching the more intricate sections of the shawl.

Also check that you have enough yarn for the size you intend to make, particularly if you plan to enlarge the modular design.

Pattern credit: Birds Nest Shawl was designed by Athanasia Andritsou. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Athanasia Andritsou. The pattern remains the designer's copyrighted work and is currently offered free under the designer's stated personal, non-commercial usage terms. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's charts or row-by-row instructions.

Begonia Swirl - Free Pattern

Photos above © jane510 & © Sylkre

Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma is a dramatic lace shawl with a flowing asymmetric shape and a beautiful swirling floral effect.

Designed for lace-weight yarn, the shawl gradually expands into a sweeping curved edge that makes the lace motif particularly striking after blocking.

The original pattern remains available as a free Ravelry download and has been translated into many languages.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma is currently available as a free Ravelry download. Because the designer has published pattern clarifications over time, use the current Ravelry version rather than an older copied PDF.

Begonia Swirl at a Glance

Pattern: Begonia Swirl

Designer: Carfield Ma

Published: August 2013

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Yarn Weight: Lace

Suggested Yarn: Fischer Wolle Merino Lace

Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm

Yardage: Approx. 822 yd / 752 m

Construction: Worked flat

Shape: Asymmetric lace shawl

Instructions: Written pattern and chart

Availability: Free Ravelry download

About Begonia Swirl

Begonia Swirl was designed by Carfield Ma and first published in August 2013.

It is an asymmetric lace shawl whose expanding construction creates the distinctive swirling appearance suggested by its name.

The open lace becomes increasingly dramatic as the shawl grows, and careful blocking at the end helps reveal the full shape of the design.

A Lace-Weight Shawl

Begonia Swirl was designed for lace-weight yarn.

The suggested yarn is Fischer Wolle Merino Lace, a fine blend of merino wool and cashmere.

A fine yarn allows the openwork to remain light and helps emphasize the curved lines of the lace.

Published Yardage

The pattern lists approximately:

822 yards / 752 meters

Actual yarn use can vary with your yarn choice, tension and any modifications you make.

For a lace project, it is sensible to leave yourself some extra yarn rather than planning to use every last meter.

Needles

The suggested needle size is:

US 4 / 3.5 mm

Needle size should be treated as a starting point. Lace fabric is strongly affected by the combination of yarn, needle and blocking, so choose the needle that gives you the fabric you want.

Gauge and Shawl Knitting

Ravelry does not list a conventional gauge requirement for Begonia Swirl.

That does not mean tension is irrelevant.

A looser or tighter fabric can change the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn required, so a small lace swatch is still useful when substituting yarn.

The Swirling Lace Effect

The most distinctive feature of Begonia Swirl is the way the lace appears to sweep outward as the shawl expands.

Increases and decreases shape both the openwork and the overall form of the shawl.

This makes stitch-count accuracy particularly important. A missing increase or decrease may affect not only one lace motif but the alignment of later sections.

Use Stitch Markers

Stitch markers can make a large lace project much easier to manage.

Where appropriate, use them to identify repeating sections so that you can check smaller groups of stitches instead of recounting an entire long row.

If one section has the wrong count, investigate it immediately before continuing.

Use Lifelines

Begonia Swirl is also a good project for using lifelines.

Run a contrasting thread through a known-correct row periodically. If you later discover a serious mistake, the lifeline provides a safe point to return to.

This becomes increasingly valuable as the shawl grows and the rows contain many more stitches.

Reading the Lace

Try to understand what the increases and decreases are creating rather than treating every row as an isolated sequence of symbols.

As the motif becomes established, the knitted fabric itself can help you recognize whether the next increase or decrease is correctly positioned.

Learning to read lace this way makes it much easier to catch errors early.

Written Instructions and Charts

Ravelry identifies Begonia Swirl as having both charted and written instructions.

Some knitters find charts much easier for visualizing the developing lace, while others prefer written directions.

