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| Photo above © Plymouth Yarn |
Double Seed Stitch Blanket. Photo © Purl Soho
The Double Seed Stitch Blanket by Purl Soho is a wonderfully simple free blanket knitting pattern that turns basic knit and purl stitches into a rich, nubbly texture.
Originally designed in cozy bulky-weight merino, this reversible blanket is available in five sizes from Baby to Queen. The straightforward repeating stitch pattern makes it a relaxing project while still producing a beautifully textured finished blanket.
Best of all, the original pattern is still available free from Purl Soho.
One of the most useful features of the original Double Seed Stitch Blanket pattern is its wide range of sizes.
The approximate finished dimensions are:
This means you can use the same basic design for anything from a small baby blanket to a substantial bed-sized blanket.
Double Seed Stitch is a textured knitting pattern created entirely from knit and purl stitches.
Instead of alternating every stitch and every row exactly as you would in traditional seed stitch, the arrangement changes over a short repeating sequence.
The result is a dense field of small raised textures that gives the blanket its distinctive nubbly surface.
One of the biggest attractions of this design is that the texture looks more complicated than the techniques required to create it.
There are no cables, lace motifs or complicated colorwork sections. The visual interest comes from arranging basic knit and purl stitches into a consistent repeating pattern.
Once you become familiar with the sequence, the blanket can settle into a relaxing rhythm.
Double Seed Stitch creates an attractive texture on both sides of the fabric.
This is particularly useful for blankets because there is no need to worry about keeping one specific side facing outward when the blanket is being used.
A reversible stitch also gives the finished project a clean, well-finished appearance from either direction.
The original Purl Soho version was designed using Super Soft Merino, a bulky-weight merino wool.
The original sample color was Oyster Gray, which emphasizes the stitch texture without distracting from it.
Bulky yarn also gives the blanket a substantial feel and allows the textured stitches to appear large and clearly defined.
The approximate yardage listed for the five original sizes is:
These amounts are based on the original bulky yarn and pattern gauge. Your actual requirement may change if you substitute yarn or alter the blanket dimensions.
You do not have to use the original Purl Soho yarn to knit this blanket.
Look for a bulky-weight yarn that produces a pleasant fabric at the required gauge. A smooth yarn with good stitch definition will help show off the Double Seed Stitch texture.
For a blanket that will receive frequent use, also consider fiber care. Washable wool blends or other easy-care fibers may be practical choices, particularly for baby and family blankets.
The original pattern uses US 13 (9 mm) circular needles.
The specified gauge is:
11 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm)
in Double Seed Stitch
Circular needles are useful even though the blanket is worked flat. Their flexible cable provides room to hold the large number of stitches, especially for the larger sizes.
Circular needles are not only for knitting in the round.
When knitting a wide blanket flat, a long circular needle can distribute the weight of the project across the cable rather than forcing all the stitches onto a pair of long straight needles.
This becomes increasingly useful as the blanket grows heavier.
This is a very approachable project for knitters who already know the basic knit and purl stitches.
The construction is a simple rectangle, and the texture does not require complicated shaping.
The main skill is learning to recognize whether the next stitch should be knitted or purled and keeping your place in the repeating sequence.
If you have already knitted plain garter or stockinette projects and want to try something with more texture, Double Seed Stitch is a natural next step.
It demonstrates how dramatically a fabric can change simply by arranging knit and purl stitches in a different sequence.
Because the same texture continues throughout the blanket, you also get plenty of practice reading your knitting.
A project like this becomes much easier once you can recognize knit and purl stitches visually.
Rather than relying entirely on counting every stitch from the beginning of each row, look at the texture directly below the stitch on your needle.
Learning to recognize the structure of the fabric can help you catch mistakes before they continue across several rows.
Although the original construction is straightforward, optional stitch markers can be helpful when working one of the larger sizes.
Dividing a very long row into manageable sections gives you convenient checkpoints for spotting mistakes.
Just remember that these markers are an optional organizational aid, not a required part of the original design.
Textured knit-and-purl patterns can become tight if the yarn is pulled firmly every time it moves between the front and back of the work.
Try to maintain an even, relaxed tension as you alternate between knit and purl stitches.
A consistent gauge will help the finished texture look regular across the entire blanket.
Double Seed Stitch is particularly effective in a single color because the shadows created by the raised texture provide plenty of visual interest on their own.
