Free Pattern Friday – Carya Cardigan

Happy Free Pattern Friday, fellow crafters. Are you looking for a way to update your Fall and Winter wardrobe? Today we have just the pattern for you – the Carya Cardigan designed by Mary Stowe. From a fun stripe pattern to a super soft classic tweed yarn let’s learn more about the Carya Cardigan.

Carya is a quintessential cardigan with a twist. The different stripe patterns on the body and sleeves and the accent color on the edgings elevate this wardrobe staple to the next level. Carya is knit flat, in pieces and seamed. With button and neck bands picked up and knit after finishing. Thoughtful details like armhole and neck shaping allow for a comfortable fit that will have you wearing this piece on repeat.

The Carya Cardigan uses one of our favorite tweed yarns – Rico Design’s Fashion Modern Tweed Aran. This textured yarn with tweed flecks creates a tactile and comfy fabric perfect for cozy sweaters and snuggly accessories such as scarves, wraps, throws, or blankets. Spun in Italy, Rico Design’s Fashion Modern Tweed Aran is extremely soft and light, distinguishing it from conventional tweed yarns. The color palette includes 18 options in both classic and bold colors, as well as pastel shades. Carya takes full advantage of these color options by utilizing three of these delightful shades – Grey. Ecru, and Berry.

If you’re looking for another reason to try out this yarn and get started on this fab free pattern, how about 20% off through the weekend? Take advantage of these savings to select your favorite three colors of Rico Design’s Fashion Modern Tweed Aran and get a jump start on your cold-weather crafting. Which colors are calling your name?

Keep on knitting on!

Afifa

Free Pattern Friday – Windy Ridge Cardigan

Friday means a new free pattern just for you! Grab your knitting needles and get ready for an autumn-inspired project you won’t soon forget. The Windy Ridge Cardigan, designed by Mary Stowe, is what we’re showing off this week. From irresistibly soft fibers to a captivating stitch pattern, let’s learn more about today’s Free Pattern Friday!

The Windy Ridge Cardigan uses one of the softest yarns you’ll ever find: Rico Design’s Fashion Cotton Light and Long Tweed DK! This piece is sized from XS to 5X, with yarn requirements included based on each size. Pick your favorite color of this yarn and get started on this engaging textured stripe pattern.

As seen in the photos, this stitch pattern is rhythmic and pleasing to the eye. To make the the Windy Ridge Cardigan, you’ll knit the sleeves, front and back in separate pieces from the bottom up. The front panels will incorporate exciting features like the V-neck shaping and button band. Once your pieces are done, you’ll seam everything together to create this stunning piece.

This weekend, 10/6 through 10/8, save 20% when you purchase Fashion Cotton Light and Long Tweed DK. This gorgeous yarn is perfect for all types of wearable projects, including sweaters, cardigans, shawls, and more! This yarn is a blend of cotton, acrylic, polyamide, and viscose that is as soft as can be. Each 50g skein contains 202 yards, so it’s an excellent choice for smaller projects like mittens! Explore the beautiful pastel palette, each with self-shading colors throughout, and grab your preferred hues today.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Flash Pattern Friday – Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan

Two free patterns are better than one, and that’s what we have for you this Friday! It’s time to get your autumn knitting underway with Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash and the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan. Grab yourself a pair of knitting needles, a pumpkin spice latte, and that creative mind of yours, and let’s learn more!

Designed by Rachel Brockman, the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan are the perfect set for fall. You can make one for yourself and one for a loved one! The classic look of our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash yarn matched with colorwork makes this cardigan a wardrobe staple for autumn.

The cardigan version presents exciting details like set-in pockets, a double-layered collar, and a zippered front. The Wanderer Cardigan features sizes XS to 4X, so grab your three favorite colors of Deluxe DK Tweed and get started today!

The Wanderer Pullover includes the same, stunning colorwork as the Wanderer Cardigan, but is worked fully across the chest, as there is no zipper or sleeve placement. This unisex piece shows off cuffs and a collar with corrugated two-color ribbing and rolled stockinette edging. This sweater includes sizes Small through 4X.

To get the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Place one or both patterns in your cart and enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer runs through Sunday, October 1st.

Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is 20% off this weekend, so stock up today! This yarn features a base of superwash wool with tweedy nubs made of viscose, and acrylic that we love for wearable creations. Knit yourself a beautiful sweater in your favorite hues, or crochet a baby blanket you can gift to a loved one! With 20 color options, Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash will inspire your next project!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Collection Spotlight: Lakeside Bundle

Happy Wednesday, Fiber Friends!

Today, we’re introducing our latest pattern collection: the Lakeside Bundle! The two featured patterns, the Cattail Cardigan and Subtle Shell Ruana, make the most of the beautiful palette, subtle sheen, and smooth stitches of our new Uptown Bamboo DK yarn.

Three skeins of Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.
Uptown Bamboo DK: a beautiful blend of our beloved anti-pilling acrylic with a touch of bamboo for drape.

Uptown Bamboo DK is perfect for the early days of autumn. It is lightweight and features the cool touch of bamboo, but at the same time, is warm and insulating. It’s one of those beautifully versatile yarns that work amazingly well in any project. I attribute that to it’s plump, multi-thread construction featuring plies of thread that are then again plied together to create a bouncy, round yarn. The results are perfectly crisp stitches, demonstrated so well in both of the projects in the Lakeside Bundle. Let’s take a closer look.

The first piece in the collection is the Cattail Cardigan, designed by Rachel Brockman. It is named for its vertical lines, reminiscent of cattail plants stretching tall above the water, and for the zig-zap motif that reminds us of a breeze gently lapping the lakeshore. In this primarily knitted cardigan, an airy lace motif is interrupted with crisp rows of garter stitch, constructed sideways to create the vertical stripes. Each side is the mirror image of the other because it is knit in two pieces, beginning at the sleeve cuffs and meeting at the center back. Those who dabble in both knit and crochet, or who want to, will love the retro granny stripe collar. This cardigan is graded for sizes XXS/XS to 5X/6X.

A young woman sitting by a lake brushes her hair to the side, showing the details of the Cattail Cardigan, a pattern hand knit and crocheted in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

As I mentioned earlier, the impeccable stitch definition of Uptown Bamboo DK is on full display here, giving the twisted ribbing and contrast between lace and garter a sculptural feel. This yarn’s soft color palette also contributes to the beauty of the Cattail Cardigan. For this pattern, we opted for #508 Coral as the main color, with #534 Chinchilla and #527 Seaglass as the contrast colors. This color scheme reminds us of early mornings by the lakeside – watching the sunrise and mist float above the open water.

The second pattern offered in Lakeside Bundle is the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre. Named after the tiny freshwater shells found along the waterfront, this drapey design is excellent for warding off the breeze on a windy day. Like the Cattail Cardigan, this accessory is constructed sideways and meets at the center back, creating a beautiful focal point.

A close-up detail of the back of the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, made in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

Graded for sizes Small/Medium through 4X/5X, this pattern is easy and beginner-friendly. It features a rhythmic stitch motif comprised of double V-stitches, no shaping, and simple color changes. The results are indeed sensational! The Subtle Shell Ruana uses Uptown Bamboo DK in three colors: #502 Lily, #527 Sea Glass, and #531 Savanna. I love how these colors work together – subtly echoing the intersection of cool water and a sandy bank.

The cover of the ebook, Lakeside Bundle. It features text that reads: "Lakeside Bundle: A Breezy Due of Knit and Crochet Patterns in Uptown Bamboo DK". The Universal Yarn logo is in the lower left corner, and in the lower right corner text reads "Uptown Bamboo DK, Fall 2023". A woman stands on the right side/center of the photo and wears the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana.

We know these patterns will have you dreaming of a day stitching by the docks. Each pattern is available individually, or save $5.00 when you purchase the bundle on our website (link) for just $8.00!

Which pattern do you plan to start first? Let us know in the comments!

Happy stitching,
Rachel

Collection Spotlight: Fall Florals

Autumn is knocking at the door, and today, we’re letting it in! Our Fall Florals collection is here! With six patterns that capture the essence of nature’s blooming wonders, we know you’ll fall in love. So what are we waiting for? Let our journey begin as we discover each of these stunning creations!

