Free Pattern Friday – Page 11 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022

Free Pattern Friday! – Spice Market Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman crouched on one knee wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino

Today, the Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino (pattern link here).

This morning, our Design Team was discussing this week’s free pattern, and our Creative Lead mentioned how much she loves a pretty blanket shawl. This one is very pretty indeed!

Rear view of woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino.

Designer Ashley Jane McIntyre chimed in that she loves this stitch pattern. She combines a unique blend of double crochet and a double extended single crochet stitch in a four row repeat, for a project that’s interesting to make, but also rhythmic and relaxing.

Standing woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino.

It’s easy to find a comfortable groove to get into as you make this beautiful accessory. Ashley Jane cleverly uses rows that overlap each other, to create bands of color interrupted by the solid background. The result is a striking and harmonious fabric.

For this design, she chose one of our newest yarns, Uni Merino. We love it for socks, but it’s also divine in bigger projects like this week’s shawl. The palette of colors is designed to play well together, making it ideal for colorwork, in knitting, crochet, and weaving. Superwash Uni Merino is superfine weight, working up on a US Size F/5 (3.75 mm) in this project. It makes a shawl that’s drapey, but still very cozy!

Woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino

We hope you enjoy this week’s free pattern, with its autumnal open-air market feel. Have a fantastic weekend, and be sure to treat yourself well – maybe by starting something new and wonderful!

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

November 4, 2022November 20, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Glacial Cowl and Permafrost Cowl

Image of two women wearing cowls. Text reads Free Pattern Friday, Permafrost Cowl and Glacial Cowl in Major

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, not one but TWO free patterns! The Glacial Cowl crocheted in Major (pattern link here), and the Permafrost Cowl knitted in Major (pattern link here).

Woman in Permafrost Cowl knitted in Major

The temperature took a dip here, so we decided this was an ideal time to share something wintry for both knitters and crocheters. Rachel Brockman’s knitted Permafrost Cowl has a deep, roomy neck for comfort, and a pointed front to straddle the line between cowl and shawl.

The columns traveling across the body require no cable needle. The V-Twists are created with single twisted stitches that cross over one another. Such a beautiful effect!

Ashley Jane McIntyre’s crocheted Glacial Cowl also features a roomy neck and pointed front, but in this version, the crochet stitches create an even warmer fabric. Perfect when you need something to throw on over an open neck on a chilly day!

We’re rating both versions as Easy – there are no super tricky bits here, just two lovely, very achievable designs. How satisfying!

Each pattern takes just one ball of self-shading Major. This is a crafting favorite, with beautiful color blends in a big, 200 gram ball. This is a thick yarn for gratifyingly, quick progress! Here, we chose color 104 Pebbles for its icy blues and grays, but there are plenty of other color options. If you’re feeling more autumnal, try 129 Russet!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of fun and laughter.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

October 28, 2022October 28, 2022

Flash Pattern Friday – Branscombe

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing Branscombe shawl crocheted in Kingston Tweed

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s Branscombe, crocheted in Kingston Tweed (Ravelry link here).

Woman in knitted vest. Text reads, Kingston Tweed: Seven Modern Classics to Knit and Crochet in Kingston Tweed

This design by Edie Eckman was originally released as part of Kingston Tweed Vol. 1, a collection of seven beautiful projects in sophisticated Kingston Tweed.

In her design, Edie very cleverly created a shaped top edge that sits comfortably on the shoulders, avoiding bunching and letting the contrasting colorwork show.

Seated woman wearing Branscombe shawl crocheted in Kingston Tweed

A V stitch, along with graceful shells along the border, give this shawl an open, drapey feel.

Kingston Tweed works beautifully here. Its alpaca content gives an oh-so-subtle halo to the finished piece, softening the spaces between stitches.

Alternative color options for Branscombe

Friends, we are awfully low on the dark gray Basalt color shown in the model. Fortunately, the entire palette is harmonious, drawn from nature to look beautiful together. We’ve put together some alternative color combinations to consider above.

As always, I’m all about the cool tones. Maybe some combination of 106, 109, and 111? So soothing.

To get Brnascombe free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply.”

Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 10/30 and we’ll get you taken care of.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather

October 21, 2022October 21, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Ruby Shawl DK

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today’s free pattern is the Ruby Shawl DK, which combines two colors of beautiful self-shading Colorburst with Deluxe DK Superwash. This is a dynamic shawl perfect for the chilly days ahead!

Ruby Shawl DK in Deluxe DK Superwash 841, Colorburst 106, & Colorburst 119

The Ruby Shawl DK was created based on the original Ruby Shawl pattern, which appeared in the e-book Noda Knits. The original shawl was a popular pattern, and we wanted to give it a fresh, lighter-weight update for the season.

The Ruby Shawl DK was designed by Amy Gunderson, and features a modular construction and bold stripes. This shawl is fantastic for a variety of skill levels, as the stripes worked use just garter and stockinette stitches. The modular construction will offer the beginner knitter a way to advance their skills, and will also keep any seasoned knitter’s interest.

Beautiful stripes created with self-shading Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash

What I love most about the Ruby Shawl DK is the gorgeous shifts in color throughout the piece. That is thanks to 65% superwash merino wool / 35% acrylic blend Colorburst. This single-ply yarn has long color shifts that create a stunning array of shades in any project. Two different colors, 106 Earth and Sky, and 119 Bursa were used to bring the Ruby Shawl DK to life. With over 600 yards in each skein, you’re guaranteed to have some leftover yarn. Perhaps you can create a matching hat to go with your shawl?