Neutral shades can create a timeless blanket, while brighter colors can transform the same simple stitch pattern into a cheerful baby or family throw.
Tonal yarns can also work beautifully as long as the color changes do not obscure the stitch definition.
The smallest original size measures approximately 28 × 30 inches, making it suitable as a compact baby blanket.
If knitting for a baby, consider choosing an easy-care yarn that is soft against the skin and appropriate for frequent washing.
Always follow current safe-sleep guidance when deciding how and where a handmade blanket should be used with an infant.
The original Throw size measures approximately 60 × 60 inches.
Combined with bulky yarn and the dense Double Seed Stitch texture, this creates a substantial blanket for a sofa or favorite chair.
It is also a good option when you want a simple pattern that allows the quality and color of the yarn to become the focus.
Purl Soho later published a separate Double Seed Stitch Blanket in Cotton Pure.
That version uses sport-weight cotton and smaller needles, creating a lighter and more delicate interpretation of the same reversible stitch pattern.
The Cotton Pure version includes Crib and Throw sizes and is also currently available free from Purl Soho.
Choose the original bulky version if you want a thick, warm blanket with bold stitch definition.
Consider the later Cotton Pure version if you prefer a lighter blanket, plant-based fiber or a fabric suitable for machine washing according to the yarn's care instructions.
Both designs use the same basic Double Seed Stitch idea, but the different yarn weights produce noticeably different fabrics.
This pattern is a great example of simple knitting producing a polished result.
You need only basic knit-and-purl skills to create a rich reversible texture, while the five original sizes allow the same design to become anything from a baby blanket to a full-size bed blanket.
It is an especially appealing project when you want relaxing knitting without ending up with a completely plain fabric.
Double Seed Stitch Blanket by Purl Soho is still available as a free knitting pattern from its original publisher.
Get the Free Pattern from Purl Soho →
Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete pattern; use the official Purl Soho page above for the original instructions.
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| Photos above © Bluprint |
The Copycat Dishcloth by Michelle Krause is a free knitting pattern for a practical textured dishcloth worked with worsted-weight yarn.
Simple garter and stockinette sections create an attractive surface texture without requiring complicated techniques, making this a useful small project for everyday knitting or for using leftover cotton yarn.
Designer: Michelle Krause
Pattern: Copycat Dishcloth
Craft: Knitting
Category: Dishcloth / Washcloth
Yarn Weight: Worsted
Yardage: Approximately 80 yards (73 m)
Needles: US 8 (5 mm)
Gauge: 8 sts and 16 rows = 2 in in garter stitch
Size: One size
Construction: One piece
Techniques: Knit, purl, garter stitch and stockinette texture
Language: English
Pattern Availability: Free
Copycat Dishcloth is a straightforward knitted cloth with a neat, textured appearance. The pattern combines familiar stitches to create visual interest while keeping the project manageable and repetitive.
Its compact size makes it a convenient project for practicing basic knitting skills, testing a new cotton yarn or making a quick handmade item for the kitchen.
The pattern uses approximately 80 yards (73 m) of worsted-weight yarn.
For a dishcloth intended for regular kitchen use, a washable cotton or cotton-rich yarn is a practical choice because it absorbs moisture well and can be washed frequently.
The recommended needle size is US 8 (5 mm). The listed gauge is 8 stitches and 16 rows = 2 inches in garter stitch.
Dishcloth patterns are especially useful when you want a short project that does not require a large yarn investment. Copycat Dishcloth can also be a good way to use partial skeins left over from other worsted-weight projects.
Because the design relies on basic stitch textures rather than complicated shaping, it is also suitable for relaxed knitting while still producing a finished item with a distinctive surface.
The Copycat Dishcloth was designed by Michelle Krause of Leah Michelle Designs. The complete pattern is currently available as a free download.
Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete knitting instructions. Use the button below to visit the original pattern page for the current authorized version.
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| Photos above © Katerina Mushin |
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| Photo above © Michele Marabella |
These Wool Cable Slippers are a cozy knitted footwear design featuring prominent cable details and a warm, substantial appearance.
Amazing Knitting originally featured this project in 2019 and linked readers to an external knitting-pattern page. The design attracted considerable interest because it combines the comfort of house slippers with the textured look of traditional cable knitting.