If both formats are available in your chosen language, use whichever makes it easiest for you to track your place accurately.

Pattern Corrections and Clarifications

Important Pattern Note

The designer has posted corrections and clarifications to Begonia Swirl over time. For this reason, download the current pattern from the designer's Ravelry page rather than relying on an old copy from another website.

Amazing Knitting intentionally does not reproduce those corrected rows here. The designer's current pattern page should remain the reference for the knitting instructions.

Available in Multiple Languages

One particularly useful feature of Begonia Swirl is the number of translations that have been contributed over the years.

Ravelry currently lists the pattern in numerous languages, including English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish and Turkish, among others.

Check the current Ravelry download options to see which language versions are presently available.

Choosing Yarn for Begonia Swirl

Lace shawls benefit from yarn with enough stitch definition to show the openwork clearly.

When choosing a substitute, consider:

• Lace-weight or a similarly fine yarn
• Good stitch definition
• Comfortable drape
• Fiber that responds well to blocking
• Enough yardage to finish without changing dye lots

Wool and wool blends are popular choices because blocking can help open the lace and establish the final shape.

Solid or Variegated Yarn?

A solid or gently tonal yarn makes it easy to see the intricate lace structure.

Gradient yarn can also work beautifully because the expanding shawl gives the changing color room to develop.

With strongly variegated yarn, make a swatch first. Very rapid color changes can sometimes compete visually with detailed lace motifs.

Worked Flat

Begonia Swirl is worked flat.

As the shawl expands, a circular needle can still be convenient because its cable can accommodate the growing number of stitches even though you are knitting back and forth rather than in the round.

The Rows Become Much Longer

One thing to expect with an expanding lace shawl is that later rows can take considerably longer than the early rows.

Do not judge your total project time from how quickly the first section grows.

As the stitch count increases, careful counting becomes more important and each completed row represents substantially more knitting.

Binding Off a Lace Shawl

The final edge of a lace shawl needs enough flexibility to open during blocking.

A bind-off that is too tight can prevent the outer edge from reaching its intended shape.

Follow the current designer instructions for the recommended finishing method rather than substituting a tight standard bind-off automatically.

Blocking Begonia Swirl

Blocking is one of the most important finishing steps for this project.

Freshly knitted lace can look compressed and the motifs may be difficult to appreciate before blocking.

After washing according to your yarn's care instructions, arrange the shawl carefully to reveal its sweeping shape and open the lace evenly.

Allow it to dry completely before removing pins or blocking wires.

Skills Used in Begonia Swirl

• Knitting and purling
• Yarn overs
• Lace increases and decreases
• Following repeating lace motifs
• Reading written lace instructions
• Reading charts
• Maintaining accurate stitch counts
• Working increasingly long rows
• Flexible lace finishing
• Blocking lace

Is Begonia Swirl Still Free?

Yes.

Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma is currently available as a free Ravelry download.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Carfield Ma's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Use the designer's Ravelry page for the current pattern and its latest corrections.

Get the Free Begonia Swirl Pattern

Visit Carfield Ma's Ravelry pattern page for the current free download:

Get the Free Begonia Swirl Pattern →

More Free Lace Shawl Patterns

If you enjoy intricate lace shawls, another verified free pattern already restored in the Amazing Knitting archive is Birds Nest Shawl by Athanasia Andritsou.

See the Free Birds Nest Shawl →

You can also explore:

• Free Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Free Shawl Knitting Patterns
• More Lace Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Download the current pattern directly from Carfield Ma's Ravelry page so that you have access to the latest corrections and clarifications.

Prepare enough lace-weight yarn, use stitch markers where helpful and consider adding regular lifelines as the shawl grows.

Most importantly, check your stitch count frequently. Correcting one lace repeat immediately is much easier than discovering the same error after several increasingly long rows.