Colorburst is complimented by workhorse yarn Deluxe DK Superwash. This 100% superwash wool yarn is great for just about any project, and has excellent stitch definition, clearly evident in the Ruby Shawl DK. The warm tone of 841 Pomegranate Heather is lovely for the autumn season, but with an extensive color palette available, you can customize your shawl to best suit your wardrobe.

The best thing about creating your own accessories is the infinite possibilities of wearing them. It is a great way to express your personal style, and show off something you are proud of creating. No matter how you choose to rock your Ruby Shawl DK, I am sure you will get compliments on your hard work!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, and have fun picking out your favorite colors of yarn for this project!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

October 14, 2022October 14, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Cloudy Day Cloths

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Two washcloths knitted in Clean Cotton yarn

Today, Cloudy Day Cloths in Clean Cotton and Clean Cotton Multi (pattern link here).

What I love about Free Pattern Fridays is the variety in the patterns. Sometimes there are stunning crochet blankets like Sunny Shells, sometimes there are stylish intermediate knitted lace projects like the Paper Flowers pullover, and sometimes Fridays are for quick, easy, instant gratification, like today!

Can you knit? Can you purl? Then you can make these cloths. And if you can’t knit and purl, the Cloudy Day Cloths are a great way to learn! I always recommend dishcloths or washcloths as a beginner project. They’re small, so they bring a quick sense of accomplishment. Plus, you have the pleasure of seeing something you made with your own two hands every time you wash up. It’s a great mood lifter!

The Cloudy Day Cloths are also an inexpensive project – making both cloths uses just one ball of budget-friendly Clean Cotton and one of Clean Cotton Multi. These eco-conscious yarns are 100% recycled fiber, and are favorites for around-the-house projects.

These cloths are also an excellent skill-builder. The vertical lines are made with applied crochet. You’ll create a small dip in the fabric by working a purl stitch, then fill it in later by applying the vertical stripe with a crochet hook. It’s a handy technique that doesn’t require you to carry along a second color. You feel like a wizard the first time you do it!

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, filled with fun discovery and learning.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

October 7, 2022October 7, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Hazy Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Hazy Pullover knitted in Uptown Worsted (pattern link here).

Just in time for fall! The Hazy Pullover is sophisticated and beautiful, with its cables against a background of reverse stockintte. I particularly love the way they separate at the neck and reach toward the shoulders. So graceful!

rear view of Hazy Pullover sweater knitted in Uptown Worsted

This design is worked in Uptown Worsted, our 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarn that has remained a bestseller since its introduction.

I will confess, I used to be a yarn snob when it came to acrylic. I think it’s because when I first picked up needles. oh so many years ago, I used a very “squeaky” acrylic that was downright unpleasant to knit with. But Uptown Worsted turned my attitude around!

It’s pleasant to work with, glides along your needles, and holds up beautifully over time. I have no qualms about using it in projects for knitworthy people – and that includes myself! I’m all about blue tones, and the 368 Midnight Heather that Rachel Brockman used for this pullover calls to me. Add gorgeous cables and sizes from XS-4X, and it’s a winner of a design in a beautiful yarn.

We hope you enjoy this beautiful design, and that you have an amazing weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

September 30, 2022

Flash Pattern Friday – Harlow

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

Woman with Harlow shawl wrapped around her shoulders

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s Harlow, knitted in Penna (Ravelry link here).

Rachel Brockman’s gorgeous design was originally released as part of the Quill Collection of ethereal, lightweight knits in cloudlike Penna.

Closeup of woman holding a selection of balls of Penna yarn

Penna combines soft, extra-fine merino with nylon for strength. Baby suri alpaca provides a halo that soften stitches and creates a delicate, hazy look.

Woman wearing Harlow triangular shawl knitted in Penna yarn.

Penna’s halo means that you can work this laceweight yarn on larger needles and expect the fibers to obscure any gaps. In Harlow’s case, the fabric produced on US 7 (4.5mm) needles practically floats.

It’s an easy piece to knit, but the results are dramatic. We’re delighted to offer Harlow free for the weekend!

To get Harlow free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply.”

Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 10/2 and we’ll get you taken care of.

We hope you have a warm, dry, pleasant weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

September 23, 2022September 23, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Art Class Cardigan

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

September 16, 2022September 16, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Skill Builder Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Smiling woman holding the Skill-Builder scarf crocheted in Dona yarn.

Today, the Skill-Builder scarf crocheted in Dona (pattern link here).

Whether you’re an advanced crocheter looking for a fun sampler, or a beginner (like me!) who wants to practice your technique, this scarf is for you!

Close of stitch panels in Skill-Builder Scarf crocheted in Dona yarn.

You’ll advance your way through airy lace and terrific textures, each bordered with a cute, thin stripe of the Thicket Stitch. Some techniques will include post stitching, shells, back loops, and even working backwards!

Closeup of Dona yarn balls. — Dona’s soft feel and smooth look are beyond compare.

For this pattern, Designer AJ McIntyre used our Fibra Natura Dona. It’s a 100% superwash extrafine merino with a high twist that gives amazing stitch definition. When so much of the design revolves around standout stitches, Dona is the perfect choice!

This pattern is exactly what I need. I want to learn to crochet better, but I keep back-burnering it because I haven’t found quite the perfect project. This sampler will keep me motivated to continue on and try new things in easily accomplished blocks – especially since the end result is so pretty. I can’t wait to start!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of learning and love.

Happy crafting!
-Heather Hill

September 9, 2022September 9, 2022

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.

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