Important availability update: the external pattern page originally linked from this article is no longer available. We have therefore updated this article as a pattern guide rather than continuing to describe the design as a currently available free pattern.
Photo credit: Katerina Mushin, as credited in the original Amazing Knitting article.
The defining feature of this slipper design is its strong cable texture. Instead of relying on plain stockinette or garter stitch for the entire surface, the knitted fabric uses raised cable sections to give the slippers a more decorative appearance.
Cable knitting is particularly effective on solid or lightly variegated yarns because the shadows created by the crossing stitches make the texture easier to see.
The result is a style of knitted footwear that feels more substantial than a simple flat-knit slipper while still retaining the handmade character that makes knitted house shoes so appealing.
Cables are created by changing the order of stitches, producing raised columns that appear to twist or cross over one another.
On a small project such as slippers, this technique can create a strong visual effect without requiring the amount of knitting involved in a cabled sweater or blanket.
For knitters learning cables, smaller accessories can also provide useful practice with reading cable sections and maintaining an established texture.
A smooth yarn with good stitch definition is generally a useful choice when you want cable details to remain visible.
Very fuzzy yarn can soften the appearance of the cables, while a smooth wool or wool-blend yarn can make the crossings easier to distinguish.
For house slippers, durability and comfort are also important considerations. The fabric will experience more friction than many other knitted accessories, particularly around the heel and sole.
However, because the original pattern source is currently unavailable, we do not recommend substituting a specific yarn weight or needle size and presenting it as the original specification.
Although we cannot verify the complete original instructions from the former pattern page, knitters interested in similar cable-slipper designs will typically benefit from being comfortable with:
Cable patterns are formed by moving a group of stitches in front of or behind another group before knitting them.
Whether the stitches are held toward the front or back determines the direction in which the cable appears to cross.
The surrounding fabric is often worked in purl stitches because the recessed background makes the raised cable stand out more clearly.
Pay close attention to finished size. Unlike scarves and blankets, footwear needs to fit a three-dimensional shape. Small differences in gauge can noticeably change the finished fit.
Make both slippers consistently. Keep notes about shaping and cable placement while knitting the first slipper so that the second one can be matched as closely as possible.
Check cable crossings carefully. A misplaced cable is much easier to correct shortly after it is worked than many rows later.
Consider the finished surface. Hand-knitted slippers can be slippery on smooth floors. If the finished slippers are intended for regular indoor wear, an appropriate non-slip treatment or sole can be considered.
Even though the original linked pattern is no longer available, this design remains useful as knitting inspiration.
It shows how traditional cable motifs can be adapted from sweaters, scarves and hats to smaller pieces of knitted footwear.
The project can also help knitters identify the features they may want when searching for a currently available slipper pattern: substantial fabric, visible cable texture and a close-fitting house-slipper shape.
When Amazing Knitting originally published this article, readers were directed to an external page that presented the Wool Cable Slippers instructions.
That original external page is no longer available. During our latest review, we were unable to verify a current authorized source for the same complete pattern.
For that reason, we no longer label this article as a currently available Free Knitting Pattern.
If a legitimate designer or publisher source for this exact design becomes available again, this guide can be updated with the new pattern location.
Amazing Knitting has other sock and slipper projects whose pattern sources can be checked through our individual project guides.
Explore 8 Free Sock & Slipper Knitting Patterns →
Amazing Knitting links readers to legitimate designer or publisher sources whenever possible. Pattern prices, download locations and availability can change after an article is published.
Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →
Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. The design, photographs and original knitting instructions featured or referenced here remain the intellectual property of their respective creators. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce unavailable copyrighted pattern instructions or charts.
Reyna Shawl. Photo © Noora Laivola
Reyna by Noora Backlund is a free one-skein shawl knitting pattern designed especially for those beautiful skeins of variegated sock yarn that can sometimes be difficult to match with the right project.
Alternating sections of simple garter stitch and open mesh allow the yarn's changing colors to remain the star of the project. The shawl is worked from the top down in one seamless piece and requires approximately 380–420 yards (347–384 m) of fingering-weight yarn.
Reyna was created to solve a problem familiar to many knitters: finding the right project for a gorgeous skein of variegated sock yarn.
Highly variegated yarn can sometimes hide complicated lace or textured stitches. Reyna takes the opposite approach and uses relatively simple stitch patterns that give the colors room to shine.
