 |
| Designed by © Cherie Leck. |
What a beautiful knitting afghan pattern! Enjoy these popular songbirds all year round in this stunning afghan! Each bird is charted in color graphs - and you can either knit them as you go or stitch afterward as a duplicate stitch. Pillow patterns can be used for any of the songbirds. 12 songbirds include Goldfinch, Cardinal, Chickadee, Bluejay, Wren, Baltimore Oriole, Grosbeak, Bluebird, Finch, Robin, Titmouse & Meadowlark.
Full Post: Songbird Afghan and Pillows
 |
| Designed by © Lena Skvagerson |
What a beautiful knitting Beanie pattern! I found it on Pinterest. Keep that head of yours warm while still looking stylish! Knit with Berroco Vintage worsted-weight yarn using U.S. size 8/5mm 16-inch circular and double point needles. Finished size: circumference 17 3/4 (19 1/2).
Download Pattern: Chica Beanie
 |
| Designed by © Lena Skvagerson |
What a beautiful knitting Mug Rugs pattern! I found it on Pinterest. Enjoy 6 interesting stitch textures as you make these trendy mug rugs. Make them for yourself, or give them to someone you love. Knit with Lily Sugar'n Cream using U.S. size 8/5mm straight needles. Each mug rug finishes up approximately 6 1/2 x 8 inches before fringe.
Download Pattern: Rustic Knit Mug Rugs
Adult Knitted Slippers, originally published as Chaussons pour les adultes – Slippers by Aglaé Laser, are cozy house slippers designed for adults who want warm feet without complicated sock construction.
The slippers are worked flat with yarn held double and use three familiar knitted fabrics: garter stitch for the sole, stockinette for the upper foot and ribbing around the ankle.
Once the knitting is finished, a small amount of seaming transforms the flat piece into the finished slipper.
Best of all, the original pattern is still available as a free download from the designer's Ravelry store.
Pattern and featured photo: Aglaé Laser.
Aglaé Laser designed these slippers as a simple and practical way to make comfortable knitted footwear for adults.
Rather than using traditional sock construction with a heel turn, gusset and small-circumference knitting, the slippers are built as a flat piece.
The shaping is created while knitting, and the piece is then folded and seamed to form the finished slipper.
One of the clever features of this pattern is the way three familiar stitch patterns are used for different parts of the slipper.
The combination creates a surprisingly shaped finished project from straightforward flat knitting.
These slippers are particularly interesting for knitters who like the idea of handmade footwear but do not yet want to tackle traditional socks.
The project is worked back and forth, so you do not need to manage several double-pointed needles or use Magic Loop to knit the main slipper.
After the knitting is complete, the slipper is folded and the sole is seamed to create its final shape.
The original pattern includes several adult foot sizes:
The pattern includes adjustments for making the slippers smaller or larger. Follow the designer's current instructions for the exact cast-on and shaping numbers for your chosen size.
The original pattern suggests Bergère de France Cho'7, a sport-weight yarn.
Approximately 250–300 meters / 273–328 yards are listed for the project.
An important feature of the design is that the yarn is held double while knitting.
Using two strands together produces a thicker and warmer fabric than working with a single strand of the same yarn.
The published pattern information lists:
Needle choice can also be used as part of the sizing adjustments described by the designer, so consult the original pattern before casting on.
The documented gauge is:
14 stitches × 22 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch.
Gauge matters for knitted slippers because the finished piece needs to fit closely enough to remain comfortably on the foot.
If your stitches are substantially tighter or looser than the pattern gauge, the finished dimensions can change even when you follow the same stitch counts.
The first main section of the slipper uses garter stitch.
Garter stitch creates a flexible fabric with pronounced horizontal ridges and is one of the simplest knitted fabrics to work flat.
Its elasticity makes it useful in this construction before the slipper transitions into the shaped upper-foot section.
The upper part of the foot transitions into stockinette stitch.
Decreases gradually change the shape of the knitted piece, creating the narrower section that will eventually wrap around the foot.
The exact decrease sequence varies with the sizing instructions, so use the original designer pattern for the complete row-by-row directions.
