As the weather gets chillier outside, there’s never been a better time for a woolly Free Pattern Friday! This weekend, we are thrilled to release the Mermaid Shawl, designed by Tori Gurbisz, featuring Deluxe DK Superwash and Colorburst. This oceanic-inspired shawl is wearable year-round thanks to the wool fibers and DK-weight of the respective yarns. Let’s dive right in and learn more about this gorgeous piece!
The Mermaid Shawl DK contains a solid upper portion using solely Deluxe DK Superwash, allowing the bottom of this shawl to stand out. The lower portion shows off slip-stitch edging as you combine Deluxe DK Superwash with Colorburst, creating the gorgeous mermaid scales that make this shawl so desirable!
The Mermaid Shawl DK is knit from the top down in relaxing stockinette stitch, with increasing throughout for shaping. Deluxe DK Superwash color 834 Cream provides the perfect canvas for your favorite hue of Colorburst to shine in this pattern. With two wool yarns for the Mermaid Shawl DK, you’ll want to sport this shawl year-round!
Now through Sunday, November 12th, Deluxe DK Superwash and Colorburst are 20% off! These two yarns have teamed up before to make beautiful creations like Slant, Virtuoso, the Ruby Shawl DK, and more! The superwash wool of solid Deluxe DK Superwash is the perfect match for the superwash fine merino and acrylic blend of self-shading Colorburst. Explore the color palettes of these respective yarns and let your imagination inspire your next project.
Make sure to share your creations with us on social media for a chance to be featured in stories or even on our feed!
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?
Hi there, fellow crafters! As we enter the season of shorter days and cooler weather, here at Universal Yarn, we are always thinking of ways to add some cheer to our projects. With this in mind, we are excited to announce the addition of a brand-new yarn to our lineup. Drumroll please….introducing Bella Pom Pom!
Bella Pom Pom is the perfect carry-along yarn to add trendy pops of neon color to your project. This yarn features a variegated thread with tiny pom poms scattered along it. It is comprised of 78% polyamide and 22% polyester, making it soft and durable. Each pom pom is a fun little pop of color in neon shades of orange, yellow, pink, and blue.
This yarn comes in 50g balls of approximately 334 yards each, perfect for adding a special touch to your smaller projects or as an accent to larger ones. Being a huge fan of neons, I fell in love with this yarn the moment I saw it in person. It opens up so many possibilities to liven up just about any type of project. Speaking of projects, we have a couple of free patterns to give you a chance to try out this delightfully fun yarn.
First up are the Sprinkle Mittens, designed by Rachel Brockman. Rachel designed these cozy mittens using one skein of our smooth, supple Uptown Bamboo DK, in 506 Apricot, held together with Bella Pom Pom. These mittens feature a twisted rib cuff for added texture and come in two sizes! They are a quick and easy knit and are the perfect accent to brighten up your outfit of the day.
Second, we have the Confetti Scrunchie, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre. Scrunchies are back in a big way! And why not? They’re better for your hair, they can dress up or dress down any outfit, they’re harder to lose and they make a cute accessory for your wrist! This cute scrunchie is crocheted using our luscious Bella Chenille carried along with Bella Pom Pom. You work around an elastic hair tie in beginner-friendly half double crochet. Why not make one for yourself and one for a friend?
With neon colors taking center stage this winter season, Bella Pom Pom is the perfect way to incorporate this bold trend into your handmade pieces. I am super excited to use it in a simple cowl to add some extra color and texture. What would you do with it?
Inspired by city lights and New York City’s High Line park, the High Line Shawl is the perfect project to add to your knitting needles this season. The luminescent pop of color in each version of the shawl is reminiscent of the glow of a city at night, with electrifying lights in an array of colors. The lace motif creates striking diagonal lines parallel to one another, traveling across the shawl like the tracks of the historically active rail line that has been converted to a beautiful public park.
Large Version of the High Line Shawl
Let’s talk yarn! No doubt about it, neon colors have returned and surged in popularity. Whether it’s because our world is growing increasingly digital, 90’s nostalgia, or a longing for endorphin-inducing brights to add a bit of cheer to stressful times in the world, we’re fully embracing the trend here at Universal Yarn. So much so that we recently introduced Uni Merino Neons to our lineup! This 4-ply sock yarn is comprised of soft, smooth 75% superwash merino wool and 25% nylon. It has excellent stitch definition and comes in five saturated, acidic shades. Although it’s stunning by itself, we’ve amped up the impact of this shawl by adding a strand of luxurious Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk by Rico Design. The 70% super kid mohair and 30% silk blend adds an ethereal, fluffy halo and makes projects even more insulating, which is ideal for the cold months ahead. This laceweight yarn is an excellent carry-along companion for Uni Merino Neons, and the yarns are held together throughout the project. There are plenty of coordinating colors to use with Uni Merino Neons, too. It’s a match made in heaven!