Cardigans are often associated with autumn, so you know we had to include one in this collection! Celosia, designed by Rachel Brockman, is full of vibrant fall colors using our Deluxe DK Superwash yarn. The beautiful Daises pattern adds texture to this piece as you change between three alternating colors. This cardigan has retro features, like the polo collar and bell-shaped sleeves. A touch of crochet finishes off the edges along the hem and sleeve cuffs, giving you a staple top for the crisp fall air! This cardigan uses colors 807 Ginseng as the main color (50% off color – available in bag quantities), 851 Rhapsody, and 803 Terra Cotta. Celosia includes sizes XS through 5X, as do all the garments featured in this collection.

While Cirsium is a prickly plant in nature, in the form of a knitted accessory, it’s as soft as can be! Let the soothing stockinette stitch take you on an exciting adventure as you knit this tubular cowl. This cowl is worked in the round, using a stranded color motif, which brings to life the flowers seen throughout. Cirsium uses three heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, adding even more beauty to this accessory. With the soft and plush texture of the wool fibers featured in this cowl, you’ll stay cozy all autumn! Cirsium includes a small and large size, with the sample pictured above shown in large. The colors used for this cowl are 842 Oatmeal Heather and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, however, since this color is sold out, we suggest using 841 Pomegranate Heather.

Grow your knitting skills with the stranded colorwork of Festoon, designed by Aubrey Busek. This marvelous shawl features botanical silhouettes that adorn the entirety of this piece. The Intarsia method is used along the border, beginning, and end of the motifs within the charts, providing gorgeous color changes throughout. More stranded colorwork will be used for the motifs, but don’t fret; this is an excellent opportunity to grow your skills! Grab two of your favorite hues of Deluxe DK Superwash and get going on this shawl! The colors used in the sample above are 815 Teal Viper and 852 Bashful.

Sweater weather is almost here! That means it’s the perfect time to get started on projects like Picotee, designed by Rachel Brockman. Using Intarsia, a beautiful flower is incorporated to be the centerpiece of this garment. However, there’s so much more to love about this sweater! The set-in sleeves, A-line waistband, and folded neckband will keep you bundled up for the coldest fall mornings! Picotee is knit flat, then seamed, and it features stockinette stitch throughout. This pullover uses colors 846 Mulberry Heather, 801 Rosy Mauve (50% off and available in bag quantities), 824 Starfish, and 810 Greenery (50% off and available in bag quantities). Color 811 Jadestone is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest 836 Christmas Green.

Don’t think we forgot about our crochet friends! Superbloom, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, uses five colors of Deluxe DK Superwash to create a stole dressed with beautiful flowers. With exhilarating features like Granny Squares, a Tulip Motif, Flowers, and Leaves, this accessory will inspire you to travel to your favorite park. Superbloom shows off solid and heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, but the freedom is all yours! Grab this pattern and get stitching today! This stole uses colors 841 Pomegranate Heather, 846 Mulberry Heather, 850 Heather (50% off and available in bag quantities), and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest using 824 Starfish.

Last but not least, we have Verbena, designed by Aubrey Busek. This stunning pullover features cables down the middle on the front and back. However, your eyes may take you to the flowers embroidered on the front and sleeves. With show-stopping qualities throughout, this garment will be a wardrobe staple! Verbena is knit flat in pieces and seamed; instructions for the embroidery sections are in the pattern notes as an illustrative schematic and stitch guide. Wear Verbena to your next dinner party and watch the compliments roll in! This pullover uses colors 834 Cream, 815 Teal Viper, and 852 Bashful.

This weekend, we can’t help but celebrate the release of our Fall Florals collection with 20% off savings! This offer includes Deluxe DK Superwash, Individual Fall Florals patterns (Ravelry), and the Fall Florals E-Book (Ravelry and Universal Yarn website). So whether you’re eyeing just one of these gorgeous projects or the whole collection, you can indulge in this sweet deal!

Thanks for stopping by!
Robert

Free Pattern Friday – Cloudborn Cardigan

Photo of the Cloudborn Cardigan on a hook with text to the right saying "Free Pattern Friday - Cloudborn Cardigan"

It’s the first Friday of August, and you know what that means! The Cloudborn Cardigan is our free pattern for today, designed by Rachel Brockman. This exciting children’s pattern uses our stunning Wool Pop yarn to create a piece you can hand down from generation to generation. Let’s learn more!