Pattern credit: Begonia Swirl was designed by Carfield Ma and first published in 2013. The existing project photographs on this Amazing Knitting page are credited to jane510 and Sylkre. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

Lily of the Valley Rosea - Knitting Pattern

Photo above © Alla Borisova

Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea by Alla Borisova is an elaborate lace shawl with an unusual multi-part construction, delicate floral motifs and bead embellishment.

Originally published in 2016, the design combines a wide central section, side wings and separate lace edging to create a dramatic finished shawl suitable for special occasions.

The digital pattern is now discontinued and no longer available online from its original sources, so this page has been updated as a historical pattern guide rather than a download page.

Pattern Availability Update

Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea by Alla Borisova has been discontinued. Ravelry currently states that the digital pattern is no longer available online, and its original publication sources are listed as out of print. Amazing Knitting does not host or link to unauthorized copies of the pattern.

Lily of the Valley Rosea at a Glance

Pattern: Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea

Designer: Alla Borisova

Published: February 2016

Category: Shawl / Wrap

Yarn Weight: Cobweb, held three strands together

Suggested Yarn: Moscow Yarn Company Lidiya W

Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm

Hook Sizes: 0.6 mm and 2.0 mm

Published Yardage: Approx. 2,381–2,406 yd / 2,177–2,200 m

Finished Size: Approx. 90 × 198 cm

Construction: Five-part shawl construction

Instructions: Charts only

Skill Level: Difficult / Advanced

Current Availability: Discontinued / no longer available online

About Lily of the Valley Rosea

Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea was designed by Alla Borisova and first published in February 2016.

It is a large lace shawl with a highly decorative appearance, combining complex openwork with beads and an unusual structural approach.

The original pattern was available in both English and Russian.

An Unusual Five-Part Construction

One of the most distinctive features of this shawl is its construction.

According to the designer's published pattern information, the shawl consists of five main parts:

• A wide central back panel
• A knitted-on lace upper edge
• Two side wings
• A lower border

This is much more involved than a conventional triangular shawl worked continuously from one point or from the neckline.

Finished Size

The published finished size is approximately:

90 × 198 cm

The designer also notes that the final dimensions can vary depending on yarn weight, needle size and individual gauge.

Original Yarn

The pattern calls for approximately 135 grams of Lidiya Wool by Moscow Yarn Company.

This is an extremely fine 100% wool yarn listed at approximately 1,613 meters per 100 grams.

The original instructions specify working with three strands held together.

Why Three Fine Strands?

Holding several very fine strands together can create a fabric that still feels delicate while giving the knitter more control over the final thickness and drape.

It also affects yarn substitution. Matching only the label “lace” or “cobweb” is not enough; the combined fabric and finished gauge are what matter.

Published Yardage

Ravelry lists approximately:

2,381–2,406 yards / 2,177–2,200 meters

That figure reflects the very fine yarn and the large finished shawl.

Needles and Hooks

The published needle size is:

US 4 / 3.5 mm

The pattern information also lists crochet hooks in 0.6 mm and 2.0 mm.

These are associated with finishing and bead-related techniques in the original design.

Beaded Lace

Beads are an important decorative feature of Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea.

The combination of fine lace yarn and beads gives the shawl a formal, almost ceremonial appearance that suits evening wear, weddings and other special occasions.

If working from a legitimate copy of the original pattern, organize the beads before beginning and use the hook size recommended for the specific bead-placement technique.

Charts Only

One important detail for prospective knitters is that the pattern is listed as charts only.

This means it is not a project for someone who relies exclusively on fully written row-by-row lace instructions.

You should be comfortable reading chart symbols and following complex lace repeats before attempting this design.

Chart Direction Matters

The designer notes that some charts show only right-side rows, while others show both right-side and wrong-side rows.

Because different charts follow different conventions, careful reading of the chart key and notes is essential.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the charts or the designer's copyrighted row instructions here.

Advanced Lace Techniques

The pattern uses a substantial range of lace techniques.

