It’s the second Friday of the month, and that means it’s time to spotlight another one of our all-time faves! This month, we’ve chosen a pattern that’s sure to make your little one the envy of the playground – the adorable Happy Joy Hoodie by our very own Universal Yarn Design Team!
This comfy cardi is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. Stitches are picked up to add a cozy hood and ribbed button band. The Happy Joy Hoodie is knit in two colors of our popular Bamboo Pop yarn – one solid and one multi – to create vibrant stripes. Garter rows bring a playful texture to the sweater.
This cute little number is sure to elicit a smile from your kiddo when they see the beautiful, bright colors and feel the silky softness of Bamboo Pop. And just think how sweet they’ll look bundled up in their favorite new hoodie!
Bamboo Pop is a blend of 50% bamboo and 50% cotton, making it ideal for light-weight, multi-season garments and accessories. And with its soft feel, machine-washability, and palette of over 60(!!) colors, Bamboo Pop is the perfect choice when crafting for children. You’ll love knitting with this yarn as much as your little one loves wearing it!
Enjoy $3 off each skein of Bamboo Pop purchased through Monday, March 17th. And while you’re at it, check out all the amazing deals on select yarn and muud products in our St. Patrick’s Day Sale!
Hi Crafters! As you gear up for the start of the spring season, we’re releasing one of my designs free this weekend only which will be a great outfit topper for transitional weather. It was also the first pattern I ever designed for Universal Yarn!
The Illuvia Shawl is inspired by the way water falls on various surfaces. From rain showers to gentle melting snowfall, I wanted this shawl to feel soothing and therapeutic to knit, changing from one section to the next. Knitting is already relaxing, and working on a project while curled up on the couch on a rainy day is even better!
Knitting the Illuvia Shawl allows you to try out a selection of textured stitch patterns in different colors. You’ll get to work with slip stitches, twisted stitches, and many knits and purls throughout this project. This shawl is a great pattern choice for beginner knitters looking to grow their skillset, or experienced crafters who enjoy sampler-style projects.
Our Wool Pop yarn is a soft and springy DK weight blend of superwash wool, bamboo, and polyamide. It has excellent stitch definition and a subtle sheen that looks gorgeous in textured stitch patterns. This yarn is a great choice for three-season wear, thanks to the blend of fibers. Rico Design Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton provides pops of color and texture to some of the details in this accessory, and has become a fast-favorite yarn of our own design team.
Now through Sunday, March 2, you can enjoy both of these beautiful yarns at 20% off!
I hope you enjoy knitting the Illuvia Shawl, and please share your projects with me on Ravelry!
Hello and happy Friday, yarn lovers! Today, we’re making all your color block dreams come true with the fabulous new Argentite Sweater by Andi Javori!
This fashion-forward pullover features a cozy cowl neck and wide sleeves that put a modern spin on the classic drop-shoulder silhouette. Large sections of seed stitch color blocking, paired with the beautiful texture of Fibra Natura Kingston Tweed yarn, create a visually striking piece.
Knit flat in pieces and seamed, the Argentite Sweater is a great first intarsia project for anyone wanting to learn this useful technique. And crafters of all levels will enjoy the simple, meditative nature of the stockinette and seed stitch patterning. Perfect TV knitting for when you want to kick back and relax!
The timeless beauty of Kingston Tweed adds a polished, sophisticated look to any garment or accessory. Ideal for textured and colorwork pieces, this must-have yarn is available in a palette of 19 elegant hues inspired by nature. Choose from neutrals, like the smoky greys featured in the Argentite Sweater, or go bold with jewel tones and brights. Grab your two favorite shades and cast on today!
This weekend only, Fibra Natura Kingston Tweed yarn and all Kingston Tweed Kits are 20% off! With five show-stopping designs to choose from, it’s a great time to stock your stash and save on your next project, now through Sunday, January 26th!
Happy Free Pattern Friday, crafters! This week, we’re dreaming of sunny days and seaside getaways, so we’re sharing a perfect pattern to cast on now and have ready in time for the summer season or your next beach vacation. Previously an LYS exclusive, the Wind and Waves Top by Yonca Ozbelli is now available as a free pattern for you to enjoy!