The final knitted section uses ribbing around the ankle.
Ribbing naturally stretches and contracts, making it well suited to the opening of a slipper where some flexibility helps the finished footwear sit comfortably around the ankle.
The designer also notes that the ribbed section can be knitted in a different color if you are running short of the original yarn, making this a useful stash-friendly detail.
After the knitting is complete, the flat piece is folded into its slipper shape and seamed.
A neat, reasonably flat seam is particularly important for house slippers because bulky finishing underneath the foot may become uncomfortable during wear.
Once the first slipper is complete, repeat the same process for the second slipper.
The project uses a useful combination of basic knitting and simple shaping skills:
Traditional socks often introduce several techniques at once, including working in the round, turning a heel, creating a gusset and shaping the toe.
These slippers take a different approach.
Because they are worked flat, knitters can concentrate on shaping and stitch changes while using ordinary back-and-forth knitting.
That makes the project an appealing introduction to knitted footwear before moving on to more traditional sock construction.
Check your gauge. Footwear is more sensitive to size differences than a scarf or blanket.
Use the correct sizing adjustment. Follow the designer's current instructions rather than estimating the stitch count from the photograph.
Keep both slippers consistent. Write down any changes you make while knitting the first slipper so you can repeat them on the second.
Make the sole seam comfortable. Avoid creating an unnecessarily bulky ridge underneath the foot.
Hand-knitted slippers can be slippery on polished wood, tile and other smooth flooring.
If the slippers will be worn regularly on smooth surfaces, consider adding a suitable non-slip sole or fabric treatment designed for footwear.
Aglaé Laser's design turns basic knitted fabrics into practical handmade footwear without requiring conventional sock construction.
The combination of flat knitting, yarn held double and simple shaping makes the project approachable while still teaching useful techniques.
And because the original pattern includes multiple adult sizes, you can make pairs for different members of the family.
The complete Chaussons pour les adultes – Slippers pattern by Aglaé Laser is currently available as a free download.
Use the designer's current pattern listing for the complete stitch counts, sizing adjustments, decrease sequence and finishing instructions.
Get the Free Adult Slippers Pattern →
If you enjoy knitted footwear projects, explore our recently reviewed collection of free socks, slippers and booties:
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. Chaussons pour les adultes – Slippers and its original knitting instructions remain the intellectual property of Aglaé Laser. This guide provides project information and directs knitters to the designer's authorized pattern source rather than reproducing the complete pattern.
 |
| Photos above © lovefibres |
 |
| Photo above © FromBritainWithLove |
Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block project shown above. Photo © ladybugaustin.
Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block by Margaret MacInnis is a striking knitted square built around four textured leaf shapes that meet in the center to create a four-leaf-clover effect.
Unlike a traditional blanket square worked back and forth from one edge to the other, this design is knitted from the center outward. The construction creates the four leaves as part of one continuous block, so you do not have to knit four separate leaves and sew them together.
The finished block measures approximately 12 inches square and the pattern is currently available as a free download.
The feature that immediately distinguishes this afghan block is the four-leaf motif formed across the center of the square.
Each leaf grows outward as the block expands, creating a symmetrical design that resembles a four-leaf clover.
Because the motif is created through the knitted structure rather than simply added afterward, texture and shaping become an important part of the finished appearance.
Margaret MacInnis explains that the basic block has roots in an antique counterpane design.
Counterpanes are traditional knitted bed coverings often constructed from individual motifs or blocks that are later combined into a larger textile.
Many historical counterpane designs use geometric, floral and leaf motifs, making this four-leaf construction a natural fit for that tradition.
Margaret adapted the older concept specifically for use in afghan block exchanges and made her version available to knitters as a free pattern.
One of the most interesting features of the Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block is its center-out construction.
Instead of casting on enough stitches for one full side of the square, the knitter begins in the middle and gradually increases the circumference of the block.
As more stitches are added, the four leaf sections expand outward and the square gradually takes shape.
Center-out construction creates a very different knitting experience from working a conventional square in rows.
At the beginning, only a small number of stitches need to be managed. As the block grows, the rounds become progressively longer.