The designer's pattern information includes techniques such as:

• Knit and purl stitches
• Yarn overs
• Knitting through the back loop
• K2tog
• SSK
• Pass-slipped-stitch-over decreases
• Centered triple decreases
• Special multi-stitch manipulations

This combination explains why the design is classified as difficult.

Skill Level

The designer identifies Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea as:

Difficult — for the advanced knitter

This is not simply because the shawl is large. The challenge comes from complex lace, several construction stages, charts, fine yarn and bead work.

The Lily-of-the-Valley Lace Motif

The central section of the shawl has an interesting historical connection.

The designer states that its central section uses the Maiglöckchen 603/115 stitch pattern by Herbert Niebling, published in Strick-Lehrbuch Burda in 1983.

“Maiglöckchen” is the German word for lily of the valley, which helps explain the floral character and name of the shawl.

Why Lifelines Are Especially Useful

With fine yarn and complicated lace, a lifeline can save a great deal of work.

Place one through a known-correct row at regular intervals, particularly before beginning a new chart or structural section.

If a later mistake requires unraveling, you then have a secure point to return to.

Use a Row Counter

A project with several charts benefits from disciplined row tracking.

Use a row counter, printed chart checklist or another reliable method rather than assuming you will remember where you stopped.

This is particularly important when a project is put aside between knitting sessions.

Check Stitch Counts Frequently

Complex lace can magnify a small error.

A missed yarn over or decrease may not become visually obvious until several rows later.

Checking counts at logical points can make errors much easier to locate and repair.

Choosing Substitute Yarn

If you already own a legitimate copy of the pattern and wish to substitute yarn, focus on the resulting fabric rather than matching only the printed yarn category.

Consider:

• Combined thickness of the held strands
• Drape
• Stitch definition
• Behavior during blocking
• Strength when carrying beads
• Total available yardage

Blocking Is Essential

Intricate lace often looks compressed directly from the needles.

Blocking allows the floral motifs to open and helps establish the final shape of the large lower border and side sections.

Follow the care requirements of your yarn and allow the shawl to dry completely while held in its intended shape.

Is Lily of the Valley Rosea Still Available?

No current authorized online copy could be verified.

Ravelry currently states: “Discontinued. This digital pattern is no longer available online.”

The listed original sources are also marked out of print.

For that reason, Amazing Knitting does not provide links to copied PDFs or unofficial archives.

View the Historical Pattern Record

Ravelry still maintains the official pattern record with the designer, yarn information, project examples and historical specifications:

View Lily of the Valley Rosea on Ravelry →

Looking for a Free Lace Shawl Instead?

If you want a complex lace project with a pattern that is currently available for free, try Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma.

It is a different design, but it offers substantial lace knitting and its original free Ravelry download remains available.

See the Free Begonia Swirl Shawl →

Another verified free lace option in our archive is:

See the Free Birds Nest Shawl →

More Lace Shawls

• Free Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Advanced Lace Knitting

Before You Start

Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea is now a discontinued pattern. If you already own a legitimate copy, read through all of the charts and construction notes before beginning.

Prepare your yarn and beads in advance, use lifelines and a reliable row-tracking system, and expect the different construction stages to require careful attention.

If you do not already own the pattern, use the Ravelry page as a historical reference rather than downloading unverified copies from unknown websites.

Pattern credit: Lily-of-the-Valley-Rosea was designed by Alla Borisova and first published in 2016. The existing photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Alla Borisova. Amazing Knitting provides an independent historical pattern guide and does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted charts or complete knitting instructions.

Tree Rings - Knitting Pattern Guide

Photo above © Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

Tree Rings by Andrea Rangel is a dramatic circular knitting pattern inspired by the classic pi-shawl construction associated with Elizabeth Zimmermann.

Instead of relying primarily on open lace, Tree Rings builds visual interest through changing textures, geometric movement, chevrons, and a decorative knitted-on edging. The finished piece can be worn as a large circular shawl or used as an impressive knitted throw.