Like watching waves lap the shore, you’ll be captivated by the meditative undulating lace pattern in stripes of oceanic blues. And you’ll stay cool and comfortable in our luxuriously soft Cotton Supreme yarn, an excellent choice for warm weather knitting. Ideal for styling with a pair of shorts or your favorite skirt, you’ll be reaching for the Wind and Waves Top all summer long.
Knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up and featuring a simple boxy construction, this easy-breezy tee is an approachable and entertaining project for knitters of all skill levels. Dive in and be delighted by all this gorgeous design has to offer!
Made of 100% cotton, Cotton Supreme is a smooth and sumptuous worsted-weight yarn that works up beautifully in a palette of vibrant shades. This buttery-soft yarn gets even softer with each wash (that’s right, it’s machine washable and dryable!), making it a perfect pick for next-to-skin garments and accessories for adults and children alike.
To celebrate 2025 and the release of the Wind and Waves Top, our Cotton Supreme family of yarns is 25% off this weekend! Get a head start on your summer wardrobe and save on Cotton Supreme, Cotton Supreme Speckles, and Cotton Supreme Waves, now through Sunday, January 12th!
Happy Friday, crafters! Ready your needles for triple the fun, because this week’s Free Pattern Friday is three patterns in one! The Warm and Toasty Trio by Andi Javori will keep you cozy all winter long with a soft and snuggly pullover, cowl, and scarf!
The pullover is knit in pieces from the bottom up and features richly textured Seersucker Stitch sleeves, which really pop in our Deluxe Bulky Superwash yarn. Deep ribbing across the neckline and drop shoulders adds visual interest to this eye-catching sweater. The Seersucker Stitch coordinates with the patterning on the cowl and scarf, making for a stylish and cohesive look that you can mix, match, and layer to your heart’s content.
Simple shaping and an easy-to-memorize stitch pattern make all three projects enjoyable and accessible for knitters of any skill level. Knit in bulky yarn on size US 11 needles, these pieces work up quickly and live up to their name, guaranteed to keep you comfy! The Warm and Toasty Trio is sure to be your new go-to set this season!
Beautiful, durable, and machine washable, Deluxe Bulky Superwash lends long-lasting elegance to all sorts of projects, whether you’re crafting for yourself, your home, or making a special holiday gift for a loved one. With its excellent stitch definition, this 100% superwash wool yarn is well suited for textured patterns, cables, and colorwork. And its palette of over 30 shades offers endless possibilities to let your creativity shine!
As an extra treat for you, our entire Deluxe family of yarns is 30% off this weekend! It’s a great time to stock up on Deluxe Bulky Superwash and the rest of these stash-staple yarns, now through Sunday, December 15th!
Happy Free Pattern Friday! The holiday season is upon us, and as the weather cools down, we know you’re thinking of what cozy accessory to knit next. Our free pattern this week is just the treat for you!
The Coffee Shop Set is new this week, and was designed by me! This is a cabled hat and scarf set knit using our soft and delightful Colorburst yarn. Keep reading to learn more about this freebie!
Cables stand out against the self-shading hues of Colorburst, creating a three-dimensional texture that is a joy to knit and wear. The cabled stitch pattern has an easy-to-memorize repeat, so knitters of a variety of skill levels are sure to enjoy creating this set! The Coffee Shop Set Scarf is long enough to double around your neck on cold days, or wear it my favorite way: in a keyhole style! A matching hat with a fluffy pom pom on top completes the look, and after that, you’re ready for winter weekend fun.
Our Colorburst yarn is a single-ply blend of 65% superwash fine merino and 35% acrylic. The wool gives this DK-weight yarn a springy feel, with the added benefits of soft, machine-washable acrylic. Each colorway of Colorburst offers a medley of hues that gently shade from one to the next.
I adore Colorburst for all types of knit and crochet projects, but it looks especially beautiful in stand-out garments and accessories. Pair it with a solid color of Deluxe DK Superwash for even more possibilities!
The Coffee Shop set would be a perfect pattern to bring along to your holiday gatherings. Just one skein of Colorburst is needed, so it’s travel-friendly! Tell us in the comments which color you’d use to create yours.
Colorburst is 20% off this weekend on our website, so shop now and create your Coffee Shop Set in no time!