The Cloudborn Cardigan is sized from 6 months to 6 years old, so whether you have a toddler roaming around or an older child, this pattern is for you! This garment uses an exciting garter stitch throughout, including the ruffle sleeves, providing a fun challenge for any knitter. The ruffle sleeves are created by picking up stitches around the armholes as you work in the round, incorporating increases to make the ruffles.

Perhaps the most exciting part of this project is that you get to tailor it to your liking with the expressive color palette! Our Wool Pop color palette includes 30 hues that look stunning in many different stitches, like the garter stitches used in this pattern. Pick your favorite color, and add the button of your choosing today. We know your little one will love their finished cardigan!

Photo of seven skeins of Wool Pop with the text to the right saying "Friday through Sunday - Woolly Weekend Savings - 20% OFF Wool Pop"

If you’re still questioning whether you should stash Wool Pop, our 20% off weekend savings make it the perfect time to splurge! This beautiful yarn is a blend of 50% bamboo, 35% superwash wool, and 15% polyamide in a DK weight. Wool Pop looks incredible in many stitch patterns, and the sheen of this yarn is sure to make your next piece stand out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Flash Pattern Friday – Slant

Photo of a person wearing the slant cardigan with the belt tied and a pink block with white text to the left saying "Flash Pattern Friday - Slant knit in Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash"

As we wrap up this month, it’s time we share our Flash Pattern – a normally paid-for pattern that you can get for free this weekend only. Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash collide to create a fantastic design from Rachel Brockman. Slant draws inspiration from her love for triangles and the excitement of pairing a self-shading yarn with a solid yarn. Let’s take a closer look at the brilliant characteristics of the Slant cardigan that will soon be on your needles.

The beautiful triangle motifs stand out the moment you place your eyes on Slant. They travel along the hemline and down the back to dress this cardigan with uniqueness. Intarsia is used for the colorwork of this piece to create a smooth, finished fabric inside and out. The remainder is knit with stockinette stitch bringing the color shifts of Colorburst to life.

Other qualities to love about Slant include its open silhouette and optional belt. Whether you are on the go or relaxing at home, this cardigan’s open design makes it easy to slip on so you can stay cozy all day. Read below to see how you can get this pattern for free this weekend!

Ravelry checkout instructions

First, head to Ravelry by following this link. Next, you will want to select the “buy it now” option to add it to your cart. Once added to your cart, add the coupon code “FLASH” during checkout to get this pattern at no cost to you. This offer is valid through Sunday, April 30th!

Colorburst color 112 Romance and Deluxe DK Superwash color 846 Mulberry Heather

Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash have collaborated more than once to create gorgeous garments and accessories – check out the Ruby Shawl DK and Virtuoso cardigan for more inspiration. These DK weight favorites are 20% off this weekend – head to our website to shop today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Free Pattern Friday – Elijah

A childrens sweater in blue and green colors is laying flat with one arm outstretched for display next to a caption that says "Free Pattern Friday. Elijah in Deluxe Worsted Superwash"

Happy Friday, friends! Our newest free pattern is a sweet, small piece designed with little ones in mind. This week, we bring you the Elijah cardigan made with Deluxe Worsted Superwash!

Elijah cardigan in Deluxe Worsted Superwash colors 709 Lime Tree, 718 Dusty Blue, and 760 Indigo.

Deluxe Worsted Superwash is a wonderful yarn for a child’s garment. It’s made of 100% superwash wool, so you can machine wash it in cold water, and even tumble dry it on a low setting. It comes in 67 different colors, so there are endless combinations you can create to express the perfect palette for a budding personality. This pattern calls for (1) skein each of #709 Lime Tree, #718 Dusty Blue, and #760 Indigo for all sizes. You could opt for more rosy hues, something adventurous, or even go off pattern and get multiple colors to rainbow your way through each striped section! No matter what you choose, this cardigan will be a treasured gift for someone else, or a little one of your own.