One skein of fingering-weight yarn is enough for the original shawl, making this a particularly useful pattern for special hand-dyed yarn waiting in your stash.
The shawl alternates between garter-stitch sections and open mesh sections.
Garter stitch creates calm bands of texture where the yarn's colors can flow naturally, while the mesh opens the fabric and adds a lighter, airier appearance.
The contrast between these two simple textures gives the shawl its distinctive look without competing with a colorful yarn.
Reyna is a top-down triangular shawl.
The project begins at the middle of the long upper edge and gradually expands outward as you work toward the lower point.
The entire shawl is knitted flat as one continuous piece, so there are no separate sections to sew together afterward.
Noora Backlund's original blocked sample measures approximately 58 inches (148 cm) along the top edge.
From the middle of the top edge to the center tip, it measures about 21½ inches (55 cm).
These measurements are for the designer's sample. Your finished size can vary depending on yarn, needle size, gauge and how many rows you choose to work.
One unusual and useful feature of Reyna is that the designer intentionally does not specify one required gauge.
Instead, Noora recommends choosing a needle size that creates a fabric you like.
The goal is to achieve enough drape for a comfortable shawl without making the fabric excessively loose and see-through.
The listed 3.5 mm (US 4) needle is therefore a useful starting point rather than a rigid requirement.
The original sample was knitted with Miss Babs Cosmic Hand Painted Sock in the Gal Noir colorway.
This fingering-weight sock yarn contains 80% merino wool and 20% nylon and has approximately 400 yards per skein.
That combination fits the central idea behind Reyna perfectly: take one beautiful skein of colorful sock yarn and turn it into a wearable shawl.
The current pattern listing also suggests popular fingering and sock yarns such as:
You do not need to use one of these exact yarns. A fingering-weight yarn with suitable yardage and a fabric you enjoy can work well.
Although Reyna was specifically designed with variegated yarn in mind, the pattern does not require it.
A solid yarn will emphasize the contrast between garter stitch and mesh, while a tonal yarn can provide subtle color movement.
Speckled and highly variegated yarns can be particularly fun because the simple stitch patterns allow their colors to remain clearly visible.
Reyna is also easy to adapt if your skein contains slightly more or less yarn than the original.
The designer explains that the number of rows in the garter and mesh sections can be changed to adjust the finished size.
This flexibility is especially useful for one-skein projects because yarn quantities can vary from one brand or hand-dyed skein to another.
Yes. Noora Backlund specifically notes that heavier or lighter yarn weights can also be used.
Changing the yarn weight will change both the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn required, so choose an appropriate needle size for your yarn rather than automatically using the original 3.5 mm needles.
The most important goal is a fabric with enough drape for a shawl.
Useful techniques for this project include:
Reyna can be an appealing next step if you are comfortable with basic knitting and want to try an openwork shawl without starting with a highly intricate lace pattern.
The mesh creates the airy look of lace while the garter sections provide simpler stretches of knitting between the openwork sections.
The result is enough variation to keep the project interesting without hiding the colors of the yarn beneath a very complicated stitch pattern.
If you have a limited amount of yarn, it is helpful to keep track of how much remains as the shawl grows.
Remember that later rows contain many more stitches than the early rows, so they consume yarn more quickly.
Because the designer allows the garter and mesh sections to be adjusted, you have some flexibility to finish the shawl according to the amount of yarn available.
Blocking helps the mesh open and allows the triangular shape to settle into its finished dimensions.
After washing according to your yarn's care instructions, gently shape the shawl so the top edge and center point are clearly defined.
Avoid overstretching if you want to preserve the contrast between the denser garter sections and the more open mesh.
Reyna has become a favorite one-skein shawl project among knitters because it combines simple construction with a clever approach to colorful yarn.
Instead of requiring the perfect solid yarn for complicated lace, it embraces the color changes already present in hand-dyed and variegated sock yarn.
The combination of an adjustable size, modest yardage and straightforward garter-and-mesh construction also makes it a pattern that can be knitted again with very different results.
Reyna is particularly useful when you have one skein of colorful sock yarn and want a project designed specifically to show it off.
With approximately 380–420 yards, simple garter and mesh sections, flexible sizing and no rigid gauge requirement, the pattern gives you plenty of freedom to work with the yarn already in your stash.
And because the shawl is worked top down, flat and in one piece, the construction remains straightforward while the changing texture and yarn colors provide the visual interest.