Pattern Availability

Tree Rings is currently available as a paid PDF knitting pattern from Brooklyn Tweed. Amazing Knitting provides this project guide and links readers to the legitimate designer/publisher source rather than reproducing the copyrighted pattern instructions or charts.

Tree Rings at a Glance

Pattern: Tree Rings

Designer: Andrea Rangel

Publisher: Brooklyn Tweed

Collection: Wool People, Volume 6

First Published: November 2013

Craft: Knitting

Category: Circular Shawl / Throw

Yarn Weight: Worsted

Yardage: Approximately 1,820 yards / 1,664 m

Suggested Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm and US 10 / 6 mm

Finished Size: Approximately 62 inches in diameter

Construction: Center-out, worked in the round

Current Availability: Paid PDF pattern

About Tree Rings

Designed by Andrea Rangel, Tree Rings takes the basic idea of a circular pi shawl and gives it a strongly textured, contemporary appearance.

The design draws the eye outward from the center through changing areas of texture and geometric patterning. As the circumference increases, the knitted fabric develops the layered appearance that inspired the name Tree Rings.

Although officially categorized as a shawl or wrap, its generous circular dimensions also allow it to function beautifully as a decorative throw.

Finished Size

The published finished diameter is approximately:

62 inches / 157.5 cm

That makes Tree Rings a substantial project. It is considerably larger than a typical accessory and requires both a significant amount of yarn and increasingly long circular needles as the work grows.

Yarn and Yardage

The original version was designed for Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, a worsted-weight wool yarn.

The published requirement is:

Approximately 1,820 yards / 1,664 metres of worsted-weight wool

The original sample used 13 skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter.

Because texture is such an important part of this design, yarn choice affects more than the finished size. A yarn with good stitch definition helps the changing surface patterns remain visible after blocking.

Needles

Tree Rings uses two main needle sizes:

• US 7 / 4.5 mm — suggested for the welted stockinette sections and edging
• US 10 / 6 mm — suggested for the center lace and horizontal chevron sections

The project begins with double-pointed needles and progresses to circular needles as the number of stitches increases.

The official materials list includes both 32-inch and 60-inch circular needles in the required sizes.

Gauge

Because Tree Rings contains several different stitch patterns, the official pattern provides more than one gauge measurement.

For example, the published gauge for the welted stockinette section is:

18 stitches × 26 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm after blocking

Other sections have their own row or round gauge because lace, twists, and textured stitches behave differently.

How Tree Rings Is Constructed

Tree Rings is worked from the center outward in the round. This means the circumference becomes progressively larger as the project grows.

Near the outer edge, the construction changes. The lace edging is worked back and forth and attached to the live shawl stitches as it progresses.

This method creates an integrated decorative border without simply binding off the large circular body and sewing on a separate edging later.

Texture Instead of Traditional Lace

One of the most interesting features of Tree Rings is its emphasis on texture.

Many circular pi shawls are dominated by open lace motifs. Tree Rings instead combines welted stockinette, twists, chevrons, lace, and other structural changes to create movement across the circular fabric.

The result is a project whose appearance changes depending on the light and the direction from which the textured stitches are viewed.

Skills That Help

Tree Rings is best suited to a knitter who is already comfortable with the basics and wants a substantial project. Useful skills include:

• Knitting in the round
• Working with double-pointed needles
• Using long circular needles
• Increasing stitches
• Following charted stitch patterns
• Working textured stitches and twists
• Basic lace techniques
• Managing a large number of live stitches
• Working an attached edging
• Blocking a large circular project

Important: Brooklyn Tweed notes that the stitch patterns for this design are charted. If you strongly prefer written-out row-by-row stitch instructions, check the current pattern details before purchasing.

Shawl or Blanket?

Tree Rings occupies an interesting space between a shawl and a blanket. Brooklyn Tweed presents it as a textured pi shawl, while its 62-inch circular size makes it large enough to work beautifully as a decorative throw.