Another detail that adds room for whimsy, quirk, polished-ness or pizazz is buttons! We love getting to add a touch of personality to top off any project with a good button. For this sample, we used the Prism buttons by Katrinkles, which kind of resemble a compass. It’s a touch of adventure that reminds us of those magical moments where kids will play outside imagining that they are explorers trekking through trees and bushes to fantasized lands.

Elijah cardigan, featuring Prism Buttons by Katrinkles

This easy-rated pattern is worked from the bottom-up in one piece using a subtly textured stripe-sequence. The body is worked flat, then the fronts and back are separated at the armholes and worked separately. The shoulders are joined using the three-needle method, then the sleeves are picked up and worked in the round. The button bands and neck edging are picked up and worked flat to wrap the whole thing up. The pattern has schematics to help guide you through the assembly. This is a great project if you’re looking to try a garment for the first time, or want a quick make between other complex pieces, and have a little one in your life to celebrate.

Elijah cardigan, in Deluxe Worsted Superwash is ready for wearing!

We can’t wait to see your version of the Elijah cardigan! Be sure to share it with us on social media. Follow & tag us on Instagram at @Universal_Yarn and use the hashtag #UniversalYarn, or find and follow us on TikTok or Facebook at @UniversalYarn.

That’s all for now, happy stitching friends!

Free Pattern Friday – Art Class Cardigan

Colorful baby sweater. Text reads Free Pattern Friday. Art Class Cardigan knitted in Deluxe Stripes yarn

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Striped baby cardigan knitted in Deluxe Stripes yarn. Crayons are scattered around it.

Today, the Art Class Cardigan in Deluxe Stripes (pattern link here).

We love back to school projects – but why should big kids have all the fun? How about a fun pattern for their younger siblings?

Rear view of Art Class Cardigan toddler sweater knitted in Deluxe Stripes.

Rachel Brockman designed this colorful pullover for babies and young toddlers, with a palette inspired by finger paints and crayons. It’s easy to do in self-striping Deluxe Stripes! The sample shown is stitched in color 309 Crayon Box, one of three new colors that we’ve added to the palette.

Three skeins of Deluxe Stripes yarn
Shown clockwise from top: 309 Crayon Box, 311 Tie Dye, 310 Poinsetta.

Deluxe Stripes is a great choice for kid knits, since it’s machine washable and long-wearing without feeling rough. We love it for adult projects too, and as a sock knitter it has a special place in my heart for cozy house socks. For gifts it’s great, since there’s nothing better than giving someone a project and knowing it will be easy for the recipient to take care of!

Worked seamlessly top-down, this cute cardigan is sized from three through 24 months. It takes just 1-2 skeins of Deluxe Stripes, making it an economical project as well as a fun one!

Image of Art Class Cardigan knitted in Deluxe Stripes

We hope you have a colorrific weekend, full of artistic messes and fun.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Sedona Cardigan

Woman wearing knitted cardigan. Text reads Free Pattern Friday - Sedona in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Sedona Cardigan knitted in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash (pattern link here).

Can’t wait for fall? Neither can designer Rachel Brockman! Rachel often takes her inspiration from nature. For this autumnal design, she drew from the geology of the southwest, with cables, twisted stitches, and seed stitch echoing the sandstone formations of the land near Sedona, Arizona.

With the fabric accented by the flecks in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash, the design is the perfect encapsulation of the season.

Group of Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash yarn balls

For this design, Rachel chose one of our newest colors in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash, 927 Ourangutan, the ball shown with the label in this picture. The yarn’s tweedy nubs are excellent at capturing the spirit of fall in any project. For me personally, because I’m all about the blue tones, I’m very drawn to 922 Great Lakes. It reminds me of skipping stones as a child along the Susquehanna river.

closeup of pocket in Sedona Cardigan
“Thanks, it has pockets!”

This design has great details to keep your interest as you knit. Seed stitch decorates the hem and placket, which is worked simultaneously with the body. A slipped stitch selvedge offers an especially tidy finish. And off course it has pockets. They’re essential for holding the little treasures you find as you walk through the woods!

We hope you enjoy this free pattern! If you still have a craving for tweedy fall projects, you can see more patterns using Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash on our site at this link.

Have a great weekend, full of cool weather and warm delights.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill