Free knitting patterns

Olivia is an oversized scarf that feels really luxurious, especially in the yarn combination used here. The merino, silk, and linen create a lot of drape. The broken rib is so easy to work, but makes a great texture on both sides. It also lies fairly flat so the scarf doesn't curl much at the sides. It's also easy to modify the width and length of the pattern.

A small triangular shawl with an easy lacy border, the Oaklet is a pretty little accessory that you can wear around your neck or across your shoulders. In the size shown, Oaklet uses about one skein of fingering weight yarn. It’s worked on relatively large needles for extra drape, and the pattern is easy to modify.

I'm feeling determined to make some kind of dent in the stash.

So many beautiful skeins and partial skeins, languishing in the cupboard.

I love the idea of stripes of course. But... I wanted something a little more eye-catching than plain stripes.

The Canaletto cowl is wide and luxurious, and emphasizes geometric lines and simple textures. Bands of seed stitch and eyelets are intersected by stocking stitch, and each texture catches the light differently. The stacked eyelets create a gentle bias, adding to the cowl’s flexibility for looping around your neck. Pattern includes two sizes; the larger size can be looped twice. The smaller size will make a simple neckwarmer. Suitable for the adventurous beginner.

A washcloth is a great project for the beginner knitter. It’s also a wonderful gift. This quartet ranges from the simplest garter stitch cloth, to a more advanced openwork cloth.

An easy leaf-shaped washcloth that makes a great quick gift. A good project for the beginner knitter who’s ready to move beyond the square. Make them in leafy colors, or get zany with rainbow cotton. The finished size depends on what weight of yarn you choose.

New Bittersweet is a great easy knit. Long enough to loop around your neck twice. Basic lace zigzags through the center, forming an intriguing flame pattern. Firm garter stitch welts at each edge help the cowl to lie flat. Worked on biggish needles in worsted or aran weight yarn, this is luxurious but quick; a fantastic last minute gift. Also a great starter lace pattern for learning how increases and decreases change the angle of stitches.

Although a cowl in ye olde times would be a slouchy hooded cape, in the knitting world it has come to mean something more like a circular scarf or neck warmer. Usually a knitted tube that sits around your neck, or a rectangle that buttons at the neck.