This method also makes it possible to create strong radial symmetry, which is especially useful for floral and geometric motifs.
The Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block is worked in the round.
This allows the four sections of the design to develop simultaneously without creating seams between the individual leaves.
If you have mainly knitted flat scarves or dishcloths, this project can be an interesting opportunity to practice circular construction on a relatively small piece.
Margaret's pattern begins the center-out construction using double-pointed needles (DPNs).
DPNs are useful at the center of a project because the initial circumference is too small for many standard circular needles.
The stitches are distributed across several needles while another needle is used to knit around the developing motif.
As the block grows, more stitches are created and the circumference becomes larger.
At that stage, many knitters find it more comfortable to transfer the stitches to a circular needle of the same size.
This can make the increasingly long rounds easier to manage and reduces the number of needle changes required while working around the square.
The published pattern calls for Aran-weight yarn.
Margaret's original recommendation is Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, a yarn frequently used for afghans and other practical home projects.
An Aran-weight yarn gives the leaf motif enough substance for the textured details to remain visible while producing a useful blanket block.
The 12-inch version lists approximately 150–175 yards (137–160 meters).
Actual yarn use can vary with your gauge, yarn substitution and finishing choices, so having a little extra yarn is sensible if you need the block to match a specific finished measurement.
If you substitute another yarn, try to choose one with similar weight and suitable stitch definition.
Consider:
These considerations become particularly important when multiple blocks will eventually be joined into one blanket.
A solid or gently tonal yarn can be especially effective for this pattern because it allows the shadows and raised areas of the leaf motif to remain visible.
Highly variegated yarn can still create an interesting block, but strong color changes may compete with some of the textured details.
If the four-leaf shape is the feature you most want to emphasize, consider a yarn with enough visual consistency for the stitch pattern to stand out.
The published recommendation is US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.
Use this as the starting point and adjust only when necessary to obtain the required gauge and finished block size.
For a modular afghan, consistent gauge is especially important because blocks that differ significantly in size can be difficult to join neatly.
The listed gauge is approximately 16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette.
Although the finished block contains texture and shaping rather than plain stockinette throughout, the published gauge gives you a useful reference for choosing needles and yarn.
If you are making only one square as a decorative piece, a small difference in finished size may not matter very much.
But if you plan to join several blocks into an afghan, matching their dimensions becomes much more important.
A consistent 12-inch size makes it easier to arrange blocks into rows and join them without stretching one square excessively to fit another.
This project can introduce or reinforce several useful knitting skills, including:
Lucky 4-Leaf is probably better suited to a knitter who already knows the basic knit and purl stitches and is ready to work in the round.
The unusual center-out construction and use of DPNs can make the first few rounds feel more challenging than a simple flat square.
Once the block becomes larger and the motif is established, however, the construction can become easier to visualize.
This is common with many center-out projects.
A small number of stitches distributed across several double-pointed needles can feel awkward because there is very little fabric available to stabilize the needles.
Work slowly at the beginning and check that the stitches have not become twisted before the structure is firmly established.
The strong four-part symmetry of the design can make stitch markers useful.
Separating the repeated sections can help you identify an increase or decrease error before it affects the entire round.
Always follow the original pattern's marker placement and stitch counts rather than adding markers where they might interfere with the motif.
Center-out patterns rely on controlled increases to produce the intended geometry.
If an increase is missed, the mistake may not become visually obvious until several rounds later.
Checking stitch counts at useful points in the pattern can save much more time than discovering an error near the outer edge of the block.
Blocking is particularly useful for an afghan block containing textured or lace-like shaping.
After knitting, the square may not immediately measure exactly 12 inches or the four leaf sections may look slightly uneven.
Gentle blocking can help the stitches settle and allow the square to reach a cleaner, more consistent shape.
Always use a blocking method appropriate for your yarn fiber.
One Lucky 4-Leaf block can be attractive on its own, but the design was created specifically with afghan exchanges and modular blankets in mind.
You could knit several matching blocks for a repeating four-leaf blanket or combine Lucky 4-Leaf with other 12-inch squares.
Using a consistent yarn weight and block size will make the final assembly much easier.