Many knitters are therefore drawn to the design not only as something wearable, but also as an heirloom-style circular blanket.

Is Tree Rings a Free Knitting Pattern?

No. Tree Rings by Andrea Rangel is currently a paid knitting pattern.

The official Brooklyn Tweed listing currently offers the pattern as a downloadable PDF. Pattern prices and availability can change, so check the publisher's current page for the latest information.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the pattern's copyrighted charts, stitch counts, or row-by-row instructions.

Get the Official Tree Rings Pattern

The safest source for the current version, pattern support, and any published corrections is Brooklyn Tweed.

View Tree Rings at Brooklyn Tweed →

Looking for a Free Knitted Blanket?

If you found this page specifically because you were searching for a free blanket pattern, you can explore the free blanket projects collected in the Amazing Knitting archive instead.

Explore Free Blanket Knitting Patterns →

You may also enjoy round knitted blankets, textured blanket patterns, and lace blanket knitting patterns.

Before You Start

Tree Rings is a large project, so read through the official pattern before buying the full yarn quantity. Check your gauge, make sure you have the necessary needle lengths, and become familiar with the charts before the number of stitches becomes large.

Also check the current Brooklyn Tweed pattern page for the latest version and any published errata before beginning.

Pattern credit: Tree Rings was designed by Andrea Rangel and published by Brooklyn Tweed in Wool People, Volume 6. The existing photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Brooklyn Tweed / Jared Flood. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted charts or knitting instructions.

Shivaree Throw - Free Pattern

Photo above © sonomahead

Shivaree Throw by the Berroco Design Team is a richly textured knitted blanket featuring dramatic braided cables surrounded by classic double seed stitch.

Designed in Berroco Ultra Alpaca, the combination of cables and textured background gives this throw a timeless, substantial appearance. Best of all, the original Shivaree Throw knitting pattern is still available free directly from Berroco.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Good news: Shivaree Throw is still available as a free knitting pattern from Berroco. We have updated this guide to direct readers to the current official Berroco pattern page rather than relying on older third-party links.

Shivaree Throw at a Glance

Pattern: Shivaree Throw

Designer: Berroco Design Team

Craft: Knitting

Project Type: Throw / Home

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Size: Approximately 48 × 60 inches

Suggested Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Yarn Required: 13 hanks

Main Needle: US 8 / 5 mm circular needle

Notions: Cable needle

Main Textures: Braided cables and double seed stitch

Current Availability: Free official Berroco pattern

About the Shivaree Throw

Shivaree is a generously sized knitted throw built around a repeating combination of braided cables and double seed stitch.

The cables create strong vertical lines across the blanket, while the surrounding textured stitch provides contrast and helps the cable motifs stand out.

Unlike a blanket assembled from individual squares, Shivaree is worked as one large piece. This creates a continuous pattern across the entire throw and avoids the need to join multiple knitted blocks afterward.

Finished Size

Berroco gives the finished dimensions as approximately:

48 inches wide × 60 inches long

That makes Shivaree large enough to work as a substantial sofa throw or an extra layer for a bed or reading chair.

Berroco Ultra Alpaca

The original design uses Berroco Ultra Alpaca.

The official pattern calls for:

13 hanks of Berroco Ultra Alpaca

The photographed Berroco version was made in the colour Sweet Potato #6229.

If you substitute another yarn, matching the original gauge and creating a fabric with good cable definition are more important than simply choosing a similar colour.

Needles and Equipment

Berroco specifies a:

29-inch US 8 / 5 mm circular knitting needle

The circular needle is used to comfortably hold the large number of stitches in the blanket; the throw itself is worked flat rather than joined in the round.

You will also need a cable needle for the braided cable pattern.

Gauge

Because Shivaree combines two different textures, Berroco provides gauge information for both.

For the double seed stitch section:

20 stitches × 28 rows = 4 inches

For the cable pattern:

13 stitches = 2 inches and 28 rows = 4 inches

These measurements are based on the US 8 / 5 mm needle.