While the upbeat bright colors and luxe yarn may be enough to give you the itch to cast on the High Line Shawl, the knitting itself is just as enticing. This shawl features an all-over lace motif that will captivate your attention. The lace pattern is a simple eight stitch by eight row repeat, with lace worked on both the right side and wrong side of the work. It’s a great way to dip your toes into more complicated lacework while keeping things approachable. The results are also well worth the effort because the stitches create a striking, open fabric that will turn heads.
Another unique feature of the shawl is its asymmetrical shape. Like many shawls, it is triangular, but the increases in this pattern create more of a scalene triangle. Yarnover increases are worked every right side row on one edge, and every other right side row on the opposite edge. The lace motif is framed by a simple garter stitch edge and border. This pattern also provides instructions for both a small and large size, and each size makes the most of each yarn.
Ready to get started on the High Line Shawl? Lucky for you, both yarns required for this project are 20% off on our website (link), today through Sunday, 10/22/23, only! Get your needles ready and cast on today!
Get excited for an electrifying Free Pattern Friday featuring two new Rico Design yarns! Flouresce is a beautiful knit hat designed by Rachel Brockman that you will look great in. Using Essentials Merino Plus DK held with Creative Make It Neon Thread, this hat has bright and bold written all over it. Let’s learn more about this one-of-a-kind project!
Be sure to check the yarn requirements before getting started, as this hat includes sizes Adult Small through Adult Large. Once set, you can pick from green, pink, or orange neon shades to carry along with Essentials Merino Plus DK to give your hat a unique touch. This superwash merino wool and acrylic blend will keep you warm and cozy all winter!
Flouresce is knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. A stunning cable pattern shows off the gorgeous texture of Essentials Merino Plus DK and allows Creative Make It Neon Thread to pop even more. The Brim, Cable Pattern, and Crown Shaping are all charted to make things easier on you, so get started today!
If you need more reason to knit the Flouresce hat, we have you covered! Essentials Merino Plus DK and Creative Make It Neon Thread are 20% off through Sunday, October 15th! These two work perfectly together, creating show-stopping creations like shawls, sweaters, scarves, and more. Let your imagination inspire your next project with these two newbies from Rico Design!
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.
My name is Afifa, and I joined the Universal Yarn design team in February. I’ve been knitting since I was 10 years old and started designing in 2016 (you can follow me on Instagram here and see my portfolio of work here). I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be introducing myself with a Halloween post! Spooky season is my absolute favorite time of the year with the dip in temperature signaling sweater weather.
And, boy, do I have a sweater for you to cast on while getting cozy and binge-watching The Lord of the Rings Trilogy! Say hello to the free Shelob Sweater knit in Deluxe Worsted. Nothing embodies spooky season for me more than the frightening creatures portrayed in this epic high fantasy trilogy. From Gollum lurking around corners, jumping out, and yelling ‘my precious’ to the Orcs and the great spiders of Mirkwood. The mother of these spiders, Shelob, was the inspiration for this sweater. This ancient creature’s lair lies in Cirith Ungol (the pass of the spider) leading into Mordor, avoided by all but Gollum. While her offspring terrorize all who dare to enter the forest of Mirkwood.
The Shelob Sweater is knit seamlessly in the round from the top down. It starts with a dramatic drop stitch mesh pattern that mimics a spiderweb and is inspired by the extensive webs woven by the sweater’s namesake. The yoke incorporates both circular and raglan shaping, allowing the yoke to lay like a capelet on the shoulders. This mesh pattern also brings in one of the hottest trends in knitwear – openwork. Layered over simple everyday pieces, this trend keeps you warm and insulated on crisp autumn mornings and evenings, but cool and comfortable in the afternoon.
Shadowy spiders representing Shelob’s spawn drop down from the yoke to add to the spooky aesthetic of this statement piece, with additional spiders on the cinched cuffs of the balloon sleeves. The spider motifs are made using only knits and purls, worked from a chart, and decorate both the front and back of the garment. Deluxe Worsted truly accentuates every aspect of this design. From the 1×1 ribbing to the dropped stitch yoke to the spider motifs, I love how the smooth, 4-ply structure of this base creates exquisite stitch definition.