Friday just got sweeter, with two freebies for knitters and crocheters! Grab a delicious latte and stitch an accessory you can wear for the rest of 2024. The Metalmark Scarf and Swallowtail Scarf use self-shading Major in the colorway 134 Sunset Sky, giving you a fun wardrobe addition. Let’s learn more about these knit and crochet pieces!
The Metalmark Scarf, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, needs just one skein of Major! This crochet piece was inspired by the patterns and hues of beautiful Metalmark butterflies. Gorgeous lace stitches adorn this scarf, reminding us of the silhouette of these butterflies.
The Swallowtail Scarf, designed by Aubrey Busek, is also a one-skein wonder! The breathtaking lace diamond pattern will give you an accessory that will elevate any outfit this Autumn. Bulky-weight Major knits up quickly, so this scarf is perfect for a lazy weekend!
Now through Sunday, October 20th, take 20% off Major! This 100% acrylic yarn is excellent for any project, including baby blankets, shawls, sweaters, and more. The self-shading colorways are stunning, with options in pastels, bolds, neutrals, and beyond. Thanks to the fiber content, Major is machine-washable, making your garments and accessories easy to care for!
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.
Happy Wednesday, fiber friends! Have you ever wanted to customize your yarn for the next project on your hook or needles? If the answer is yes, this post is for you! Today we’re spotlighting some of our favorite carry-along yarns.
First things first – what exactly makes a yarn a carry-along yarn? Well, the truth is any yarn can be one if you’re holding at least two strands together at once. But more precisely, I would consider a carry-along to be a thread to laceweight yarn with an interesting characteristic that transforms a “base” yarn into something totally new. It could be that the yarn adds a lofty halo, touch of texture, pop of color, or glitz and glam. A “base” yarn is often a stash staple, such as a smooth, solid 4-ply yarn. But that’s not a rule! You can use ANY yarn as a base, and the more playful you get, the more exciting the results.
Today we’re going to talk about some brand new options, as well as some old favorites. From neon and glittery threads to classic silk-mohair, let’s take a look at some of our favorite carry-along yarns based on the characteristic you want to add.
Yarn for a Lofty Halo
Loves Silk PrintLoves SilkPenna
One of the most commonly seen carry-along yarns are mohair/silk blends. They’ve been incredibly trendy over the past few years, and we don’t see their popularity slowing down. This blend adds a fluffy halo and the subtlest ethereal sheen. We offer two options: Rico Design Essentials Loves Silk and Essentials Love Silk Print. Loves Silk is great for pairing solids in coordinating colors. Choosing Loves Silk Print will yield interesting results thanks to the slow fade from one color to another. Both of these yarns are a combination of 70% mohair and 30% silk. These luxury yarns are warm and insulating, take dye beautifully, and are durable and hard-wearing.
Ola, knit in Deluxe Worsted held together with Penna
Although mohair/silk blends are the perfect choice for many fiber artists, there are some who may find their skin is a bit sensitive to the high proportion of mohair. If you love the look and feel of those yarns, but are looking for a mohair-free alternative, we can’t recommend Penna enough! Penna is a blend of 50% baby suri alpaca, 28% extra-fine merino, and 22% nylon that offers a light, fluffy texture, but unlike the Loves Silk line, it has more of a matte finish. When held with other yarns, such as Deluxe Worsted (pictured in the classic Ola sweater, designed by Adrienne Larsen, above), it contributes a feathery halo that’s kitten soft.
Yarn for Glimmer and Glamour
Rico Design Metallic No. 40Cotton Gold
Whether you’re knitting for a wedding, evening out, or just to enjoy a bit of sparkle, we’ve made it easy to make your favorite projects twinkle like stars in the night sky. Let’s take a closer look at a brand new yarn and an irresistible fan favorite.
Midnight TopGlisten Cowl
First, a longtime favorite for jaw-dropping impact: Cotton Gold. Cotton Gold is a laceweight yarn comprised of 65% cotton, 27% payette (sequins), and 8% metallic. If dramatic sparkle is what you’re aiming for, you cannot go wrong with this yarn. We’ve been using this yarn as a carry-along for a long time, and customers are always drawn to it when we attend festivals and shows. It’s softer than you might imagine for a sequinned yarn, and it’s especially pleasant to work with when held together with another yarn. The free Midnight Top, designed by Aubrey Busek, is an outstanding example of the level of glamour this yarn provides. Knit with Cotton Supreme DK (on sale!), it’s a fast and easy top to get you through the end of summer. Preparing for autumn and winter? Try the Glisten Cowl, designed by yours truly. Here, it’s paired with glittering Noelle (also on sale!) for maximum impact. As you can see in both projects, this yarn doesn’t impede the stitch patterns – in fact, we think it enhances them!