Berroco specifically recommends checking gauge before beginning. With a project this large, even a modest gauge difference can affect both the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn required.

Braided Cable Design

The cables are the visual centerpiece of Shivaree.

Rather than using a single simple rope cable, the pattern creates a more elaborate braided effect through a repeating cable sequence.

Each cable section is worked over 13 stitches, with the cable pattern repeating over eight rows.

The official Berroco pattern provides the complete cable instructions and stitch glossary, including the required front- and back-crossing techniques.

Double Seed Stitch Texture

Between the braided cables is a textured stitch pattern that Berroco identifies as Double Seed Stitch.

This creates a small-scale knit-and-purl texture that contrasts nicely with the larger flowing cable motifs.

The combination is particularly effective because the quieter background texture allows the braided cables to remain the dominant feature.

How the Throw Is Constructed

Shivaree is worked flat on a circular needle.

The pattern begins with a large cast-on and establishes alternating sections of double seed stitch and cable motifs across the row.

Once the stitch patterns are established, the knitter continues the repeating textures until the piece reaches the required length.

Use Berroco's original pattern for the exact cast-on count, cable crossings, stitch sequence and row-by-row instructions.

Why Use a Circular Needle for a Flat Blanket?

A circular needle does not necessarily mean a project is knitted in the round.

Large blankets can contain hundreds of stitches, making conventional straight needles uncomfortable or impractical. A circular needle allows the flexible cable between the needle tips to support much of the weight of the project.

You simply turn the work at the end of each row and knit back and forth as you would with straight needles.

Skill Level

Berroco classifies Shivaree as an Intermediate knitting pattern.

Useful skills include:

• Casting on a large number of stitches
• Knitting and purling
• Following repeating stitch patterns
• Working with a cable needle
• Crossing cable stitches to the front and back
• Maintaining several pattern sections across a long row
• Checking gauge
• Binding off evenly
• Blocking a large knitted project

A Good Project for Learning Cable Rhythm

Although Shivaree is not a small project, repeating cable designs can become easier to follow once their rhythm becomes familiar.

Stitch markers placed between major pattern sections may also help you notice mistakes earlier instead of discovering them several rows later.

If you are relatively new to cables, consider practicing the cable motif with spare yarn before casting on the full blanket.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

When substituting yarn for a cable blanket, look beyond yarn weight alone.

A yarn with good stitch definition can make the braided structure easier to see. Very fuzzy yarns may soften the appearance of the cables, while a smoother yarn can emphasize every crossing.

Also consider durability, warmth and washing requirements. A throw may receive considerably more everyday use than a decorative shawl or occasional garment.

Is Shivaree Throw Still Free?

Yes. Shivaree Throw remains available as a free knitting pattern directly from Berroco.

This is the best source to use because it comes from the company and design team responsible for the original pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Berroco's copyrighted row-by-row pattern instructions. Instead, we provide project information and direct knitters to the legitimate original source.

Get the Free Shivaree Throw Pattern

Berroco currently provides the complete free pattern on its official website.

Get the Free Shivaree Throw Pattern →

More Free Knitted Blankets

If you enjoy textured throws and cable knitting, continue exploring the Amazing Knitting archive for more free blanket patterns.

Explore Free Blanket Knitting Patterns →

You can also browse cable knit blankets, free knitted throws, and seed stitch blankets.

Before You Start

Download or open the current Berroco pattern first, then make a gauge swatch that includes the relevant textured stitches.

Because this is a large project using 13 hanks in the original version, make sure you have enough yarn before casting on. If possible, purchase the yarn for the complete blanket at the same time to reduce the chance of noticeable dye-lot differences.

Pattern credit: Shivaree Throw was designed by the Berroco Design Team. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to sonomahead. The knitting pattern remains the property of its respective rights holder. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Berroco's copyrighted row-by-row instructions.