This was my first experience knitting with Deluxe Worsted. And, let me tell you, this 100% non-superwash wool yarn is a pleasure to work with. It’s soft, pillowy and blooms beautifully after blocking. In addition to that, this yarn is extremely durable – something I tested out while unraveling the dropped stitches and pulling apart the ones that ‘stuck’. This sturdy yarn will stand the test of time, allowing your stitches to stay crisp and you’ll be able to wear your Shelob Sweater year after year!
Even with 90 colors to choose from, it was easy to pick the colors for this project! Though black is traditionally associated with spiders and the spooky season in general, with a little help from Rachel, our Creative Lead, we settled on Rhapsody, for a more modern twist on Halloween. Pumpkin seemed like the obvious choice for an accent color to really tie the spooky theme together. This lovely bright orange screams Halloween and plays beautifully with the rich purple of Rhapsody. For my next Shelob Sweater, I chose Blue Splash and Bashful Pink as a subtle nod to the fictional Marvel character Ghost Spider. What colors will you pick?
The first day of autumn is tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited! Today’s new free pattern is perfect for those looking to get their fall knitting on. Kerid, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a stunning accessory that uses simple stitches to allow our Bamboo Bloom Handpaints yarn to shine! Let’s read more about this gorgeous project you’ll soon add to your queue.
Kerid is a beautiful shawl with delightful qualities that will have others complimenting you left and right. Garter stitch throughout this project allows Bamboo Bloom Handpaints to be the focal point, and why not? With many color options in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, you can knit the accessory of your dreams.
This one-of-a-kind yarn features captivating color shifts and unique thick and thin texture in each hank. Kerid is knit flat from the top down, but since the stitch pattern isn’t overwhelming, you’ll be able to focus on the increases! This crescent-shaped shawl also features drop stitches, but this pattern is perfect for beginners as they serve as a bordering accent and will give you the perfect introduction to the technique. This pattern is free to download on our website and is featured in one size only.
If we haven’t convinced you yet to try Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, let our 20% off weekend sale be the difference! This yarn is an exciting blend of wool, rayon from bamboo, and acrylic. It works perfectly for many projects, including cowls, shawls, scarves, and more. Show off Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in a beautiful sweater with some of our other favorites, like in the Hanasaku Yoke!
Our 20% savings for Bamboo Bloom Handpaints are through Sunday, September 24th.
Are you excited that Friday is finally here? We are, too! Today, we have a cozy surprise for you. The Cabled Cushion Cover, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, is our featured free pattern this Friday, and we know you’ll love it. From classy cables to velvety soft yarn, let’s learn more!
Using Bella Chenille, the Cabled Cushion Cover is even softer than it looks! This single-ply yarn is 100% polyester in a super bulky weight, which means it’s perfect for homeware projects like this one. In order to make this cushion cover, you will crochet three pieces and then seam them together. The front piece is square-shaped, while the two back pieces are rectangles.
The two rectangular pieces overlap so that you can have an insert for a cushion. The front piece is where you get to show off your crochet skills! With cables worked down the center, this cushion cover provides a beautiful look you can show off in your home. This project calls for four skeins of Bella Chenille, so this weekend’s savings are right on time!
Bella Chenille is Buy THREE, Get ONE FREE! That means 25% off! This 100% polyester yarn is perfect for many projects, including stuffed animals, amigurumi, blankets, and more! With a wide selection of hues, you can pick your favorite and get started on your next project. Check out all of our free patterns for Bella Chenille at this link. Our Buy THREE, Get ONE FREE offer for Bella Chenille is available through Sunday, September 17th!
This offer is only available when you buy FOUR skeins or more. You must add a quantity of four or more skeins of Bella Chenille to your cart. The discount for one skein will be automatically deducted at checkout for each quantity of four skeins.
It’s time to get your Y2K fashion dreams started today with an exciting Free Pattern Friday! The Stray Heart Shrug, designed by Afifa Sayeed, is a fun knitting pattern that makes for an excellent outfit topper, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. So buckle up as we take a look at this beautiful pattern!
In case you’re not familiar, a shrug is a top cut short so it covers your shoulders and arms, as seen above. This type of project has seen a rise in popularity, and why not? Using Flax, the Stray Heart Shrug is a breathable piece you can layer over any dress or shirt to add extra comfort.
One of the many reasons to love the Stray Heart Shrug is the bishop sleeves. These sleeves, intentionally designed to give you extra room, make this piece extremely cozy for the evening chill. With Flax softening after each wash, this shrug will become even more comfortable with time!
Our 20% off Flax sale continues, and if you haven’t stocked up yet, don’t wait any longer! This 100% linen yarn is perfect for garments, accessories, and homewares. It works well in many different stitch patterns and has an exciting collection of hues to choose from. Grab Flax and get started today!