The complete Reyna by Noora Backlund is currently available as a free downloadable knitting pattern from the designer's Ravelry store.
Get the Free Reyna Shawl Knitting Pattern
Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability on external websites may change over time.
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| Photo above © Crafty Little Sew n' Sew |
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| Photo above © Knittingday |
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| Photos above © Knitting Knife Crochet Paradise |
Knit Booties in 15 Minutes is a quick two-needle footwear tutorial originally shared by Örgü Hayatım.
Instead of using a downloadable written pattern, this project is taught through a video tutorial. The design follows a traditional patik-style knitted bootie or slipper construction and is worked with two knitting needles.
Amazing Knitting originally featured this project because of its compact construction and quick-project appeal. The original video remains the source to follow for the actual stitch counts, shaping sequence and finishing steps.
Original tutorial and project credit: Örgü Hayatım.
One of the most useful features of this project is that it is made with two knitting needles.
That makes this style of bootie especially interesting for knitters who prefer flat knitting and do not want to work a small circumference with double-pointed needles or Magic Loop.
The knitted piece is shaped and finished according to the sequence demonstrated in the original tutorial.
Small footwear projects are a practical way to practice shaping without committing to a sweater or other large garment.
Two-needle booties also allow knitters who are comfortable with ordinary flat knitting to explore footwear construction before moving on to more traditional sock techniques.
The project was originally shared under the title Knit Booties in 15 minutes.
Knitting speed varies considerably between knitters, so the 15-minute wording is best treated as the original quick-project description rather than a guaranteed completion time.
Your first pair may take longer if you pause the video, check the construction or practice unfamiliar techniques.
Use the materials demonstrated by the original creator whenever possible. Because the exact yarn, needle size and starting stitch count should come from the source tutorial, Amazing Knitting does not substitute guessed specifications.
Before beginning, watch the opening section of the video and note:
Yarn thickness affects both the finished dimensions and the overall feel of knitted footwear.
If you substitute a yarn that is much thicker or thinner than the one shown in the video, the finished booties may change size even if you use the same stitch count.
A smooth yarn can also make it easier to see the shaping and stitch structure while following the tutorial.
Footwear generally requires more attention to finished dimensions than scarves or blankets.
Different knitters can produce noticeably different sizes with the same yarn and needles because of tension.
Before completing the final seam or finishing stage, compare the knitted piece with the intended foot measurement whenever possible.
The exact knitting sequence should be followed from the original video, but useful basic skills for this kind of project include:
Watch the entire tutorial once before casting on. This helps you understand how the bootie develops before you begin.
Write down important stitch counts. Keeping the main numbers beside you can save time when you need to replay a specific section.
Pause after each construction stage. Compare your work with the creator's piece before continuing.
Use similar yarn for your first pair. Changing yarn weight too early can make it harder to judge whether your sizing matches the demonstrated project.
Booties and slippers require much less yarn than larger garments, making them a useful project for smaller amounts left in your stash.
They are also a convenient way to practice shaping and finishing techniques on a relatively compact project.
Once you understand the construction, different yarn colors can give the same design a very different appearance.
This project is best described as a free knitting video tutorial rather than a conventional written pattern.
The original Amazing Knitting article linked directly to the tutorial from Örgü Hayatım on YouTube.
Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the creator's complete step-by-step video instructions as an unofficial written pattern.
Watch the Original Knit Booties Tutorial →
A video tutorial can be especially useful for knitted footwear because you can see how the piece changes shape during construction.
Rather than translating the creator's demonstrated instructions into an unofficial written pattern, it is better to follow the original video directly. This also preserves details that may be difficult to communicate through stitch counts alone.
This project combines a small amount of knitting with an interesting two-needle footwear construction.
It is a useful choice for knitters who enjoy quick projects or want to experiment with knitted slippers without beginning with a conventional in-the-round sock pattern.
If you enjoy small footwear projects, explore our collection of free socks, slippers and booties:
Explore 8 Free Sock & Slipper Knitting Patterns →
Amazing Knitting links readers to legitimate designer or creator sources whenever possible. Videos, downloads and pattern availability can change after an article is published.
Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →
Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. The original Knit Booties tutorial and demonstrated instructions remain the intellectual property of Örgü Hayatım. This guide does not reproduce the creator's complete video instructions as a written pattern.