Next, a brand new addition: Rico Design Metallic No. 40! This embroidery thread is a blend of 70% polyamide, and 30% polyester available in nine colors. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest knitting or crocheting with this yarn by itself (it’s great for embroidery and hand sewing), but the results are impressive when used as a carry-along. This yarn is excellent for understated shimmer. In the swatch pictured above, I’ve held Uni Merino together with Metallic No. 40 to show how it appears in a superfine yarn with light and dark coordinating colors. I love the subtle marl in the lighter stripes (#107 Conch) and the subdued sparkle in the darker stripes (#138 Black Cherry). Although we don’t have any patterns for this yarn just yet, I can assure you this little swatch will grow up into something beautiful. The best thing about this yarn? The impact on gauge is minimal. I suggest trying it out in your winter sweater pattern!
Yarn for a Pop of Color
To put the icing on the cake, we’ve also introduced a soft, smooth thread in brilliant neon shades to add a zing of vibrant color to your next project. Say hello to Rico Design Creative Make it Neon! This thread is comprised of several loosely spun plies, so it’s soft to the touch and pleasant to work with. Its construction also gives it a touch of bounce that more closely matches yarns such as the new Essentials Merino Plus DK. It is 100% polyester and comes in three lively neon shades: Orange, Pink, and Green. Unlike the carry-alongs where you have the option to coordinate similar shades for new textures or sparkle, Creative Make it Neon is designed to introduce a marled fabric. Keep in mind that the neon could easily be lost if you choose a similar color to your base yarn. Contrast is key for working with this one.
I was so smitten with this yarn that I immediately cast on a new design. In the coming weeks, you’ll get to combine Essentials Merino Plus DK with Creative Make it Neon for a squishy cabled hat. Perfect for welcoming autumn, so stay tuned!
A new free pattern is coming your way soon!
There you have it: five of our favorite carry-along yarns! Remember, any yarn can be a carry-along: just take a look at Pattern 1020 by Rico Design for another example. Get creative and go crazy with color and texture. Consider mixing several of these carry-alongs together in the same project. The options are truly limitless and inspiring. Let us know what you would create with these yarns in the comment section below!
Fridays are often filled with fun and excitement, and we know the main reason why: Free Pattern Friday! Today’s free pattern is the Split Back Tee in our Filly yarn.
The Split Back Tee in Filly color 102 Kite
Designed by Rachel Brockman, the Split Back Tee is cool and cute, perfect for summer days. With an all over textured pattern, this top is a great choice for knitters of all skill levels. I’m a big fan of knitting patterns that are relaxing and easy to work on while you watch television or spend time with friends. This tee is exactly that. Once you’ve memorized the stitch pattern, everything else is smooth sailing!
The split back design is perfect for showing off a fun layering piece underneath, and gives the overall piece a modern silhouette. Don’t fret about the construction, it is easier than you think! You’ll start by knitting the individual front and two back pieces, then after seaming the shoulders, you’ll overlap the back pieces per the pattern instructions, and finish up by creating the sleeves and neck band! This tee would be a wonderful pattern choice for someone who is working on getting comfortable with different types of construction elements in knit garments.
Split Back Tee in Filly color 102 Kite
Our Filly yarn is a unique blend of 46% cotton, 33% superwash merino, 12% polyamide, and 9% pbt. Although this is a yarn that was designed with socks in mind, the fiber content makes it an excellent choice for garments and accessories too!
Self-shading yarns like Filly are perfect for simple silhouettes and stitch patterns. The yarn does the colorwork for you, so you can focus on the knitting! Wear the Split Back Tee on your next vacation, or just out to lunch with your fiber friends.
Which color of Filly would you use to make the Split Back Tee? I think I’d choose 101 Bloom.
Don’t forget to share your projects with us on social media! Use our hashtag #universalyarn on Instagram so that we can see and share your work!