Although each individual block can be worked in a single color, the finished blanket does not need to be monochromatic.
For example, you could alternate light and dark blocks, create a gradient across the blanket, or use several coordinated colors while keeping the same four-leaf motif.
Repeating the same texture while changing color can produce a cohesive blanket without making every square identical.
Margaret MacInnis originally developed her version of the block after using it in several afghan exchanges.
Standardized block sizes are useful for group projects because different knitters can make individual squares that are later assembled into one blanket.
The 12-inch format makes Lucky 4-Leaf particularly suitable for that type of modular project.
Margaret MacInnis later published a separate 9-inch Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block.
In that version, the leaves were modified to be shorter and the border construction was changed to suit the smaller finished square.
If you need a smaller block for your blanket layout, make sure you select the 9-inch pattern rather than simply trying to reduce the 12-inch version yourself.
The two patterns are related but they are not identical.
Choose the version that matches the other squares in your planned blanket.
The Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan 12" Block by Margaret MacInnis is currently available as a free authorized download through the designer's Ravelry listing.
Get the Free 12-Inch Lucky 4-Leaf Pattern →
If you prefer the smaller version, Margaret also offers the 9-inch Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block as a separate free pattern.
View the Free 9-Inch Version →
Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block is by Margaret MacInnis / Designs By Muggins. The designer notes that her block was developed from an older counterpane design and significantly adapted for afghan use. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete pattern instructions.
 |
| Photos above © Emilie Luis |
The Perky Little Hat by Sharon Lentsch is a quick, chunky knitted beanie designed for super bulky yarn. Its simple shape, textured brim and oversized pom-pom make it a fun cold-weather project for both children and adults.
With only about 80–85 yards of yarn required, this is also a practical one-skein project and a good choice when you want to knit a handmade gift without committing to a long project.
Designer: Sharon Lentsch
Craft: Knitting
Category: Beanie / Toque
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
Suggested Yarn: Malabrigo Rasta
Yardage: 80–85 yd (73–78 m)
Needles: US 15 (10 mm)
Gauge: 2 sts and 3 rows = 1 in
Sizes: Child and Adult
Construction: Worked in the round
Instructions: Written pattern
Current Availability: Paid PDF pattern
Perky Little Hat is designed as a fast, satisfying knit with a playful finished look. The super bulky yarn creates a thick fabric quickly, while the decorative brim and pom-pom give the hat its distinctive personality.
The original designer describes it as a quick project and a good gift idea. Because the pattern includes both child and adult sizing, it can also work well for coordinating family hats.
The pattern recommends Malabrigo Rasta, a super bulky 100% merino yarn. The listed requirement is approximately 80–85 yards (73–78 meters).
A smooth or lightly spun super bulky yarn will help preserve the definition of the brim while keeping the hat warm and substantial. Always compare your substitute yarn with the pattern gauge before beginning.
The recommended needle size is US 15 (10 mm).
The pattern gauge is approximately 2 stitches and 3 rows per inch. Because super bulky yarn can vary considerably between brands, a gauge swatch is useful if you want the finished hat to match the intended size.
The original pattern includes both Child and Adult sizes.
This makes Perky Little Hat useful for gift knitting, especially when you need a quick project in more than one size.
The hat is worked in the round, so familiarity with circular knitting is useful. The pattern is written rather than charted.
Its combination of super bulky yarn and straightforward construction makes it a relatively fast project, while the finished brim and pom-pom add enough detail to keep the design visually interesting.
No. Although older pages around the web may describe Perky Little Hat as a free knitting pattern, the current authorized Ravelry listing is a paid PDF pattern.
Pattern pricing can change over time, so use the original designer's listing below for the latest price and availability.
Visit Sharon Lentsch's official Ravelry listing to see the complete pattern details and current purchase options.
Amazing Knitting provides project information and links readers to the authorized source rather than reproducing the designer's complete copyrighted instructions.
 |
| Photos above © canselin örgü dünyası |
 |
| Photos above © Jennifer - Brome Fields |
 |
| Designed by © Sandy Chapman of MotherOfPurlPatterns |